A staggering 64% of girls abandon sports by the age of 16, prompting a disturbing question: are ill-fitting kits to blame? For female athletes, the issue extends beyond aesthetics, as poorly fitting kits can exacerbate insecurities, fuel anxiety, and even trigger online abuse. However, change is underway, with athletes' voices being heard and manufacturers and governing bodies adapting to the times. Inclusive kit choices are being introduced, challenging traditional norms and aiming to reverse the decline in female participation.

England Netball international Razia Quashie has witnessed the impact of these changes firsthand, with her team, London Mavericks, becoming the first Super League team to offer a range of kits, including leggings, varied-length shorts, skorts, and longer vests. This shift has been transformative for Quashie, who no longer feels forced to wear dresses that make her uncomfortable. She notes that comfort is essential, particularly for young girls who look up to her as a role model.

Quashie's teammate, Izzi Phillips, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to remove anxieties and obstacles that prevent girls from participating in sports. Other teams, such as Loughborough Lightning, have followed suit, introducing greater kit choices that cater to different body shapes and sizes. The importance of comfort and confidence is echoed by Lightning captain Nat Panagarry, who stresses that feeling at ease in one's kit is crucial for performance.

England Netball's 'I Wish I Knew' campaign has also been launched to address the female health knowledge gap, providing education and empowerment for girls to ask questions about their health. As the sports world continues to evolve, innovations such as female-specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and shorts replacing skorts in hockey are becoming more prevalent. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya has developed a satin-lined scrum cap to protect hair on the playing field, providing a sense of freedom and comfort for players. With over 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million people playing netball in England, the sport is leading the way in promoting inclusivity and comfort.

As Kabeya aptly puts it, 'everyone wants to be at their most comfortable when they're playing a sport they love.'