TRADITION

There are many traditions and customs synonymous with Wimbledon. Perfectly manicured grass courts, a visit to Henman Hill (or Murray Mound) and strawberries & cream are just a few. It is also well known that Wimbledon has a strict white dress code, another long-standing tradition at SW19.

The code dates back to the Victorian era when lawn tennis players predominantly played in white, as the light-coloured fabric was deemed more breathable than darker colours. 

Men wore flannels while ladies wore stockings under long skirts and although tennis fashion has evolved and coloured clothing has become increasingly common in the Open Era.

The Championships still maintains this tradition. Playing in one colour makes the tournament less about outfit choices of competitors and more about the tennis skills displayed on the court. 

The Rules on Court

Players are not permitted to wear clothing that has a solid mass or panel of colouring, but they are allowed a single trim of colour in two locations on a shirt, dress or sweater, no wider than one centimetre. The single trim of colour rule also applies to shorts, skirts, tracksuits, headwear, wristbands and socks. Shoes should be almost entirely white, and soles and laces must be completely white.