The statistics are stark: roughly 64 percent of girls abandon sport by the time they turn sixteen. Such a high dropout rate prompts a difficult question about the environment in which young female athletes are expected to perform.
When many of these athletes are still forced to wear uniforms that are ill‑fitting, unflattering, and uncomfortable, it is perhaps unsurprising that a significant number choose to step away from the game. For women in sport, the problem extends far beyond mere appearance. Clothing that does not fit properly can amplify personal insecurities, heighten anxiety, and even provoke online harassment that targets bodies rather than athletic ability. Criticism over a player’s physique or the way a garment drapes across them can become a distraction that undermines confidence and performance.
Fortunately, momentum for change is finally gathering speed. Athletes are speaking up, and manufacturers as well as governing bodies are beginning to listen.
Inclusive uniform options are being rolled out, long‑standing traditions are being questioned, and there is hope that the alarming attrition rate highlighted by Women in Sport two years ago can be reversed. England Netball international Razia Quashie is already feeling the impact of these developments, both for herself and for the younger players looking up to her. This season, the London Mavericks became the first Super League club to offer a range of kit alternatives, moving beyond the classic netball dress.
Players can now choose from leggings, shorts of varying lengths, skorts, or longer vests for both training sessions and match play. For a defender like Quashie, the newfound freedom has been nothing short of transformative. "As one of the larger players, it’s a relief to know I don’t have to wear a dress when it makes me uncomfortable," Quashie told Sky Sports. "Outside of match day I wear leggings all year round – I’m a leggings person, rain or shine.
Working in a school, I see that 58 percent of girls want better PE kits; many aren’t comfortable in skorts. Being able to model a different option is important for them." Quashie’s experience underscores how restrictive kit can damage confidence.
In earlier seasons, poorly fitting dresses often exposed her underwear, inviting negative comments on social media – criticism she had no control over. "When you’re bigger‑framed and the uniform highlights insecurities you’re not proud of, it becomes a very unpleasant place to be," she explained. Her teammate, 20‑year‑old rising star Izzi Phillips, is determined to prevent similar issues for the next generation.
"We know 64 percent of girls quit sport by sixteen. We want to keep them in the game as long as possible and remove any anxieties that arise from what they have to wear," she said. "When you’re on the court you should be thinking about tactics and performance, not about how you look. Removing that barrier lets girls play for the love of the sport." London Mavericks are not the only club embracing choice.
Loughborough Lightning launched its own expanded kit programme ahead of the new season, a move that was welcomed by the entire squad. Captain Nat Panagarry summed up the issue succinctly: "Netball involves many body shapes. A one‑size‑fits‑all dress can be too short for some and look like a tent for others.
Players need to feel comfortable in what they wear, not worry about pulling a dress down or exposing shorts during a play." Teammate Beth Durant echoed this sentiment, noting that tight shorts can "get in my head". She prefers longer shorts because they help her feel confident both on the court and during everyday training activities such as gym work or runs.
"Comfort translates into confidence, and that’s what many girls and women seek," Durant said. Beyond clothing, England Netball introduced the "I Wish I Knew" campaign last September to address the female‑health knowledge gap.
The initiative aims to break down taboos and empower girls to ask open questions about menstrual health, pelvic health, and related topics. Mavericks player Kira Rothwell described the programme as eye‑opening: "There’s a big focus now on period care and pelvic health for athletes. Even as a medical student I hadn’t learned much about it.
If we had this information earlier, many girls wouldn’t have to miss training because of pain or lack of support." With more than 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million participants, netball in England is leading the way in inclusive sport. Yet similar innovations are emerging across other disciplines. Female‑specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and the replacement of skorts with shorts in hockey illustrate a broader shift toward gear that respects diverse bodies. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya is driving change from the grassroots level.
After helping the Red Roses win a World Cup, Kabeya collaborated with equipment maker Gilbert to develop a satin‑lined scrum cap that protects afro‑curly hair on the field. "Keeping my hair neat is important to me," she explained.
"The satin layer lets me focus on the game without worrying about hair damage." Kabeya believes that such small adjustments can have a huge impact on participation, especially for young Black girls who often lack visible role models. "If you can’t see yourself represented, it’s hard to imagine belonging. Providing appropriate kit helps them feel part of a team, which is critical for retaining them in sport," she said.
Overall, the movement toward flexible, body‑positive kit is reshaping the sporting landscape. By offering athletes the freedom to choose garments that fit their bodies and their comfort preferences, governing bodies and manufacturers are removing a hidden barrier that has contributed to high dropout rates among girls. When young athletes no longer have to worry about exposed underwear, ill‑fitting dresses, or uncomfortable headgear, they can focus on what truly matters: developing skills, enjoying competition, and staying in the sport for the long term.