Wimbledon, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, has long been known for its strict dress code. One of the most iconic pieces of clothing associated with Wimbledon is the traditional white skirt worn by female players. But why do women have to wear skirts at Wimbledon while male players are allowed to wear shorts? This article explores the regulations surrounding the dress code at Wimbledon and what it means for the players.
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What is the dress code at Wimbledon?
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) sets the dress code for Wimbledon. According to the AELTC’s regulations, “Players must be dressed almost entirely in white.” This means that players must wear white or predominantly white clothing for all matches, except for the junior and wheelchair events. The dress code was originally introduced in the early 1990s in order to preserve the “tradition and heritage” of the tournament.
Why do women have to wear skirts at Wimbledon?
The AELTC has long held the belief that women should wear skirts, rather than shorts, at Wimbledon. This is because the skirt is seen as a more “feminine” and “elegant” garment that is “in keeping with the traditions and heritage of the game.” The regulations state that “skirts and dresses must be of an appropriate length and design,” with shorts, sleeveless tops, and tracksuit bottoms all banned.
Do all female players have to wear skirts?
Not all female players are required to wear skirts at Wimbledon. Many players, such as Serena Williams, choose to wear a skirt or dress, while others opt for a more comfortable and practical option of wearing leggings and a top.
What do the players think?
The opinion of the players is mixed when it comes to the dress code at Wimbledon. Some players view the skirt as a symbol of tradition, while others feel that it is outdated and discriminatory.
Serena Williams, one of the most successful players in history, has spoken out in favour of the skirt, saying that she “loves the tradition of Wimbledon and loves wearing the skirt.”
Venus Williams, Serena’s sister, has also expressed her support for the dress code, saying that she finds the skirt “elegant and feminine.”
However, other players, such as Victoria Azarenka, have criticised the rule, arguing that it is “gender discrimination” and “not fair”.
The debate around the dress code
The debate around the dress code at Wimbledon has been ongoing for many years, with some arguing that it is outdated and unfair to female players. In recent years, the AELTC has come under pressure to change the rules, with some suggesting that skirts should be optional rather than compulsory.
What is the AELTC’s stance?
The AELTC has maintained its stance on the dress code, arguing that it is “in keeping with the traditions and heritage of the game.” The AELTC has also argued that the dress code is in place to ensure that all players look “smart and presentable” and that it is “not designed to be discriminatory.”
Recent changes to the dress code
While the AELTC has resisted calls to change the dress code, it has made some small changes in recent years. In 2018, the AELTC announced that players would be allowed to wear coloured trim on their skirts, as long as it was “subtle and tasteful.” In 2019, the AELTC also allowed players to wear leggings or shorts under their skirts.
What does the future hold?
It is unlikely that the AELTC will completely overhaul the dress code at Wimbledon in the near future. However, it is possible that the AELTC could continue to make small changes to the regulations in order to ensure that all players are comfortable and that the spirit of the tournament is upheld.
Conclusion
The dress code at Wimbledon is one of the most iconic aspects of the tournament. While some players view the skirt as a symbol of tradition, others feel that it is outdated and discriminatory. It is clear that the debate around the dress code is ongoing and it will be interesting to see if the AELTC continues to make changes to the regulations in the future.