The mandatory white at Wimbledon is over, and that’s good for the players

Many tennis players have reported how annoyed they were by the white clothes required to play Wimbledon, for fear of leaking if they menstruated. The organizers of the London tournament ended up going back to this old tradition and modifying it slightly.

Allow players to wear shorts other than white

In a press release sent by CnnSally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, said in a statement:

“We are committed to supporting players and listening to their feedback on how they can perform at their best.

I am pleased to confirm that, after consulting players and representatives of different stakeholder groups, the management committee has taken the decision to update the white dress rule at Wimbledon.

This means that from next year, women and girls participating in the Championships will have the option to wear colored shorts if they wish.

We hope this rule adjustment helps players focus solely on their performance, alleviating a potential source of anxiety. »

Why is white the mandatory dress color at Wimbledon?

Until this announcement on November 17, 2022, white was the mandatory color on tennis courts. This tradition was explained by the desire to disguise every trace of sweat. However, as women have established themselves in the sport, they have also called for a relaxation of this rule. Their main argument: the stress that affects their performance, linked to the fear that their periods will show up during the match and stain their immaculate clothes.

We reassure the purists: Wimbledon will not be completely renewed, given that there is talk of being able to change the color of its under-shorts. In other words: the white look generally remains de rigueur, except under the skirts or shorts of the players who would like it. A small revolution in the world of snowshoes.

Cover photo: LPETTET by Getty Images Signature via Canva.