Tradition and history is what makes Wimbledon the most prestigious tournament in tennis.
The sport has been played at the All England Club since 1877 and a series of customs have been established over the past 145 years: strawberries and cream, royal patronage, Pimm's… Wimbledon has a very distinct image.
But no tradition is as important to that image as the one that states players must wear clothing that is "almost entirely white" while taking part in matches.
Why do players wear white at Wimbledon?
The dress code for Wimbledon participants is a convention that dates back to Victorian times when sweating was considered improper and so white outfits were introduced to hide perspiration as much as possible.
The official rules of The Championships state players must wear "suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white" from the moment they enter the court area. Many players have attempted to circumvent these rules and so the All England Club has sought to close a number of loopholes over the years.
MORE: Are Russians and Belarusians allowed to play at Wimbledon?
What is the dress code for players at Wimbledon?
There can be some slight deviation from white for a player's clothes or accessories.
Non-white trim is allowed, but it must be on the neckline of the shirt, sleeve cuff or outside seam of shorts, skirt, or shorts leg. This trim must also only be no more than a centimetre wide. Small manufacturer logos and sponsors are permitted, but they mustn't measure over a centimetre wide as a mass of colour. On top of this, shades of off-white or cream are not allowed as a white substitute.
It is stated that "caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks" must follow the same rules while shoes must also be predominantly white, with large manufacturer logos "not encouraged". Undergarments that can be "visible during play" have to match with the rest of the white kit, too. The code also outlines that "common standards of decency are required at all times". Even medical equipment and support bandages should not be coloured unless it's "absolutely necessary". There is, at least, a more relaxed dress code on the practice courts.
Controversial outfits and rule-bending
Andre Agassi famously refused to play at Wimbledon between 1988 and 1990 due to his opposition to the strict dress code. The American favoured brightly coloured apparel at the time, but ended his boycott to win his first Wimbledon title in 1992.
Roger Federer also found himself in hot water in 2013 after wearing shoes with orange soles during the tournament. This prompted a clarification in the rules by Wimbledon with Federer disgruntled at the changes. "I think it's very strict. My personal opinion: I think it's too strict," he said the following year.
Rafael Nadal pushed the boundaries in his first few years at The Championships by adopting a sleeveless top, longer shorts and headband, although he adhered to the all-white stipulation. Indeed, Pat Cash was admonished much more in 1987 for sporting a black-and-white headband.
Serena Williams pushed the boundaries of the dress code by wearing brightly coloured undershorts in 2010 and 2012. Of course, Williams has a track record of experimenting with her apparel at tournaments, wearing an all-black catsuit at the 2018 French Open and a tutu at the US Open in the same year. Anne White had caused similar consternation back in 1985 when she wore an all-in-one outfit at Wimbledon. It was white, so it was within the rules, but some questioned its appropriateness.