Who amongst us has had a period and turned to a school friend, colleague or family member and uttered the phrase: “can you check me?” The sense of anxiety we’ve all experienced while menstruating is common, but for those whose professions see them in the scrutiny of the public eye, the mental toll is hard to fathom. Though you’d like to think leakage or a stain of blood would be something we could all look past, such is the stigma around menstrual blood that the thought of a leak is something too mortifying to contend with, let alone imagine.
For those taking to the courts of Wimbledon, it’s an issue that is now being discussed. 145 years old, the esteemed Grand Slam is the oldest tennis tournament in the world – and even boasts a dress code that is seemingly archaic when held up to modern standards. As the rules stipulate, “Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white.” And for female athletes, that means even those who have periods must don the same uniform. Not surprisingly, it’s a rule that has raised questions of inclusivity and attitudes towards women in sport.
Wimbledon dress code tradition is actually wild when you think of it. Making the girlies rock white?? What must happen when they’re on their period? The constant anxiety you’d have about having a potential leak? Free the girlies from wearing white please
— Tariro (@tary04) June 28, 2022
Initially, the ruling was one chosen to reduce the appearance of sweat, which was deemed unsightly and improper, particularly as it applies to women. But as the women’s game continues to be elevated to new heights, players have been championing greater equality, both on and off the court. And when it comes to the dress code, it’s one that greatly impacts women. Calls for change sounded loudly this year when commentator Catherine Whitaker said during a broadcast, “I would like to see it change. If they had a clothing policy that affected men in the same way it does women, I don’t think that particular tradition would last. I cannot imagine going into the biggest day of my life, with my period, and being forced to wear white.”
After reports that the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club were in talks with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and kit manufacturers about changing the dress code, with changes coming into place potentially as early as next year, it’s now been confirmed. After mounting pressure from both players and fans alike, Wimbledon has announced that it will drop the tournament’s strict all-white dress code and allow female players to wear dark undershorts over concerns for players who are menstruating.
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, said in an announcement: “We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best. 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.”
Bolton added, “This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured 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.”
The All England Club added that “requirements for other clothing, accessories and equipment remain unchanged”.
For many players, it’s a change that has been long overdue as the dress code negatively impacts those who are menstruating not only physically, but mentally too. For these female players, it’s a great source of anxiety and shame, even causing distress that can greatly affect performance. As professional tennis player Rennae Stubbs told The Telegraph, “I think it might have been the one time that I actually left the court at Wimbledon, when I did have my period.” She added, “The match went three sets and I had to go off and change.”
For Russian-French player Tatiana Golovin, the experience was one that saw her reprimanded for wearing darker coloured shorts in 2007, simply in an effort to be more comfortable on the court while she had her period. “It’s very tricky to wear white because you have the photographers, you have pictures everywhere, you’re sliding on the court, you’re falling, you’re playing, your skirt’s flying up,” says Golovin.
Though the stigma around periods means they are largely left out of athlete’s post- and pre-match review, the fact is that the menstrual cycle has a profound impact on performance. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, 93 per cent of athletes reported symptoms during their period, and 67 per cent believed that these symptoms impaired their performances. For many athletes, pain medication isn’t an option, and for others products used like tampons or pads can also be a great source of discomfort. Now, it appears that the tide truly is changing and finally, these conversations are being brought out into the open – where they should be, so as to remove the stigma and ensure players are more comfortable.
