Women athletes around the world are fighting the uniform status quo, choosing what they want to wear during competition. From the Norwegian beach handball team to the German gymnastics Olympic team, women athletes are taking control of their uniforms.
There are many reasons why women athletes are changing their uniforms. Some female athletes report feeling vulnerable to objectifying remarks and catcalls due to their uniforms, negatively affecting their performance and overall well-being. Female athletes advocate for more practical and comfortable uniform options, such as shorts or looser bottoms, that do not compromise their performance or well-being.
It is important for women to choose their own uniforms because women’s dress codes in sport are determined by “traditions” that are both outdated and gendered. Their outfits have long tried to reconcile notions of “femininity” with those of “athleticism”, but this process has turned women into objects to be admired rather than being valued for their sporting skills. However, there is recent rebellion in the ranks. Slowly, female athletes are pushing back on outdated uniform regulations and demanding that athleticism be prioritized over aesthetics.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/style/womens-sports-uniforms-change.html