6 controversial Wimbledon outfits – from catsuit & lace undergarment to pink bra

As well as being the most prestigious of all tennis tournaments – Wimbledon is well known for having strict dress code regulations that have been pushed to the limits by professional stars throughout it's 145-year history.

Although the guidelines clearly state that the tennis attire of players must be almost entirely white – more extroverted players have chosen to flaunt those rules and even risked being reprimanded by officials.

From Anne White to Venus Williams – Daily Star Sport has taken a look at six of the most controversial Wimbledon outfits from across the last 73 years of competition.

READ MORE: Venus Williams had to change her bra mid-match after Wimbledon officials complained

Anne White's catsuit

Anne White stole the headlines at the 1985 Wimbledon Championships by wearing a catsuit during her first-round clash against fifth seed Pam Shriver.

Do you agree with Wimbledon's all-white outfit rules? Give us your thoughts in the comments section

Having removed her pre-match tracksuit, White was seen to be wearing a one-piece white body suit made of lycra which got the attention of the photographers.

With the match being called off for the day due to bad weather, White was told by referee Alan Mills to wear something more appropriate when play resumed.

She did change her clothing before losing the match, later saying: "I had no idea it would be so controversial."

Pat Cash's bandana

When Pat Cash won his only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon back in 1987, he wore his trademark black and white bandana that he believes would not be allowed under the current regulations.

He told The Times in 2019: "My bandana certainly wouldn’t be allowed any more.

"I was invited to a Legends event a while back and was told I couldn’t wear it, so I withdrew – it’s part of my image after all."

Gussie Moran's undergarments

Gertrude "Gussie" Moran was an American tennis player who was active across the 1940s and 1950s, must is arguably most famous for her playing attire.

Having asked Wimbledon host Ted Tinling to design her outfit for the 1949 championships, Moran wore a short tennis dress over the top of lace-trimmed undergarments – which were visible during matches.

The outfit led to a debate in parliament and later reverted to wearing shorts, with Tinling shunned for 33 years before being invited back to Wimbledon in 1982.

Nike dress

Maria Sakkari and Katie Swan were among the stars to wear a Nike dress during the 2016 tournament that caused drama among players.

The Premier Slam dress was at first criticised for being too revealing, but would also cause disruption for having unruly floaty fabric.

Sweden's Rebecca Peterson said: "When I was serving, it was coming up, and I felt like the dress was just everywhere."

Tatiana Golovin's red shorts

Tatiana Golovin risked the fury of Wimbledon officials by wearing bright red undershorts during the 2007 tournament that avoided breaking the rules.

At the time, underwear didn't have to be white – but the actions of the 19-year-old might just have promoted the change in rules.

She said: "I think it's totally in the dress code.

"There's a little red outline and they say red is the colour that proves that you're strong and you're confident, so I'm happy with my red knickers."

Venus Williams' bra straps

Venus Williams risked the wrath of Wimbledon officials back in 2017 after flouting their historic dress code regulations – but she wasn't at all keen to talk about it after.

The American overcame Elise Mertens 7-6 6-4 on Centre Court in their first round clash, having broken tradition by wearing a rule-breaking pink bra.

Deciding not to risk a punishment, the seven-time singles Grand Slam winner changed the undergarment after a short break, with an official later stating: "Underwear should be white."

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