Yes, female tennis players can now wear dark-coloured undershorts at Wimbledon, as long as they remain hidden beneath their skirts or shorts. This change, introduced in 2023, marked a significant shift in the tournament’s long-standing dress code, addressing athlete comfort without compromising the event’s iconic all-white aesthetic.
The 2023 rule change: a win for comfort
For the first time, the All England Club allowed female players to wear solid-coloured undershorts in mid-to-dark shades such as navy, black, or forest green. The condition is strict: the undershorts must not extend beyond the length of the outer skirt or tennis shorts. This update responded to years of feedback from players who faced anxiety, particularly during menstruation, about potential visible leaks under bright lights and global television coverage.
Players like Heather Watson and Coco Gauff had spoken openly about the mental burden of competing in all-white attire while managing their periods. The change was not just symbolic—it acknowledged the physical realities of female athletes and prioritized their well-being over rigid tradition.
Wimbledon’s all-white dress code: still strict
Despite the update, Wimbledon maintains one of the most stringent dress codes in professional sports. All outer garments—including shirts, skirts, shorts, socks, headbands, and even the uppers of shoes, must be predominantly white. A single trim of colour is permitted, but it cannot exceed 10 millimetres in width.
Designers from major sportswear brands must submit outfits months in advance for approval. Even the soles of shoes are scrutinized; non-white soles have previously led to players being asked to change footwear. The club argues this uniformity keeps attention on the sport, not the clothing.
Why the rule existed: tradition and image
The all-white rule dates back to the 1880s, when white clothing was believed to hide sweat and reflect the social norms of the Victorian era. Over time, it became a defining feature of Wimbledon’s identity, setting it apart from other Grand Slam tournaments with more relaxed dress codes.
The club enforced the rule with remarkable precision. Officials checked for off-white shades, inspected bra straps, and even monitored compression wear. The visual purity of the event was treated as essential to its brand, often placing aesthetic concerns above athlete comfort, until the 2023 shift.
Gender differences and medical exceptions
The new rule applies only to female players. Male players must still wear white undergarments if they are visible. This highlights that the change was a targeted response to specific concerns rather than a broad relaxation of the dress code.
Medical supports like knee braces or wrist wraps are allowed in non-white colours if medically necessary, though white is preferred. However, decorative patterns or multiple colours on undershorts are not permitted, only solid, single-colour options are allowed.
How Wimbledon compares to other Grand Slams
Unlike the Australian or US Open, where players wear bold colours and vibrant designs, Wimbledon’s look remains minimalist. The French Open allows more flexibility, with players often wearing earth tones or bright colours that contrast with the clay.
Wimbledon’s strictness has long been a point of distinction. While other tournaments embrace modern branding and self-expression, Wimbledon has preserved its traditional image, now adapting just enough to support athlete needs without losing its identity.