In the world of modern tennis, there are four important major tournaments. Of the four, arguably the most prestigious (and definitely the oldest) is Wimbledon. Founded in 1877, the ongoing tournament is steeped in tradition. For example, all players are required to bow should the Queen or the Prince of Wales be in attendance. Yes, even the game's biggest stars like Roger Federer are compelled to do so:



But perhaps the most recognizable Wimbledon rule of all is the Predominantly White rule. Need a visual guide? Here are a few photos from non-Wimbledon majors:






And here's what you'll see at Wimbledon:







The rule is pretty clear. In fact, the Wimbleon site has a 10-item decree on the matter, which includes these lines:


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.


White does not include off white or cream.


A single trim of color around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider than one centimeter.


Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white.


Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands, and socis must be completely white except for a single trim of color no wider than one centimeter.


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 color no wider than one centimeter.


You read that right: even underwear is regulated in the tournament. And you can't skirt the rules with off-white gear, either. When it comes to what competitors are wearing, the people running Wimbledon are definitely not messing around. They're so strict that there have been (unconfirmed) reports of Wimbledon officials asking players to change their underwear in the middle of a match. But why the strictness when it comes to the color choice when the other major tournaments allow loud fashion statements on court?




The main reason is a combination of tradition and perspiration. You see, during the early days of tennis, players wore white because it was a color that was cooler and didn't show sweat as much. And in the prim and proper Victorian era, sweating was just not acceptable (especially for women) so white was the color of choice for physical activities. We're far removed from that time period but Wimbledon loves tradition and refuses to give way even when some of the biggest stars have voiced out their dislike for the rule.



The other (and ultimately more noble) reason can be seen on Wimbledon's website and heard in the video above. According to them, "the all-white rule isn't about fashion, it's about letting the players and the tennis stand out. Everyone who steps on a Wimbledon court, from reigning champion through to qualifier does so wearing white. That's a great leveller. If a player wants to get noticed, they must do so through their play. That's a tradition we're proud of."


Whatever the case, Wimbledon has never failed to give us classic matches (we're still tired just thinking about the 2008 Federer-Nadal Men's Singles Finals) year in and year out. And even if requiring the players to stick to a single color is a bit stifling and old-fashioned, we have to admit that the look does work well on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.