The Wimbledon tennis championships, held from June 29 to July 12, 2026, continued enforcing the traditional dress code requiring players to wear tennis attire almost entirely in white. The rule excludes off-white and cream colors to maintain the tournament’s classic image [1, 2, 3, 4].

The dress code dates back to the 1800s, originally introduced to prevent visible sweat stains considered inappropriate for the sport’s aristocratic roots [1, 2, 4]. Wimbledon first established a 'predominately white' dress rule in 1963. In 1995, officials tightened it to ‘almost entirely white,’ and in 2014, the rule was extended to accessories, limiting colored trims on clothing to a maximum of 1 cm in width [3].

In 2023, Wimbledon relaxed the restrictions to allow female players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they are no longer than their skirts or shorts. This adaptation is the most notable recent change to the long-standing dress code [3].

Players often express personal style using subtle touches while respecting the strict color rules. Naomi Osaka, who wore a kimono-inspired white dress by designer Hana Yagi as an opening statement, explained her choice by reflecting on her Japanese and Haitian heritage. She said, "I think about my cultures, my heritage, which is Japanese and Haitian. Then if I dive deeper into like Japanese culture, I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is a kimono" [1].

The tournament’s fashion reflects its reputation as a bastion of classiness. Spectators and players alike often dress in white or formal attire, reinforcing Wimbledon’s aristocratic history. Jari Hedman, a Finnish tennis coach, summed it up saying, "This is Wimbledon! You’ve got to dress up." Lucie Ta, a spectator from Prague, noted the strict palette, saying, "White, white, white. And light colours" [1].

The Royal Box maintains its own formal dress code requiring men to wear jackets and ties and forbidding hats for women [4]. Strawberries and cream, a staple Wimbledon treat, were sold for £2.85 per punnet during the 2026 championships, a nod to Victorian England luxury summer traditions [4].

Wimbledon will mark its 150th anniversary in 2027, continuing the tennis grand slam’s legacy and its unique fashion standards into the next year [1, 2].