Wimbledon Relaxes Dress Code Rules to Alleviate Period Anxiety for Female Players
Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, has relaxed its strict dress code rules to allow women players to wear dark-colored undershorts. The move was made in response to concerns raised by female players about the anxiety of being forced to wear white during their periods.
The all-white dress code has been in place at Wimbledon since 1877. It is said to be a tradition that dates back to the Victorian era, when white was seen as a symbol of purity and cleanliness. However, in recent years, the dress code has come under increasing criticism from female players, who argue that it is unfair and can be a source of anxiety, particularly during their periods.
In 2022, British player Heather Watson spoke out about the anxiety she felt about wearing white during her period. “I’ve had to wear black underwear with white shorts, which is not ideal,” she said. “I’ve had to wear a tampon and a pad, which is not comfortable.”
Other female players have also expressed concerns about the dress code. In 2021, American player Amanda Anisimova said that she had to change her underwear during a match because she was worried about staining her white shorts.
In response to these concerns, Wimbledon announced in November 2022 that it would be relaxing its dress code to allow women players to wear dark-colored undershorts. The new rule went into effect at this year’s tournament.
The decision to relax the dress code has been welcomed by many female players. “I think it’s a great step forward,” said Watson. “It’s something that’s been needed for a long time.”
The change to the dress code is a small step, but it is a significant one. It shows that Wimbledon is listening to the concerns of its female players and that it is committed to creating a more inclusive environment for all players.
