Breaking Barriers: The Ongoing Battle Against Sexism in Sportswear

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made significant strides towards gender equality in recent years. The 2020 Olympic Games saw the addition of 15 new sports and an increase in mixed disciplines from 9 to 18. This included the introduction of rowing, canoeing, boxing, sailing, and shooting as mixed-gender events, which were previously male-only. However, while discussions about women’s participation in certain sports and their ability to perform specific tricks continue, the conversation about sports dress codes often remains overlooked.

Criticism and Double Standards in Sports Attire

Women in sports often face criticism for their attire, while male athletes enjoy much more freedom in their clothing choices. Organizations advocating against sexism argue for standardized outfits at official events to minimize gender differences, and sports competitions provide an excellent platform to initiate this change. The Olympics, being one of the most prominent global events, has been criticized for perpetuating sexist prejudices and stereotypes.

Ageist remarks are not uncommon in sports coverage. For instance, commentators might label a 28-year-old female judoka as “too old for a woman.” Additionally, female athletes often face scrutiny over their personal lives, with statements like, “She didn’t perform well, probably due to her recent breakup with her boyfriend.” Even female commentators are not immune to this criticism. British presenter Helen Skelton faced a barrage of condemning statements for wearing a “too revealing” outfit at the Rio Olympics.

Olympic Team Uniforms: A Reflection of Gender Bias

Olympic team uniforms often differ significantly from the attire athletes compete in. Many countries collaborate with renowned designers to enhance their image. For example:

Ralph Lauren designed the American team’s uniform for the Rio Olympics.
Lacoste designed for the French team.
Stella McCartney, in collaboration with Adidas, created the British collection.
The Russian Olympic athletes’ uniform was developed by Zasport.

While other countries focused on protecting their athletes from mosquito bites and the Zika virus during the Brazil Olympics, Russian designers from Bosco “emphasized femininity” by creating dresses that exposed the legs of female athletes. These outfits provided no protection from the scorching sun or insect bites. Fortunately, this year’s Russian athletes’ uniforms are more minimalistic and comfortable.

Progress and Misunderstandings in Sports Attire

Since the 2008 Beijing Games, many national teams have abandoned ultra-short shorts and skirts for their athletes. In 2016, Fox News sparked a debate on whether female athletes should wear makeup during competitions. The conclusion was that both genders should adhere to the same standards, not express their orientation, and not emphasize their appearance, detracting from their actual sports achievements.

Over the past five years, discussions have arisen about certain countries being unable to participate in specific competitions due to dress codes. For instance, burqini swimsuits have only been allowed since 2017, and even then, not for all events. The ban was not gender-specific; the rules stated that athletes’ attire should not express any political, religious, or personal statements.

At the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad competed in a hijab, becoming the first American to do so in a Muslim headscarf. Progress is being made on all fronts: in 2012, the International Volleyball Federation changed the dress code for beach volleyball. Under the old rules, women were required to compete exclusively in bikinis or swimsuits. Now, they can wear t-shirts and shorts. Activists have proven that the old dress code requirements were nothing more than an emphasis on the athletes’ bodies rather than their comfort, which enhances performance.

Perception and Progress in Women’s Sports Attire

Not all women feel the need for equal rules. In February 2018, Russian media dubbed 24-year-old golfer Paige Spiranac the “sexiest golfer.” Articles about her were titled: “I’m too beautiful, so other players don’t take me seriously.” When someone comes onto the field in leggings instead of pants, it feels like the end of the world. I’ve always had a different style of dress. And I feel like I don’t belong here. And it’s tough because I’m a good player.

The problem is that the athlete herself violated an already adequate dress code: in golf, it is prohibited to wear tank tops, t-shirts, and women’s tops, and it is even more unacceptable to be on the field in swimsuits. Female golfers are allowed to complement their outfit with a special skirt, but only in combination with polo shirts that cover the shoulders.

Sports stores support this trend, as seen even on the Nike website. Paige ignored the recommendations and, with her attire, distracted attention from her own professionalism. It all seems quite logical: when you break established rules without good reason, people will not respect that.

The Fight Against Gender Stereotypes in Sports

There is still much to fight against gender stereotypes rooted in phrases like “You run like a girl” or “That jump looked manly, and therefore ugly.” Even amateur sports are often considered a male domain, associated with struggle and self-overcoming—allegedly exclusively male qualities. Fortunately, society is progressing, and we can expect fair treatment of women in sports in the near future.

In conclusion, while significant strides have been made towards gender equality in sports, there is still much work to be done. From dress codes to societal perceptions, the fight against sexism in sportswear and sports, in general, is far from over. However, with continued efforts and awareness, we can hope for a future where female athletes are judged solely on their athletic prowess and not their appearance or attire.

For further reading on the fight against gender stereotypes, visit UN Women.