It’s something you may have noticed while watching Wimbledon every year, but only stopped to ask now: Why is it that the men and women tennis players there have to wear all-white?
Great question! It’s something that’s caused controversy in recent years so it’s worth looking back on the history.
The answer? The dress code comes from the 1800s, and as Deseret News noted: “visible perspiration was considered improper, reports The Telegraph. White ensembles apparently hide sweat stains best, so the Wimbledon dress code called for all-white outfits.”
There’s been one change in recent years, from Wimbledon’s site: Exception provided for female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
There you have it!
