Sports Uniforms: The Unseen Battle for Comfort and Performance

Women athletes often face a tough choice: wear uncomfortable uniforms or risk looking "unflattering."

The Struggle with Uniforms

Tess Howard, a British Olympian, knows this struggle well. In 2021, her new field hockey uniform was so tight and restrictive that it made her feel embarrassed and limited her movement. She wasn't alone; most of her teammates felt the same way.

This discomfort isn't just a minor inconvenience. It's a big reason why many young girls quit sports.

Pushing for Change

Howard didn't let this issue slide. She pushed for a redesign, and after a year of effort, the uniform was changed to something more comfortable. This small victory had a big impact. It showed her that things could be different.

At the Paris Olympics, she made history by becoming the first woman to score in shorts, a choice that was later adopted by the entire team.

The Broader Impact

But Howard's fight isn't just about her. She's also studying how uniforms affect girls' participation in sports. Her research shows that lack of choice in uniforms is a major reason why girls drop out of sports during puberty. This isn't just about looks. It's about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Health Implications

The pressure to look a certain way isn't just psychological. It can also lead to serious health issues. Many women athletes feel pressured to be "lean" or "light," which can lead to underfueling and hurt their performance.

A recent study found that over 40% of women marathoners were underfueled, compared to fewer than 20% of men. This can lead to a condition called RED-S, which causes hormone depletion and other health problems.

A Growing Movement

Howard isn't the only one fighting for change. She's part of a growing movement of women athletes who are pushing back against unrealistic beauty standards and advocating for more comfortable, practical uniforms. She's also working with ASICS to launch the "Undropped Kit," a new uniform designed with girls' comfort and confidence in mind.

The Message

The message is clear: girls don't need to be told what to wear. They need options that let them focus on playing, not on how they look while doing it. It's a simple idea, but it's one that could change the game for women in sports.