The statistics are sobering: nearly two‑thirds of girls—64 percent—stop playing sport by the time they turn 16. This sharp drop‑off forces a difficult question onto the sporting community. When countless female athletes are still expected to perform in uniforms that are ill‑fitting, unflattering, and uncomfortable, is it any wonder that young women are stepping away from the game?
For women in sport, the problem extends far beyond looks. Clothing that does not fit properly can amplify insecurities, heighten anxiety, and even invite online harassment that targets bodies rather than abilities.
When athletes are judged for how they appear in a garment they never chose, the focus shifts from performance to appearance, creating a hostile environment that drives many to quit. Fortunately, momentum for change is finally building.
Athletes are speaking up, and manufacturers, leagues, and governing bodies are beginning to listen. Inclusive kit options are being rolled out, long‑standing uniform 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 illustrates how these developments are already making a difference for herself and for the next wave of players.
This season, the London Mavericks became the first Super League side to offer a range of uniform alternatives, moving beyond the classic netball dress. Options now include leggings, varied‑length shorts, skorts, and longer vests, all of which can be worn in training and on match day.
For a defender like Quashie, the ability to choose what she wears has been transformative. "As a larger‑framed player, it’s a relief to know I don’t have to force myself into a dress that makes me uncomfortable," Quashie told Sky Sports.
"Outside of match days I wear leggings year‑round, no matter the weather. Working in a school, I see that 58 % of the girls in PE want better kit. Some aren’t comfortable in skorts, so being a role model with inclusive options matters a lot." Quashie’s experience underscores how restrictive kit can damage confidence.
In earlier seasons, she was handed dresses that were too short, exposing her underwear and inviting unkind comments on social media. "I didn’t have a choice; the kit was assigned to me," she explained. "When you’re bigger and the uniform reveals more than you’d like, it becomes a painful spotlight on insecurities." Her teammate Izzi Phillips, a 20‑year‑old rising star for England, echoed that sentiment.
"We know 64 % of girls quit sport by 16, and we want to remove any anxiety that pushes them away. When you’re on the court you should only be thinking about the game—how to beat the opposition, how to be your best—not about how you look. Removing those barriers lets girls stay for the love of the sport." London Mavericks are not alone in this shift.
Ahead of the new campaign, Loughborough Lightning also introduced broader kit choices, a move praised by the entire squad. Captain Nat Panagarry summed up the issue succinctly: "Netball players come in all shapes and sizes. Giving everyone the same dress means some get a garment that’s too short, others get something that looks like a tent. Players need to feel comfortable in what they wear so they can focus on the game, not on pulling their dress down or worrying about exposed shorts in photos." Teammate Beth Durant added that tight, ill‑designed kit can "get in my head" and affect performance.
"I love longer shorts because they let me play without distraction. Comfort isn’t just for training; it matters for gym sessions, runs, and everyday life. When you feel good in your clothing, confidence follows, and that’s true for many women and girls." Beyond uniform redesign, England Netball launched the "I Wish I Knew" campaign last September to address the female health knowledge gap.
The initiative aims to break down stigmas surrounding menstruation, pelvic health, and other topics, empowering young athletes to ask questions openly. Mavericks player Kira Rothwell described the program as eye‑opening: "We’ve learned a lot about period care and pelvic health, which is vital because many girls miss training due to pain and lack of support.
Even as a medical student, I hadn’t received this education before. Understanding our bodies helps us stay in sport and reminds us we’re people first, athletes second." Netball’s influence is significant: with more than 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million participants in England, the sport is setting a precedent for inclusive equipment.
Yet similar progress is occurring across other disciplines. Female‑specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and the replacement of skorts with shorts in hockey illustrate a broader industry trend toward customization. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya is driving innovation from the grassroots level. After helping the Red Roses secure a World Cup title, Kabeya collaborated with equipment maker Gilbert to create a satin‑lined scrum cap that protects hair while keeping curls intact.
"As a South London girl with afro‑curly hair, I’m used to wearing satin bonnets to protect my hair," she explained. "Integrating a satin layer into a scrum cap lets me stay focused on the game without worrying about hair damage." Kabeya believes such adaptations are crucial for retaining girls in sport. "When you have to wear gear ten sizes too big, it’s a barrier.
Providing comfortable, culturally relevant kit helps young black girls see themselves represented. If you can’t see someone like you, you struggle to imagine yourself there. Inclusive equipment fosters a sense of belonging and makes staying in sport easier." Overall, the movement toward diverse, body‑positive kit is reshaping the athletic landscape. By offering choices that respect different body types, cultural backgrounds, and personal comfort, governing bodies are tackling a key factor behind early dropout rates.
The combined effect of better uniforms, health education, and visible role models promises to keep more girls engaged in sport, ensuring the next generation can thrive on talent and passion rather than being sidelined by ill‑fitting clothing.