The dress code for players at Wimbledon has garnered a lot of attention this year. Rather than any controversy, which is always entertaining, it is because of a relaxation of one aspect of the rules. There have been countless articles on this update, but none quite as British as the All-England Club’s own description in the 2023 Wimbledon Compendium.
This year the All England Club also relaxed its all-white clothing rule, allowing female players to wear dark-coloured undershorts if they choose, relieving a potential source of anxiety around menstrual cycles.
The 2023 Wimbledon Compendium
Before the advent of televised matches, all four majors had all-white dress codes. Once broadcast media was in the mix, almost every other tournament quickly came to the decision that allowing the players to wear colors would make it easier for fans to differentiate between the players. After watching matches over the past few years with my mother, who has macular degeneration, I can attest that this is a particular concern for tennis fans with poor vision.
I was supposed to play in the 2023 USTA National Mother-Daughter Grass Court Championships hosted by the Longwood Cricket Club next month. Unfortunately, my daughter and I both ran into some scheduling issues, so we’re now angling toward playing that event in 2024. However, had we made the trip this year, the relaxation of the Wimbledon dress code does not apply to that club. As a reminder, “as seen on TV” is not a valid reference for the rules of tennis.
Another interesting aspect of the Wimbledon all-white dress code is that it has become more restrictive over time. In fact, the iconic Gentlemen’s Finals in 1980 between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe is a case study of player attire that is no longer allowed at the tournament.
White does not include off white or cream.
Wimbledon Clothing and Equipment, Excerpt
Some of Borg’s most iconic Fila clothing was actually off-white or cream-colored. However, the kit worn during the 1980 Gentlemen’s Finals appears to be white. However, Borg and McEnroe’s jackets worn in the walkout and during the award ceremony would no longer be permitted at the tournament.
There should be no solid mass or panel of colouring*. A single trim of colour around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
Wimbledon Clothing and Equipment, Excerpt
Borg’s collar and McEnroe’s sleeves have significantly more “solid mass” of color that exceeds the 1 cm width restriction.
The back of a shirt, dress, tracksuit top or sweater must be completely white
Wimbledon Clothing and Equipment, Excerpt
Both Borg and McEnroe wore articles of clothing that were not “all-white in the back.” As an interesting aside, the Adidas shirts and dresses worn this year by that clothing line’s sponsored players seem to violate that rule. They have a narrow green line of color across the back.
Embed from Getty ImagesCaps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
Wimbledon Clothing and Equipment, Excerpt
Borg and McEnroe both wore headbands and wristbands. None of those items worn by either player would be allowed currently.
The All England Club is unique not because of the all-white dress code but because they have stuck with tradition for so long. Additionally, Wimbledon has become more stringent about the dress code over time. That is why it was such big news for the dress code actually to move in the less restrictive direction this year.
- The 2023 Wimbledon Compendium, The All England Tennis and Lawn Club, Wimbledon London.
- Clothing and Equipment, Wimbledon Official Website About Page, viewed July 9, 2023.
- Bjorn Borg vs John McEnroe | Wimbledon 1980 Final | Full Match, YouTube
