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Wimbledon is back for 2024 and as always, we’re expecting a slew of stellar outfits from tennis fans, celebrities and stylish royals alike who will be watching the tournament from the stands.
Lest we forget though, that Wimbledon is another sporting competition where the outfits on court are as stylish as they are off. Despite the super strict ‘tennis whites’ dress code which has been in place since the tournaments beginnings in the late 1800s, players have constantly experimented with silhouettes, textures and patterns.
What is the dress code for tennis players at Wimbledon?
The Wimbledon Championships have long been known for their strict dress code, maintaining a tradition that dates back to the tournament’s early days. Competitors must wear suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white from the moment they enter the court surround. A key component of the dress code is the restriction on solid masses or panels of colour. While a single trim of colour around the neckline and cuffs of sleeves is acceptable “it must be no wider than one centimetre,” according to the official dress code.
Patterns containing colour are measured as solid masses and must also adhere to the one-centimetre rule. “Logos formed by variations of material or patterns are not acceptable.” For shorts, skirts, and tracksuit bottoms, the same rule applies: they must be completely white except for a single trim of colour down the outside seam, no wider than one centimetre.
Undergarments visible during play, including those visible due to perspiration, must be completely white, with a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre, except female players who are “allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.” This change came into effect last year and a delighted Heather Watson told Sky News, “When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference… I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don’t think it’s a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport.”
French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen during a match in Wimbledon during the 1920s
Accessories such as caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands, and socks must also be entirely white, with the exception of a single trim of color within the one-centimeter guideline. Shoes should be almost entirely white, with soles and laces completely white. Large manufacturer logos are discouraged, and specific rules apply to the shoes’ design which “must adhere to the Grand Slam rules. In particular shoes with pimples around the outside of the toes shall not be permitted. The foxing around the toes must be smooth.”
These rules ensure that the tradition of Wimbledon’s iconic all-white attire remains unbroken, adding to the tournament’s unique and historic atmosphere. According to Robert Lake, author of A Social History of Tennis in Britain, “White hides sweat the best, looks clean, sharp and tidy.” This is why it has been used for the “upper-middle-class leisure historically”, a prime example being cricket.
Scroll on for some of the most stylish and experimental takes on the all-white tennis wardrobe of all time…
The 20 best tennis player fashion moments of all time at Wimbledon:
Ethel Larcombe, 1914
To play in the Wimbledon final in 1914 Ethel Larcombe donned a full-length white skirt, paired with long sleeved shirt and a high collar. The outfit featured a bold, wide-striped tie, adding a touch of formality and style.
Suzanne Lenglen, 1919
In July 1919, Suzanne Lenglen played in a classic long-sleeved, ankle-length white dress with a tie and a matching cloche hat. The ensemble is characteristic of the era’s tennis attire, emphasising modesty while allowing for movement on the court. She was the winner of that year’s tournament.
Pauline Betz, 1946
American tennis player Pauline Betz dressed in a smart white shirt and knee-length pleated skirt, complete with a belt at the waist. Her attire, seen in action against Louise Brough in the final of the women’s singles, reflects the practical yet stylish tennis wear of the 1940s.
Gertrude Moran, 1950
Gertrude Moran, also known as “Gorgeous Gussie,” caused a sensation at Wimbledon when she wore a daring white outfit with lace-trimmed knickers visible beneath her skirt. The next year in 1950 she showed off her new bloomer tennis outfit, specially designed by Pierre Balmain for her to wear at the tournament.
Althea Gibson, 1957
Althea Gibson became the first African American player to win a Grand Slam singles title by winning the 1956 French Open and repeated that feat in 1957 at Wimbledon. Her collegiate ‘G’ monogrammed cardigan ensured a winning look on court.
Margaret Court, 1960
Australian player Margaret Court made a bold fashion statement in the 60s with her pink-trimmed dress featuring a wide collar and chunky buttons. Her iconic style not only highlighted her tennis prowess, but also left a lasting impression on fashion, cementing wide collars as a memorable trend of that era.
Lea Pericoli, 1965
Italian player Lea Pericoli exuded 60s chic at Wimbledon, wearing a ruffled white mini dress adorned with rose trim. She completed the look with a chunky white headband, designed by British sportswear designer Teddy Tinling.
Billie Jean King, 1975
Billie Jean King won the championships in a white dress with blue floral trim and matching Adidas trainers. She added a navy blue cardigan to accept her trophy from the Duke of Kent, creating an iconic look.
Anne White, 1985
USA’s Anne White made jaws drop in 1985 when she stepped onto the court in an instantly iconic white lycra one-piece. She completed her bold look with a navy paisley print headband, leaving a lasting impression.
Steffi Graf, 1991
Steffi Graf wore a white Adidas polo shirt adorned with a bold, abstract design in blue, red, and orange. Paired with a matching white skirt and a coordinating headband, her outfit combines classic tennis whites with a vibrant 90s twist.
Venus Williams, 2000
Venus defeated her younger sister Serena while wearing a striking white Reebok dress featuring bright orange racerback straps and major cut-outs. Her bold outfit choice was as memorable as her performance on the court.
Anna Kournikova, 2002
At Wimbledon 2002, Anna Kournikova made a case for asymmetry in an Adidas vest with an off-centre V-neck and a curved hem. She completed her stylish look with a classic white visor, setting a memorable fashion statement.”
Serena Williams, 2004
In 2004, seven-time Wimbledon singles champion Serena Williams wore one of her most daring outfits ever: a Nike mini dress with sheer panels along the torso and a tasseled hem, making a bold fashion statement on centre court.
In the 2005 semi-final, Maria Sharapova faced Venus Williams wearing a striking Nike dress. The outfit featured vibrant orange and green detailing and a pleated skirt with a low hem.
Serena Williams, 2010
Serena won the singles final in 2010 wearing a white dress with a subtle pink trim. She added flair to her victory by throwing on a matching cropped cape to accept her trophy, looking effortlessly cool.
Petra defeated Sharapova in the 2011 singles final, making a strong case for monochrome style. She wore a low-neck vest with black detailing, paired with a chic black and white striped skirt.
Coco Gauff had a princess moment in her New Balance outfit, featuring a stylish vest and an extra floaty mini skirt. Her look was both sporty and elegant, capturing the essence of her youthful energy and grace on the court.
Emma Raducanu, 2022
21-year-old wonderkid Emma Raducanu defeated Alison Van Uytvanck in the opening round of Wimbledon, dazzling in £30,000 worth of Tiffany & Co jewellery. Emma’s elegance and skill shone brightly that day. Game, set, match.
Marketa Vondrousova, 2023
Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic had a Marilyn Monroe moment on court, donning a pleated white skirt. Her outfit paid homage to traditional tennis attire while adding a fun, feminine twist, captivating both fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Katie Boulter, 2023
Katie Boulter of Great Britain celebrated during the Mixed Doubles Round Two match wearing a stylish white Nike ensemble. Her outfit included a sleeveless, high-neck top and a modern layered skirt with laser cut detailing. She completed the look with a white visor, wristbands, and white tennis shoes, epitomising classic Wimbledon elegance.
