7. Gussie Moran’s Lace-Trimmed Controversy (1949)
Gertrude “Gussie” Moran didn’t win the tournament in 1949, but she won the headlines. In an era of conservative hemlines, Moran commissioned designer Ted Tinling to create something special. The result was a classic tennis dress, but when she moved, photographers
caught a glimpse of the lace-trimmed shorts underneath. The All England Club was scandalized by the reveal, which was considered wildly inappropriate at the time. It was a small detail that created a massive stir, pushing the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable on the court and cementing Tinling’s reputation as a provocateur.
6. Maria Sharapova’s Tuxedo Moment (2008)
Never one for a boring ensemble, Maria Sharapova brought a high-fashion, menswear-inspired look to the courts in 2008. She wore a Nike outfit that featured a tuxedo-style bib on the top and tailored shorts instead of a traditional skirt. It was a bold, powerful statement that blended athletic function with formalwear flair. The look was sleek, unexpected, and perfectly captured Sharapova’s commanding presence on the court, proving that “tennis whites” could be interpreted with avant-garde creativity.
5. Althea Gibson’s Classic Sportswear (1957)
In 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black player to win a Wimbledon title, and she did it in an outfit of classic, understated elegance. Her ensemble, often a crisp collared shirt and a neatly pleated skirt, was typical of 1950s sportswear but became iconic through her historic victory. It wasn’t flashy, but it was flawless. Gibson’s attire represented a turning point for the sport, a symbol of grace and determination breaking down barriers. One of her Fred Perry-logo polo shirts and pleated skirts is now in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
4. Venus Williams’s Tina Turner-Inspired Fringe (2010)
Venus Williams has always used the court to express her unique style, and her 2010 dress was no exception. She wore a white dress with a cascade of fringe on the bodice, a playful and dynamic design she said was inspired by Tina Turner. The outfit was pure joy and showmanship, with the fringe dancing as she moved across the grass. It was a perfect example of Venus’s ability to merge elite athletic performance with a bold, celebratory approach to fashion that always keeps things interesting.
3. Anne White’s Lycra Catsuit (1985)
In 1985, American player Anne White walked onto the court for a first-round match wearing a full-length, skintight white Lycra bodysuit, complete with leg warmers. The look was pure 80s and utterly shocking to the Wimbledon establishment. When her match against Pam Shriver was suspended due to darkness, the tournament referee informed White she could not wear the outfit again, deeming it unsuitable. Though it only appeared for one evening, the catsuit remains one of Wimbledon's most talked-about fashion moments—a rebellious fusion of fashion and function that was simply ahead of its time.
2. Serena Williams’s “Business-Casual” Grandeur (2016)
For her 22nd Grand Slam title win in 2016, Serena Williams wore a masterfully designed Nike dress that was all about power and structure. The dress featured a high, sharp collar and a pleated skirt, creating a look that felt almost like business-casual attire for a CEO who happens to be the world’s greatest athlete. It was sophisticated, formidable, and perfectly tailored, reflecting Serena’s unparalleled dominance in the sport while nodding to fashion trends of the decade like peplums and structured silhouettes.
1. Suzanne Lenglen’s Revolutionary Freedom (1920s)
No single figure did more to revolutionize tennis fashion than France’s Suzanne Lenglen in the 1920s. At a time when women played in restrictive, long-sleeved, ankle-length dresses and even corsets, Lenglen appeared in a knee-length pleated skirt, a sleeveless blouse, and her signature accessory: a colorful bandeau holding back her bobbed hair. This wasn’t just a new outfit; it was a declaration of athletic freedom. It allowed for a level of movement previously impossible for female players, directly connecting her fashion to her trailblazing, powerful style of play. Every modern tennis dress owes its existence to Lenglen’s radical chic.
