A staggering 64 percent of girls abandon sports by the age of 16, prompting an uncomfortable question: can the primary reason be attributed to the lack of suitable and comfortable clothing? For female athletes, ill-fitting kit can exacerbate insecurities, fuel anxiety, and even trigger online abuse, with criticism often aimed at their bodies rather than their performance. However, a change is underway, driven by the voices of athletes and the responsiveness of manufacturers and governing bodies.
The introduction of inclusive kit choices is challenging traditional norms, and the goal is to reverse the alarming drop-off in female participation in sports. England Netball international Razia Quashie has witnessed the positive impact of these changes, which offer players a range of options beyond the traditional netball dress, including leggings, varied-length shorts, skorts, and longer vests. This shift has been transformative for Quashie, who no longer feels compelled to wear a dress when she's not comfortable.
The importance of comfortable and fitting kit is echoed by Quashie's teammate Izzi Phillips, who emphasizes the need to remove anxieties related to appearance and focus on the love of the sport. Other teams, such as Loughborough Lightning, have also introduced greater kit choice, with players welcoming the move. The issue of restrictive kit affects confidence, and Lightning captain Nat Panagarry stresses the importance of feeling comfortable in what you're wearing.
The 'I Wish I Knew' campaign launched by England Netball aims to tackle the female health knowledge gap, breaking down stigmas and empowering girls to ask questions about female health. As the sport of netball leads the way in promoting inclusivity and comfort, other sports are also undergoing changes, from female-specific football boots to adjustable sports bras and shorts replacing skorts in hockey.
In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya has developed a satin-lined scrum cap to protect hair on the playing field, providing total freedom and comfort for players.