Uniforms

The type of uniforms available can have a significant impact on women and girls’ participation in sport, especially for players and officials. ^{69, 122, 123, 124}

Research indicates that when uniforms make women, and especially girls, feel uncomfortable – physically, psychologically, or culturally – it can lead to them dropping out, or not starting to participate at all. ^{27, 69, 118, 122, 125, 126}

Ill-fitting or uniforms that aren’t designed for women may also be contributing to injuries, especially in professional or elite sports. This has led some manufacturers and peak bodies to look more closely at how the design of equipment and uniforms (e.g., shoes, bras, shorts, etc.) can be improved, and what impacts this can have on performance. ^{127, 128, 114}

What women want

Research from Victoria University (2021, 2024) found that the type of uniforms available to women and girls when deciding to play sport or officiate are a critical factor in making them feel confident to participate: ^{69, 122}

• Having choice in uniforms is very important.
• Over 80% of adolescent girls would prefer to wear t-shirts and shorts, rather than other tops and skirts.
• Over 60% of adolescent girls prefer to wear dark coloured bottoms during sport.
• 82% of female officials would feel more confident officiating if they could wear their preferred uniform.
• Uniform preferences vary from state-to-state - girls and young women from the Northern Territory were 16% less likely to prefer wearing tracksuit pants or leggings, while in Western Australia 53% were less likely to prefer wearing singlets for sport outside school, compared with girls from Victoria (63%) and NSW (72%).

Females of all ages, but especially younger women, want: ^{27, 69, 122}

• Uniforms that make them feel ready for sport.
• Clothing that fits them well and isn’t unisex (e.g. ‘unisex’ shorts are generally designed for males).
• Dark coloured shorts/skirts/pants.
• Uniforms made from appropriate materials.
• Options that don’t make them feel exposed.

In response to research and feedback from players, officials, and other participants some sporting organisations have modified their uniform policies and guidelines to provide more inclusive and varied options at community and professional levels, especially for players. Some Australian examples include, netball, Australian football, swimming, gymnastics. ^{70, 71, 72, 73}

Resources and reading