Why are Tennis Whites Still Required at Some Clubs and Tournaments?

Step onto a grass court at Wimbledon, and you’ll notice something curious. Every player looks like they walked straight out of a 19th-century tennis catalogue. No neon headbands. No flashy prints. Just a sea of tennis whites. Sounds a bit old school, right? But here’s the kicker, it’s totally on purpose.

Even in today’s era of loud colors and performance fabrics, the white dress code in tennis remains in effect at some of the sport’s most revered venues. And no, it’s not just about being tidy for the cameras.

From rigid traditions to whimsical beginnings, the all-white rule has more layers than a tennis ball in mid-rally. Let’s examine why certain clubs and tournaments continue to adhere to tennis whites, treating them like trophies to be treasured, and why players both adore and hate the notorious all-white dress code.

Top 3 Reasons Why Players Still Wear Tennis Whites

History of Tennis Whites

The tennis outfits were not at all logofied and aerodynamic. It started with corsets, long skirts and flannel pants. Tennis whites came into action around the late 1800s, when the game was an elite sport among the English upper class.

At that time, athletes opted for wearing whites as they offer a clean look and spotlight Victorian concepts of class and dignity. The fashion changed along the time and players started wearing whites with higher hemlines and less dense material later in the 1920s.

Tennis whites, in a sense, became the de facto standard uniform of the sport, as other sporting attire codes loosened.

Cooling Properties of White Color

Ever ask yourself why summer wear is typically white? It’s not all about beach fashion. White doesn’t absorb sunlight; instead, it reflects it, keeping players cooler under the hot sun. Tennis is hard on the body. Matches last for hours, particularly in Grand Slams. Darker-clad players will feel the heat sooner, which can affect their performance and comfort. 

So, while white may be a style move, it’s also a clever one. The science supports it, white keeps your body temperature low while allowing you to concentrate on your game, rather than your sweat.

Wimbledon Tradition

No explanation of the all-white dress code would be complete without Wimbledon. This event is serious about its white rule. The rules state that players should be attired in “almost entirely white” head to toe, yes, even their underwear.

Why so uptight? Wimbledon insists it’s all for retaining tradition and maintaining the tournament’s top-shelf, high-gloss image. Whether you buy it or not, they’ve remained in their whites as the rest of tennis let go and went to neons and prints. 

What is the All-White Dress Code?

The dress code of white-on-white is not about wearing a white top; it’s about wearing a white top and a white bottom. In some locations, such as Wimbledon, the guidelines are strict and uncompromising. Here’s what is and isn’t allowed:

• Almost everything must be white. Not off-white, not cream. White.
• Logos should be small and subtle.
• Footwear, headbands, wristbands, and even underwear must be of the same color.

Why was the All-White Dress Code Implemented?

In the past, tennis was considered a “gentleman’s game,” typically played at garden parties and upper-class clubs. With that came the requirement of a certain dress code, elegant, refined, and “proper.”

But for the primary reason? Sweat. Yes, white hides sweat stains better than any other color. During an age when sweating in public was deemed poor manners, white became the standard. It wasn’t about performance; it was about appearances. With time, this sweat-proof look became the norm. And when Wimbledon and other traditional tournaments doubled down on tradition, the white requirement remained.

Are There Any Players Who Broke the Dress Code?

Andre Agassi used to boycott Wimbledon for years in protest at the rigorous dress code. He disliked the notion of being dictated what to wear and preferred neon to neutral.

Roger Federer, typically the golden child of tennis, had to trade his orange-soled shoes in 2013 because they were not in line with Wimbledon’s regulations.

Has the Dress Code of Tennis Whites Changed?

There has been a slight loosening of the rules over the years, with the operative word being ‘lightweight’. Wimbledon recently made some minor changes, such as permitting dark undershorts for women players to ease comfort issues.

However, the essence of the rule remains intact. Some clubs are now easing their dress codes to cater to younger audiences and modernise the sport, but many high-end facilities still insist on tennis whites on the court.

The Bottom Line

Whether you adore the sharp appearance or find it a fashion relic, tennis whites aren’t disappearing, least of all at history clubs and Grand Slam sites. The all-white attire requirement stems from tradition, sweat hiding, and a dash of old-school pride.

What’s obvious is that white rule still defines the identity of tennis. And for athletes who want to marry performance with heritage, there’s an increasing demand for top-rate equipment that doesn’t simply meet the rules, but slaughters them in comfort and style.

Wearing quality custom tennis sportswear, such as that from TD Sportswear, allows you to match your court shoes effortlessly, keeping your look classic and within the white dress code limits. Preparing to play your next club game or daydreaming about Centre Court, smart style begins with the correct gear.