Tennis players have worn white for more than a hundred years. While most tournaments today allow colorful outfits, Wimbledon still follows a strict all-white dress rule. This means no off-white shades, no color patches, and even the shoes must be white. The only recent change came in 2023, when women were allowed to wear dark shorts to address concerns about menstruation leaks.
The reason for this white-only tradition isn’t just about style. Experts say it began in Victorian England when tennis became a favorite among the upper class. Wearing white showed wealth because white clothes were hard to clean and maintain. According to fashion curator Kevin Jones, white linen and cotton outfits wrinkled easily, so keeping them fresh-looking meant effort, money, and status.
Tennis fashion has changed over time
In the past, players wore outfits more suited to 19th-century leisure. Women wore long skirts, corsets, and hats. Men wore wool trousers and button-down shirts. Over time, players pushed for more practical clothing. French star Suzanne Lenglen shocked Wimbledon in 1919 by wearing a shorter skirt and sleeves. She later became a fashion icon for her modern, athletic style.
Other players also challenged tennis dress codes. Anne White’s all-white catsuit was banned at Wimbledon years before Serena Williams caused a stir with a black version at the 2018 French Open. Though Serena said the outfit helped with blood circulation after a health scare, the French Open banned it. But later, the Women’s Tennis Association changed its rules to allow leggings without skirts.
Brands and colors play a role in today’s game
Tournaments like the US, French, and Australian Opens allow colorful outfits. Brands now design bold looks to attract fans and viewers. Still, Wimbledon remains strict. This has been a challenge for brands. For example, Nike had to redesign Bjorn Borg tribute shirts in 2001 and turned Roger Federer’s banned orange-soled shoes into a short-lived ad campaign.
Though the rules are slowly changing, tennis whites remain a symbol of tradition, class, and ongoing debate in the world of sports fashion.
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