Wimbledon has made a significant change to its dress code policy, announcing that women players will now be allowed to wear dark-colored undershorts during matches. This decision comes after increasing pressure on the tournament organizers to address concerns about visibility of blood on white clothing for players menstruating. Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club, stated that the decision was made in consultation with players and various stakeholder groups to support the players' performance and alleviate potential anxieties.
Until this update, Wimbledon, known for its strict all-white clothing policy, has now introduced a significant exception to allow female players to wear dark-colored undershorts beneath their skirts or shorts. This change was prompted by discussions with the Women's Tennis Association, clothing manufacturers, and medical teams, acknowledging the concerns raised by current and former players regarding the stress of adhering to an all-white dress code while menstruating.
According to Sally Bolton, the Chief Executive of the All England Club, starting next year, women and girls participating in The Championships will have the option to wear colored undershorts, with the aim of relieving potential anxiety and enabling players to focus solely on their performance.
While other Grand Slam tournaments are more lenient in their assessment of acceptable tennis attire, Wimbledon's dress code explicitly emphasizes the importance of white clothing. The shift in policy addresses the menstrual issue specifically raised by players, who have shared personal stories about altering their cycles or experiencing added stress due to the dress code's impact on their periods.
The amendment to the dress code demonstrates Wimbledon's responsiveness to player feedback and commitment to supporting their well-being and performance on the court.
Read more of the Wimbledon dress code, directly from their website, Home - The Championships, Wimbledon - Official Site by IBM Pasted below:
Wimbledon Dress Code Changes
Clothing and Equipment
The following refers to all clothing, including tracksuits and sweaters, worn on The Championship courts both for practice and for matches.
1) Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white* and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.
2) White does not include off white or cream.
3) There should be no solid mass or panel of colouring*. A single trim of colour around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
4) Colour contained within patterns will be measured as if it is a solid mass of colour and should be within the one centimetre (10mm) guide. Logos formed by variations of material or patterns are not acceptable.
5) The back of a shirt, dress, tracksuit top or sweater must be completely white
6) Shorts, skirts and tracksuit bottoms must be completely white except for a single trim of colour down the outside seam no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
7) Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
8) Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged. The grass court shoes must adhere to the Grand Slam rules. In particular shoes with pimples around the outside of the toes shall not be permitted. The foxing around the toes must be smooth.
9) Any undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration) must also be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm), except female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
10) Medical supports and equipment should be white if possible but may be coloured if absolutely necessary. A more relaxed dress code operates at the Aorangi Park practice courts.
*Exception provided for female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
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