Nearly two thirds of girls—about 64 percent—stop playing sport by the time they turn 16. That stark figure forces us to ask an uncomfortable question: when female athletes are still expected to wear uniform pieces that are ill‑fitting, unflattering, and uncomfortable, is it any wonder that many young women walk away from sport? For women in sport, the problem is about far more than looks.
A uniform that doesn’t fit properly can amplify personal insecurities, heighten anxiety, and even invite online harassment that targets bodies rather than performance. When the clothing itself becomes a source of criticism, it creates a hostile environment that pushes athletes out of the game.
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 traditions are being questioned, and the hope is that the alarming dropout rate highlighted by Women in Sport two years ago can be reversed. England Netball star Razia Quashie illustrates how these changes are already making a difference for herself and for the next generation of players. 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, longer shorts, skorts, and extended‑length vests for both training and match play. For a defender like Quashie, the impact has been transformative. "As a bigger‑bodied player, it feels liberating to know I don’t have to force myself into a dress that makes me uncomfortable," Quashie told Sky Sports.
"Outside of match day I wear leggings year‑round, no matter the weather. Working in a school, I see that 58 percent of the girls in PE would love better kit. Some aren’t comfortable in skorts, so being a role model matters." Quashie knows firsthand how restrictive clothing can erode confidence.
In earlier seasons, she was handed dresses that were too short, exposing her underwear and making her a target for unkind comments on social media. "There were seasons when my undershorts were visible most of the time, and the online remarks weren’t nice.
I had no choice; that was the kit I was given," she explained. "When you’re a larger athlete and the uniform highlights insecurities you’re not proud of, it becomes a very unpleasant experience." Her teammate, 20‑year‑old rising star Izzi Phillips, wants to ensure future players don’t face the same barriers.
"We know 64 percent of girls quit sport by 16, and we want to keep them involved as long as possible by removing anxiety around kit," Phillips said. "When you play sport you should focus on the game—how to beat the opposition, how to be your best—rather than worrying about how you look. Removing those insecurities opens the path for girls of any age to stay in sport for the love of it." London Mavericks are not the only club embracing choice.
Ahead of the new season, Loughborough Lightning introduced a broader kit palette, a move that was warmly received by the squad. Captain Nat Panagarry summed up the issue succinctly for Sky Sports: "Netball players come in all shapes and sizes. Giving everyone the same short dress means some get a garment that’s too tight, others get something that looks like a tent. Players need to feel comfortable in what they wear so they can concentrate on the game, not on pulling their dress down or worrying about exposed shorts." Teammate Beth Durant echoed that sentiment, noting how tight shorts can "get in my head." She added, "I love longer shorts because they let me feel happy and confident on the court.
Comfort matters not only in training but also when I’m at the gym or out for a run. When you feel good in your clothing, you perform better." Beyond inclusive kit, England Netball launched the "I Wish I Knew" campaign last September to close the female‑health knowledge gap. The initiative tackles stigmas around menstruation, pelvic health, and overall wellbeing, encouraging girls to ask questions openly. Mavericks midfielder Kira Rothwell described the program as an eye‑opener.
"There’s a big focus on pelvic health, period care, and understanding the menstrual cycle as athletes," she said. "Even as a medical student I hadn’t learned much about these topics in my training.
If we had this information earlier, many girls in junior pathways wouldn’t have missed training because of pain or lack of support. It reminds us that we are people first, athletes second." With more than 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million participants, netball in England is leading the way, but similar shifts are occurring across other sports.
Female‑specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and the replacement of skorts with shorts in hockey illustrate a broader industry trend toward customization and comfort. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya is championing innovation from the grassroots level. After helping England win a World Cup, Kabeya collaborated with equipment maker Gilbert to create a satin‑lined scrum cap that protects hair while keeping curls intact. "I grew up in South London, and protecting my afro‑curly hair with a satin bonnet was essential," she explained.
"Embedding a satin layer into a scrum cap lets me keep my hair neat and stay focused on the game." Kabeya stresses how such seemingly small adjustments can have a massive impact on participation, especially for young black girls who often lack visible role models. "If you can’t see yourself represented, you might think you don’t belong.
Providing kit that respects cultural hair needs helps players feel part of the team and encourages them to stay in the sport." Overall, the movement toward diverse, body‑positive kit options is reshaping the sporting landscape. By giving athletes the freedom to choose clothing that fits their bodies, respects their identities, and supports their health, leagues are removing a major barrier that has historically driven girls away from sport.
As more clubs adopt flexible uniform policies and health‑focused campaigns gain traction, the hope is that the dropout rate will decline, ensuring that the next generation of girls can enjoy sport without compromising comfort, confidence, or wellbeing.