In response to the concerns of female athletes over menstruation, Wimbledon will abandon the competition’s stringent all-white attire policy and let female competitors wear dark undershorts.
The decision was made in response to complaints from Judy Murray and Billie Jean King as well as objections from the Address The Dress Code campaign during this year’s tournament. The Campaign attempted to emphasize the discomfort women sometimes have while competing with conventional whites.
“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best,” said Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club. “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 colored 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.”
“Requirements for other clothing, accessories, and equipment remain unchanged,” the All England Club continued. The action comes after multiple instances comparable to this in sports.
The topic was brought up by the England football team before the European Championships in the summer. West Bromwich Albion Women declared they will wear blue shorts with their home kit rather than white in September.
British tennis player Alicia Barnett spoke out in July about the pressure of competing being “bloated and tired” and wearing Wimbledon whites while on her period. “I think being on your period on the tour is hard enough, but to wear whites as well isn’t easy,” she continued.