Sports uniforms are meant to help athletes perform better, however when it comes to women’s uniforms, most of the time, they make playing sports harder. Across different sports, girls are expected to wear uniforms that are uncomfortable, impractical, and designed with actual athletic movement in mind. Instead of focusing completely on the game, athletes are stuck adjusting their uniforms throughout the game. 

In sports such as crew, female athletes often complain that unitards don’t fit correctly at all. Why is it that clothes that are seemingly made for women’s bodies don’t fit women’s bodies? Since schools usually order a limited range of sizes, especially public schools with smaller budgets, athletes are expected to “just deal with it” even when uniforms are too tight, loose, or uncomfortable to move in. The same problem occurs in sports like field hockey and lacrosse, where girls are expected to wear skirts while playing. Meanwhile, boys in the same sports get looser, more practical uniforms designed for movement and comfort.  

A lot of girls’ sports clothing also seems designed around appearance rather than performance. Tiny shorts, thin materials, and awkward fits are normalized in athletic competition to the point that athletes have accepted being uncomfortable. It makes no sense that in 2026, female athletes still must fight for uniforms that work for their sport. Athletes should not have to choose between feeling comfortable and following uniform rules. 

At the end of the day, sports uniforms should help athletes focus on playing their best, not forcing them to worry about whether their skirt is moving around, or whether their uniform fits properly. If schools and sports brands really want to support women’s athletics, they need to start listening to the athletes actually wearing the uniforms. •