By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, July 3, 2023

 

For the first time in history, women are permitted to wear dark-colored underwear beneath their traditional all-white apparel at Wimbledon.

Photo credit: Tim Clayton/Getty

Wimbledon unveiled a major rule change undercover today.

In a historic move, Wimbledon altered its iconic all-white apparel rule.

More: Wimbledon Preview

For the first time, women are permitted to wear dark-colored underwear beneath their traditional all-white apparel.

The rule change comes in response to requests from WTA players and coaches. The grass-court Grand Slam made the change in an effort reduce anxiety women and girls experience playing Wimbledon during their menstrual cycles.

Victoria Azarenka called the move a "thoughtful" rule change.

"I think it's a thoughtful addition, very thoughtful addition, because there are obvious situations that can be tricky and uncomfortable," Azarenka told the media after her opening-round win today. "Yeah, I think that's a pretty appropriate word. It's very thoughtful addition to the rules."

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All England Club Chief Executive Officer Sally Bolton said the Club is aiming to support challenges women face.

“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best," Bolton said in a statement. "I’m pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholder groups, the Committee of Management has taken the decision to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon...

"It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety.”

Hall of Famer Billie Jean King told CNN women players “live in tension” wearing all white on court during their periods.

It’s a concern King says women have had for years at Wimbledon.

"In my generation we were always worried about wearing white all the time,” King said. “And what you wear is important when you are going through the menstrual period. And we always check if it's being seen. 

“You live in tension because the first thing we are people who entertain and you want to be immaculate and look fantastic. We are cheerleaders and we want to convey our spirits to the people.”



Judy Murray, former British Fed Cup captain and mom of Andy Murray and Jamie Murray, long advocated for this rule change.

Wearing all white on court can make women fearful on court and cause trauma, says Judy Murray who points out having women’s voices heard in the decision making process is vital.

The fact Bolton is the first woman to head the All England Club helped finalize change.

“When all matches are televised and streamed now, it is something that needs to be considered,” Judy Murray told the British media. “However, it’s really important, too, that we have lots of women on the decision-making panel, because they understand what that’s like to have menstrual cycles and they understand the fear of that happening while playing.”

During the 2022 Wimbledon, some demonstrators staged a protest of the all-white rule at Wimbledon.

Protestors waved signs saying “Address the Dress Code” and “It’s About Bloody Time.”

Champions including Naomi Osaka, Ash Barty, Iga Swiatek and Bianca Andreescu have all highlighted the importance of mental health on the global tour.

The rule change comes after grass-court Grand Slam applied stricter enforcement of the all-white rule in recent years, even extending to underwear.

If you're wondering: why does Wimbledon have an all-white rule when other Grand Slams don’t?

Tradition is the most common reason, but it goes deeper than that.

The grass-court Grand Slam says its really about showcasing tennis. The All England Lawn Tennis Club said in a statement a few years back the all-white apparel rule is not about fashion it’s about form.

“To us, the all-white rule isn’t about fashion, it’s about letting the players and the tennis stand out,” the Club said in a statement a few years back. “Everyone who steps on a Wimbledon court, from a reigning champion through to qualifier does so wearing white.

"That’s a great leveller. If a player wants to get noticed, they must do so through their play. That’s a tradition we’re proud of.”