Why Girls Don’t Want White Uniforms?

There seems to be a shift in uniforms for women’s sports. As female sports become more popular with the recent massive rise in NCAA Women’s basketball, soccer, and tennis, things are changing – and they are changing for the better. At iSport360, we have been talking about this for awhile and how it impacts the confidence of youth sports athletes.

The USA Soccer WNT changed their kit going from white shorts to blue. PopSugar reports on the subtle but meaningful change. iSport360 reported on why youth sports athletes are ditching white uniforms at the youth sports level.

Women’s sports are in a moment of transformation — and that includes their uniforms. The FIFA Women’s World Cup that was underway in Australia and New Zealand, you didn’t see many athletes wearing white shorts: teams are ditching them from their kits in an effort to be more mindful of how periods affect athletes, marking a huge win for women’s issues in sports.

Fear of Staining

One of the primary reasons girls may not want to wear white uniforms is the fear of staining. White uniforms are more likely to show sweat and dirt, and any stains can be difficult to remove. This is definitely not just a girl issue. This fear can lead to a lack of confidence on the field or court, as girls may be more focused on protecting their uniforms than playing their best.

Body Confidence

Girls may also feel self-conscious about wearing white uniforms, particularly if they are not comfortable with their bodies. Look good, play good – that is what I say. Players feel more confident when they look sharp.  White uniforms can be unforgiving and may highlight perceived flaws or imperfections. This can lead to a lack of confidence on the field or court and may even discourage some girls from participating in sports altogether.

Menstruation

This is the biggie. Another reason girls may not want to wear white uniforms is due to menstruation. For some girls, their period can be unpredictable, and they may be worried about the possibility of leakage or stains. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which can impact performance and overall enjoyment of the sport. Check out this blog post about wearing white shorts. Seriously guys?

Cultural or Religious Beliefs

In some cultures or religions, white may be associated with mourning or may be seen as immodest. Girls from these backgrounds may be uncomfortable wearing white uniforms and may prefer to wear more modest or culturally appropriate clothing.

Equipment Issues

Girls may also have issues with the equipment required to wear a white uniform. For example, some sports require girls to wear a specific type of sports bra, and finding a bra that is both supportive and not visible under a white uniform can be a challenge. Similarly, some girls may have difficulty finding white athletic shorts or socks that fit properly and are comfortable to wear.

There are several reasons why girls may not want to wear white uniforms for sports. Fear of staining, body confidence, menstruation, cultural or religious beliefs, and equipment issues are just a few examples. As coaches and parents, it is important to listen to these concerns and work with girls to find solutions that make them feel comfortable and confident on the field or court. Whether it’s allowing girls to wear colored undershirts or finding alternative uniform options, it’s essential to prioritize the comfort and confidence of young female athletes.

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About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.