Why Are Wimbledon Players Required to Wear White During Matches?

The Wimbledon Championship is one of the world's most anticipated sporting events each year. Since its inaugural tournament in the late 19th century, it has brought together the biggest names in tennis as they compete across its various divisions.

Beyond their prowess on the court, players are instantly recognizable for competing in head-to-toe white—a distinctive dress code rooted in 19th-century etiquette.

According to the official Wimbledon website, "Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white, and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround."

This "almost entirely white" dress code explicitly excludes variations of off-white and cream. Any incorporation of color is measured, with necklines, sleeves, logos, outer seams, and other trims allowed to be no wider than 1 cm or 10 mm. And yes, on-court personnel carry apparatus to measure these, if ever.

In fact, even underwear is strictly monitored, with exceptions made for female players who are allowed solid, dark-colored undershorts. Any necessary medical support or equipment should also be white, with relaxed regulations in place at the competition's Aorangi Park practice courts.

This "almost entirely white" rule extends to a player's footwear. "Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged. The grass court shoes must adhere to the Grand Slam rules. In particular, shoes with pimples around the toes shall not be permitted. The foxing around the toes must be smooth," Wimbledon states in its dress code.

Such a mandate has raised eyebrows among some players, including legends like Roger Federer. During the 2013 edition of the tournament, the Swiss athlete was reprimanded and told to change his Nike trainers due to their bright orange soles.

So why must Wimbledon players wear nearly monochromatic outfits?

Sources indicate that it aligns with the traditional dress code written back in the 1800s. At the time, sweat stains were deemed improper, and wearing white was a way to minimize their visibility. Technically speaking, sweat would permeate more easily through tinted clothing, so the absence of color would also eliminate any unwanted sightings.

As the competition evolved over the decades, other players, such as Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova, have also voiced their disapproval of the strict attire. For those who've sought to set themselves apart on court, minimal logo inclusions, texts, colored details, or playing with silhouettes have been the way to go.