Unisex Uniform Designs - A Barrier to Adolescent Girls Participating in Physical Activity

Image: The Conversation, 2018.

Did you know that sport uniforms can stop girls from participating in physical activity?

For many adolescent girls, sport uniforms can make them feel embarrassed about their physical appearances or that their bodies are on display. The look of the uniform, the materials that it is made out of, and how it fits can all be reasons why adolescent girls do not feel comfortable participating in sports.

In a recent research study, it was proven that girls aged 14 years have 27 per cent less confidence than boys who are the same age. (YPulse as cited in Kids News, 2020).

A reason why adolescent girls may not want to participate in sports is because they may not meet society’s beauty standards. This possible reason may stem from girls’ fears of being teased by their peers or feelings of self-consciousness.

Image: Freepik, 2021.

Girls want to wear uniforms that will make them feel comfortable and confident and support their performances.

What do girls want?

Choice

It is important that girls have the choice to select clothes to wear that resonates with their personalities and individual values. Girls want to be provided with the choice to wear alternative clothing for different sports and different seasons, such as winter and summer. They want to wear clothes that provide them with optimal comfort and support and enhance their performances.

Image: The Wolfpacket, 2021.

Dark coloured uniform

It is important that girls’ needs are considered when schools and local clubs establish uniform requirements. Girls need to be able to wear a uniform that is made out of a thick material to ensure that their underwear cannot be seen. Local clubs should allow girls to wear dark coloured uniform to hide their underwear and disguise their period.

Fitted uniforms

Girls want to wear clothes that are designed specifically for girls and are not unisex designs. It is important that girls can wear shorts or pants that fit their bodies and singlets or long sleeve tops that fit their top half (breasts and stomach). Girls want to wear clothes that are comfortable and do not expose certain parts of their bodies.

Image: ABC News, 2021.

Ready for sport

When in an appropriate and correct uniform, girls should be ready to participate in physical activity. Uniforms should be designed to support and enhance participants’ performances. This means that uniforms should contain a stretchy material, such as elastane, to allow girls to move their bodies freely. Uniforms should also include a feature that minimises, or hides sweat.

What can parents do?

Have a conversation with your daughter about her sport uniform. Invite her to discuss her thoughts and emotions about the topic.

Review the uniform requirements that your daughter must follow. It is important to see that your child is provided with alternative options and choices to wear clothes that empower her.

Image: Uniforms School Blogger, 2021.

Facilitate a conversation or meeting with your daughter’s school or local club and ask them about their uniform requirements. It is important that they hear your concerns – tell them that girls need to be provided with alternative uniform options and freedom of choice.

Recommend #BantheBikini to your daughter’s school or local clubs. We can provide them with an abundance of resources and assistance to help support them create a new and inclusive uniform policy.

References

ABC News. (2021). German gymnastics team, tired of 'sexualisation,' wears unitards at Tokyo Olympics [photograph]. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-26/german-gymnastics-unitards-tokyo-olympic-games/100322610

Freepik. (2021). Low self-esteem with woman and mirror Free Victor [photograph]. https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/low-self-esteem-with-woman-mirror_10988144.htm

Kids News. (2020). Are uncomfortable uniforms forcing girls to quit sport? https://www.kidsnews.com.au/sport/are-uncomfortable-uniforms-forcing-girls-to-quit-sport/news-story/ecb46f5c8d4fc284423fa44077bb5fe0

The Conversation. (2018). Girls are being denied access to certain sports in PE simply because of their gender [photograph]. https://theconversation.com/girls-are-being-denied-access-to-certain-sports-in-pe-simply-because-of-their-gender-106471

The Wolfpack. (2021). From spandex to skirts: sexism is rooted in female athletes' uniforms [photograph]. https://thewolfpacket.org/6550/sports/from-spandex-to-skirts-sexism-is-rooted-in-female-athletes-uniforms/

Uniforms Blogger. (2021). Uniform policies and dress codes at U.S. schools [photograph]. https://uniformsschoolaaswa.blogspot.com/2015/08/school-uniform-policy-facts.html