Negative Factors of the Wimbledon Uniform on Female Athletes
The annual Wimbledon Championships have returned, and female tennis stars are voicing their concerns about being required to wear white clothing, even when they are on their periods.
The Wimbledon policy requiring the players to wear white dates back to the Victorian era in England, when any form of sweat patches was considered rude. Since then, athletes have been required to wear only white, and female athletes have expressed their worries and opposition to complying with the rule due to the risk of leaking their menstrual blood.
Wimbledon prides itself on its all-white dress code – conceived in the 1800s to minimise sweat stains on coloured clothing – which sets it apart from the other Grand Slams.
— Telegraph Women’s Sport (@WomensSport) June 25, 2022
➡️ Until now no female player has publicly questioned the practicality of whites around menstruation pic.twitter.com/iC5jnXdTV2
Former professional tennis player, Monica Puig, tweeted about “the mental stress of having to wear all white at Wimbledon and praying not to have your period during those two weeks”.
Definitely something that affects female athletes! Finally bringing it to everyone’s attention! Not to mention the mental stress of having to wear all white at Wimbledon and praying not to have your period during those two weeks. https://t.co/PzyHnPlSJk
— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) May 31, 2022
Previously, more athletes have confessed that periods impacted their performance in tennis. Heather Watson commented that her performance was not great at the Australian Open because her period made her feel “very light-headed and low on energy – you know it’s a shame that it’s today…I think it’s just one of these things that I have, girl things. It just, yeah, happens.” She also pointed out that she had to constantly check if the blood had leaked through her clothes, which distracted her.
Wearing all white on your period just hits different
— Yorkshire Carrie Bradshaw (@carriebradshire) June 25, 2022
The dress code is not only the problem athletes are struggling with. Wimbledon only allows two bathroom breaks during Wimbledon matches at specific times, giving extremely limited time for athletes who are on their periods.
Wimbledon's all-white clothing rule is outdated. It negatively impacts females due to menstruation. Plus the limited bathroom breaks can also hurt those with medical conditions. #Tennis #Wimbledon https://t.co/R09Vo7z6jp
— Charlotte Laws (@CharlotteLaws) June 28, 2022
Wimbledon has not responded to the current discussion over the dress code. Meanwhile, Fans and athletes demand a more comfortable and inclusive environment for players.
