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Recent research highlights how sportswear design holds women back in professional sports. Many female athletes struggle with poor fit and discomfort, which directly affect their performance on the field. Although the solution seems simple, the sports world still resists change. So what’s really happening, and how can this issue be solved? According to the researchers, the answer is clear…
Women’s sportswear is uncomfortable
In recent years, the discussion around women’s sports clothing has gained momentum. White shorts, often worn during matches, remain a major concern for many athletes. In 2022 and 2023, several women’s football teams spoke out, explaining that these shorts feel uncomfortable during menstruation. Tennis players at Wimbledon also raised their voices, which eventually led to the end of the all-white clothing rule.
However, the issue goes beyond just the color of the clothing.Therefore, researchers at Victoria University in Australia conducted a survey of 286 female athletes. The women ranged in age from 15 to 80, with 33-year-olds forming the average age. Of the group, 250 women were competing at a professional level.
It’s striking that 61% of the women for whom sports is their profession feel uncomfortable in the clothing they have to wear. Among those who pursued sports as a hobby, this figure was even 67%. And 82% of the total group would feel more comfortable if they could choose their own clothing.
How sportswear design holds women back in professional sports
To pinpoint exactly where things go wrong, the study also examined what was missing in the clothing. It turns out that the fit is especially poor. The clothing doesn’t fit well and is often not designed for women. Female athletes had to wear unisex clothing, which, as we now know, is made for the male body.
Many athletes also find the lack of choices frustrating. Sizes are often limited, which makes it difficult to find clothing that fits well. Designers frequently overlook seasonal needs, so women sometimes have to train in shorts and short sleeves—even in winter. Just like in previous years, this research confirms that many women dislike wearing white clothing.
Fortunately, the study didn’t just focus on the problems but also explored potential solutions. The athletes clearly know what they want. They suggest designing clothing that suits the female body—without being overly tight or revealing. Stretch fabrics and elastic waistbands also came up as preferred features for improved comfort.
Regarding freedom of choice, a layered system seems to be the answer. If there’s a choice between long-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, trousers, jackets, and leggings, it becomes more enjoyable to exercise in different weather conditions.
Solutions are within reach
It all sounds simple, so why hasn’t the problem been solved by now? The existence of unisex clothing already hints at the issue. The sports world remains male-dominated, which means women often end up wearing gear designed for men. Many companies still don’t consider that women need a different fit.
In the report, the researchers point to sports clothing manufacturers, urging them to use these insights to improve their products. But that conclusion feels weak. Manufacturers simply respond to demand. You see the same thing in the world of functional workwear. If customers don’t specifically ask for women’s fits, companies won’t bother producing them. That’s also why some brands still only offer men’s clothing, the demand seems too low to justify a change.
Fortunately, more and more women now speak up about the poor fit of their workwear. As a result, the women’s workwear market continues to grow.
It’s actually a chicken-and-egg story. Manufacturers want to make money and therefore respond to market demand. But the market needs to ask this question and not pretend it’s not there. Just look at the anti-leakage shorts Nike made for the World Cup. They received messages and listened to them.
In that regard, I think the sports world should take responsibility. Speak up and say what the problem is. You don’t need to educate manufacturers with research results. They know how to make clothing. Make sure women speak out and are heard. That’s ultimately the most important thing. Solutions will follow naturally.
Best regards,
Aileen