A rule change for collegiate volleyball in 2020 prompted a promising future for athletes' comfort concerning their clothing. The rule change, since revised in 2024, states: “Uniform bottoms may differ provided all bottoms are the same color … Types of bottoms include spandex (of any length), gym-style shorts (of any length), pants of any length, or culottes.”
That rule was long overdue, with the only previous option being spandex shorts, which in many players' experiences, were uncomfortable to play in. The previous rule was also restrictive to players with religious and cultural backgrounds as well as those with a personal clothing preference.
Volleyball players are now allowed to wear bottoms they’re comfortable in, ultimately making them feel more comfortable while playing. This is a sentiment that should be taken as an example by all levels of sports play, as comfort and safety should be one of the top priorities for athletes.
Although athletes are encouraged to embrace discomfort for the sake of their performance, they should never have to face physical discomfort during play, which would in turn interfere with their performance.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a study supports this claim. “Thermoregulation is the process of regulating body temperature and is vital for maintaining athlete health and performance during exercise in the heat,” the study reads. “Sports clothing aims to mitigate the insulative effect of clothing to promote heat loss via sweat evaporation, whilst maintaining optimal comfort for the wearer.”
Through a scientific lens, that study proves certain athletic wear can make athletes' performance and overall health better through better ventilation and overall comfort. It can minimize injuries to an extent as well. For example, volleyball played in spandex shorts leaves players more prone to floor burns and bruising, whereas sporting leggings can prevent them.
Knox News goes on to state the traditional volleyball uniform was created to showcase feminine features in sports. The classic misogynistic comparison between uniforms would prove this further, showing men’s uniforms as loose-fitting tops and shorts and women’s as tight-fitting.
That still continues to plague sports, as this past summer, Nike was criticized for its highly revealing track and field leotards for women, so much so they earned the nickname, “Nike’s ‘hoo-ha’ uniforms.” Formally they had been defined as a combination of leotards worn by acrobats and costumes for Baywatch, just without the tights that were typically worn with them. Once again, another example of women having to worry about extra discomfort outside of the game or event ahead of them.
That occurrence with Nike wasn’t the only time either. The Olympics have long been criticized for the designs of several uniforms, specifically women’s, according to Women’s Health.
A study from Springer Open shows the extent of discomfort across all sports at every level. The results of the study showed that, “Positive body image in athletic uniforms is closely related to garment fit, rather than the categorization of lean or non-lean sports.”
Athletes in loose-fitting uniforms felt confident and comfortable during play, while sports with tight-fitting uniforms had commented on feeling the need to pull down tops and keep shorts from riding up. Participants also commented on the necessity for such revealing and uncomfortable uniforms.
In tandem with this discomfort, the result of feeling a certain way in a uniform can ultimately lead to someone feeling a certain way about their body image and self-esteem, contributing to mental and emotional discomfort as well as physical.
Sports across every level should take uniform design into account when it comes to supporting athletes. All sports should follow volleyball’s example in allowing athletes the choice of athletic wear to suit their personal needs and ultimately make them better and happier players on and off the court or field.
Abby Jenkins is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Abby know by tweeting her @abbyjenks18 or emailing her at aj205621@ohio.edu.
