Wimbledon will relax its strict white dress rules at championships and allow players to wear dark undergarments to ease a potential source of anxiety during menstruation, the All England Club said.
Organizers of the grass-court Grand Slam said the decision came after discussions with the WTA women’s tennis organizing body, apparel manufacturers and medical equipment about how best to support the women and girls they compete with at the tournaments.
“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best,” All England Club Chief Executive Sally Bolton said in a statement, reports RTE.
“I’m pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholder groups, the Committee of Management has taken the decision to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon. This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose. It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety,” reports RTE.
Organizers said the requirements for other clothing, accessories and equipment remain unchanged.
The topic of female athletes wearing white came up at Wimbledon this year when the players spoke about the anxiety of being forced to wear white.
English footballer Beth Mead was also asked about the white kit for the national team at this year’s European Championship for Women and she said it was sometimes not feasible.
Several English women’s soccer clubs have also chosen to avoid wearing white shorts.
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