Wimbledon has changed its underwear rule to ease the stress of women’s periods.
From the pain of cramps and hormonal breakouts all the way through to immense back pain and worries of leaking - anyone who menstruates knows just how anxiety-inducing having a period can be.
Well, tennis players will be happy to know that the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world has finally welcomed a slight change to its previously all-white dress code.
All white clothing has been worn at Wimbledon since the tournament first began way back when in 1877 with the organisation stating: "That's a tradition we're rather proud of..."
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The previously very strict fashion rules prohibited players from wearing even off-white and cream and with only 'a single trim of colour' measuring just a centimetre being allowed on the neckline or sleeve cuff.
So, it's clearly a pretty big deal that those who menstruate will finally be able to make a subtle but massively revolutionary move away from the tradition of Wimbledon whites with the option to wear 'solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts, provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt'.
While the change was first announced last year in November, the landmark change was finally put into practice during this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament.
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It's clear that even though the underwear rule may seem like a somewhat small change - it's going to have a massive impact on players' mental health, physical health and overall performance.
Poland’s grand-slam semi-finalist and world No 23, Magda Linette, said: "I’m not sure if people can understand how nerve-racking it is when you’re having your days (on your period).
"I don’t think many people can understand how stressful that can be."
All England Club CEO, Sally Bolton, added: "It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety."
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Anne Keothavong, a former British No 1 who is now on the board of the All England Club has dubbed the new policy 'a welcome change in terms of rules' after the decision was unanimously approved by the board after discussions with players.
Heather Watson, a former British No. 1 who has won nine titles over her career, has also spoken up telling Sky News UK just how much she welcomed the dress code change.
"Last year [...] I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white undershorts, and I didn't want to face any embarrassment," she told the outlet.
"We're running around, sweating, doing the splits on the court. This year, I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again, so I'm very happy that I won't have to do the same thing as last year."
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Well, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Featured Image Credit: Rob Newell - CameraSport / Robert Prange / GettyTopics: Sport, News, Health, Mental Health
