FIDE updates dress code for Grand Swiss 2025, allows players to wear jeans
FIDE, the global governing body of chess, on Friday confirmed a change in its dress code for the FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss tournaments.
Players will now be allowed to wear “appropriate jeans” for events, a move that it says will allow “players more comfort and freedom of choice, while ensuring that the overall appearance of the event remains professional and respectful”.
FIDE’s dress code had stirred up a controversy in 2024 when five-time World champion Magnus Carslen was fined for wearing jeans during the World Rapid Championships. He subsequently pulled out of the tournament.
Several players like Divya Deshmukh and Arjun Erigaisi have spoken of their preference towards wearing jeans during tournaments.
“FIDE took the decision to provide more flexibility in the dress code. It is still required to follow the official standards, but elegant, appropriate jeans are also allowed. FIDE, chess players, arbiters, and officials must collectively strive to preserve the integrity of chess while also ensuring that the sport remains appealing to the audience and sponsors,” FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich said.
This year, the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 will be held in Samarkand in Uzbekistan from September 3 to 15.
FIDE Dress Code
Men
Suit
Dark business casual trousers, including classic, non-distressed jeans (blue, black, and grey)
Unicoloured shirt (with minor deviations allowed, e.g. checkered or striped)
Dress shoes and loafers with closed toes
Unicoloured sneakers (soles can be a different colour)
Women
Skirt suit, pantsuit, dress suit
Dress
Dark business casual trousers, including classic, non-distressed jeans (dark blue, black and grey)
Shirt/blouse
Dress shoes and loafers with closed toes
Unicoloured sneakers (soles can be a different colour)
Published on Aug 31, 2025