Hey friends 🎾👀

If you've ever watched Wimbledon and thought, "Why is everyone dressed like they're going to a tennis-themed wedding?" — you're not alone 😅 I used to wonder the same thing! Why can't they just wear their sponsor's fun colors or express their style like at the US Open?

So, I finally looked it up—and wow, the reason behind Wimbledon's all-white dress code is not what I expected. Let's break it down together 👇

🎽 The Strictest Dress Code in Tennis

Wimbledon is famous for its traditions. Grass courts, strawberries and cream, and of course... the all-white clothing rule. And when I say all white, I mean seriously strict.

Not "mostly white" or "white with colorful trim." We're talking no more than 1 centimeter of colored detail. Even light pastels can get flagged 😳. In 2013, Roger Federer was actually asked to change his shoes because the soles were orange. Yep, just the soles.

📜 So... why white?

Here's where it gets interesting. This rule goes way back to the 1800s. Back then, tennis was seen as a "proper" social event, and people were obsessed with looking neat and clean.

But there was one big problem... sweat 😓. Back in the day, sweating in public—especially for women—was seen as "unladylike." And color clothing made sweat stains very visible. So, white became the default, because it hid sweat the best. Yup. That's the whole reason!

Wimbledon just took that tradition and ran with it. And now it's one of the last Grand Slams still clinging to it.

🧼 Style vs. Tradition

Over the years, some players have tried to push back. Venus Williams once wore a white outfit with a sheer pink underlay and caused a bit of a stir. More recently, players have voiced concerns—especially women—saying all-white gear can be stressful during certain times of the month.

In 2023, Wimbledon finally made a slight adjustment, allowing players to wear darker undershorts for comfort. It was a small step, but still a big deal in Wimbledon's ultra-traditional world.

🤍 Love it or hate it?

Personally, I have mixed feelings. I love how iconic Wimbledon looks—there's something so classy and clean about the sea of white. But at the same time, it's 2025! Players should feel free to express themselves, feel comfortable, and focus on their game.

Tradition matters, but so does player experience. And let's be honest—tennis fashion is so fun when it's not stuck in the past.

💬 What do you think?

Do you love the all-white look or think it's time for Wimbledon to chill out a little with the rules? Should style be part of the sport, or should we keep it classy and clean?

Drop your take in the comments! ⬇️

I'll be reading every one of them while sipping my imaginary strawberries & cream 🍓😄