The statistics are sobering: roughly 64 percent of girls stop playing sport by the time they turn 16. Such a high dropout rate forces us to ask a difficult question—are we, as a sporting community, unintentionally pushing young women away? For many female athletes, the problem goes far beyond the look of a uniform.
When the gear they are required to wear is ill‑fitting, unflattering, or simply uncomfortable, it can amplify personal insecurities, increase anxiety, and even invite unwanted online criticism that targets bodies rather than performance. In recent years, however, the tide is turning.
Athletes are speaking up, manufacturers are listening, and governing bodies are finally adapting to a more inclusive mindset. The result is a growing range of kit options that promise to reverse the alarming drop‑out figures highlighted by Women in Sport’s research two years ago.
Take England Netball star Razia Quashie as a vivid example. This season, her club, the London Mavericks, broke new ground by becoming the first Super League side to offer a genuine choice of attire. No longer limited to the traditional netball dress, players can now select from leggings, various lengths of shorts, skorts, and longer vests for both training and match play.
For Quashie, who has earned 29 caps for England, the impact has been life‑changing. "As a bigger‑bodied player, it’s a relief to know I don’t have to wear a dress that makes me uncomfortable," she told Sky Sports. "Outside of match day I’m in leggings year‑round, regardless of the weather. Working in a school, I see that 58 percent of girls want better PE kit, and many feel uneasy in skorts.
Being able to model a more inclusive option is powerful for them." Quashie’s experience underscores how restrictive clothing can erode confidence. In earlier seasons, she was forced to wear dresses that often exposed her underwear, drawing harsh comments on social media—a situation she had no control over. "When you’re larger‑framed and the kit doesn’t fit, it highlights insecurities you’d rather keep private," she explained.
"It creates a hostile environment that can push girls out of the sport entirely." Her teammate, 20‑year‑old rising star Izzi Phillips, shares the same mission. "We know 64 percent of girls quit by 16, and we want to eliminate any anxiety that contributes to that figure," Phillips said.
"When you’re on the court you should focus on strategy and skill, not on how your outfit looks or feels. Removing those barriers encourages participation for the love of the game." The Mavericks are not alone in this movement.
Loughborough Lightning recently introduced a comparable range of options, prompting captain Nat Panagarry to voice a common sentiment: "Netball athletes come in all shapes and sizes. A one‑size‑fits‑all dress either ends up too short for some or looks like a tent for others. Players need to feel comfortable in what they wear so they can concentrate on the sport, not on constantly adjusting their kit." Teammate Beth Durant echoed that sentiment, noting that overly tight shorts can become a mental distraction. "I prefer longer shorts because they let me play without worrying about exposure," she said.
"Comfort translates into confidence, and that’s something many women and girls seek on the court." Beyond clothing, England Netball launched the ‘I Wish I Knew’ campaign last September to close the female‑health knowledge gap. The initiative tackles topics such as pelvic health, menstrual care, and general wellbeing, encouraging athletes to discuss these issues openly.
Mavericks’ Kira Rothwell described the program as eye‑opening: "We’re learning about period pain, cycle management, and pelvic health—information that was missing even in my medical training. Many junior players miss games because of menstrual discomfort and receive little guidance beyond taking the pill. This education is vital because we are people first, athletes second." With over 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million participants nationwide, netball is leading the charge, but similar changes are rippling through other sports.
Female‑specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and the replacement of skorts with shorts in hockey illustrate a broader shift toward athlete‑centred design. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya has pioneered a satin‑lined scrum cap to protect afro‑curly hair on the field.
"Growing up in South London, keeping my hair neat was essential," Kabeya explained. "Combining a satin headscarf with a scrum cap gave me freedom to focus entirely on the game without worrying about hair damage." Kabeya believes that such innovations are crucial for retaining girls in sport, especially those from under‑represented backgrounds.
"When young black girls see equipment that reflects their needs, they feel a stronger sense of belonging. If you can’t see yourself in the sport, you’re less likely to stay. Providing inclusive kit removes a major obstacle and signals that the sport values every player." In summary, the surge of inclusive kit choices and health‑focused education is reshaping the sporting landscape for women and girls.
By listening to athletes like Quashie, Phillips, Panagarry, and Kabeya, governing bodies and manufacturers are crafting solutions that prioritize comfort, confidence, and cultural relevance. These developments promise not only to curb the alarming dropout rate but also to foster a generation of athletes who can thrive without compromising their identity or wellbeing. The revolution in kit choice is more than a fashion statement; it is a vital step toward a more equitable, supportive, and sustainable future for sport.