Every year, tennis fans tune in to Wimbledon to watch the best players in the world do battle dressed all in white.
The strict dress code at the tournament has been in the headlines in recent days when Nick Kyrgios wore red Air Jordan trainers and a red cap for an on-court interview following his most recent victory. He is now likely to be sanctioned.
The rules date back to Victorian times when it was believed wearing white was more "proper" as it did not show sweat. White was also a sign of wealth as only rich people could afford to keep their clothes stain-free. This belief in the prestige of white saw it grow in popularity in Britain.
While other tournaments have relaxed dress code rules over the years, Wimbledon actually tightened its own in 2014 to state players must wear almost all white evening during the warm-ups.
These are the full dress code rules, according to Wimbledon officials.
The following refers to all clothing, including tracksuits and sweaters, worn on The Championship courts both for practice and for matches.
1) Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.
2) White does not include off white or cream.
3) There should be no solid mass or panel of colouring. A single trim of colour around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
4) Colour contained within patterns will be measured as if it is a solid mass of colour and should be within the one centimetre (10mm) guide. Logos formed by variations of material or patterns are not acceptable.
5) The back of a shirt, dress, tracksuit top or sweater must be completely white.
6) Shorts, skirts and tracksuit bottoms must be completely white except for a single trim of colour down the outside seam no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
7) Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
8) Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged. The grass court shoes must adhere to the Grand Slam rules. In particular shoes with pimples around the outside of the toes shall not be permitted. The foxing around the toes must be smooth.
9) Any undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration) must also be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm). In addition, common standards of decency are required at all times.
10) Medical supports and equipment should be white if possible but may be coloured if absolutely necessary. A more relaxed dress code operates at the Aorangi Park practice courts.
