Wimbledon has changed its all-white dress code to allow female players to wear coloured undershorts to be more comfortable during their periods. Wimbledon’s strict policy requiring players to wear all-white clothing is one of the most well-known aspects of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, however, the All England Club said it chose to change the rules after discussions “with the WTA, clothing manufacturers and medical teams on how best to support women and girls competing at the championships.”
According to the new rules, women are permitted to ‘wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.’ All other clothing and accessories remain unchanged, including the condition that ‘competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white.’
Sally Bolton, the All England Club’s chief executive, stated last year, “We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best.” He also added, “It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety.”