For too long, women athletes have had to make do with scaled-down versions of men’s kits or ill-fitting unisex designs. But here’s the reality: proper fit isn’t just about comfort, it’s about performance, confidence, and respect for women’s sport. Whether you’re kitting out a netball squad, football team, or hockey club, understanding why fit matters could be the difference between your players performing at their best or being held back by their own kit.
The Problem with “Shrink It and Pink It”
We’ve all seen it. The women’s team gets issued a kit that’s essentially a men’s design in smaller sizes, perhaps with a splash of pink for good measure. The shoulders are too wide, the torso too long, the arms cut for a body shape entirely different. Players tug at their shirts during matches, constantly adjust straps, or feel restricted in their movements. This approach doesn’t just fail women athletes; it undermines their performance.
Women’s bodies have different proportions from men’s bodies. That’s not controversial, it’s simple anatomy. Women typically have narrower shoulders, longer torsos relative to their legs, different hip-to-waist ratios, and varying bust sizes that require specific accommodation. When teamwear is designed with these realities in mind, the difference is transformative.
How Poor Fit Impacts Performance
Think about what happens when a player’s kit doesn’t fit properly. A loose shirt that constantly rides up means they’re distracted, pulling at the fabric when they should be focused on the game. Shorts that are too long or cut for a different hip shape can restrict movement during crucial moments. Sports bras integrated into tops that don’t provide adequate support lead to discomfort that affects concentration and performance.
The impact goes beyond the physical. When players don’t feel confident in their kit, when they’re self-conscious about how it fits or constantly adjusting it, that mental energy is stolen from the game. Proper fit contributes to that essential feeling of being “ready to play”. When your kit feels like a second skin, you can forget about it entirely and focus on what matters.
Temperature regulation is another crucial factor. Women generally have different thermoregulation patterns than men, and a properly fitting kit allows for better air circulation and moisture management. Fabric that’s too tight restricts airflow; fabric that’s too loose doesn’t wick sweat effectively. The right fit optimises both.
What Proper Fit Looks Like
So what should you be looking for when selecting women’s teamwear? Start with the shoulders. They should sit at the natural shoulder point, not droop down the arms or pull across the back. The armholes should allow a full range of motion without excess fabric bunching underneath.
For tops, look for a cut that accommodates the bust without being baggy elsewhere. Modern women’s teamwear often features darting or shaping that provides room where needed, whilst maintaining a streamlined fit through the waist. The length should be appropriate too; long enough to stay tucked in during play, but not so long that it bunches uncomfortably.
Shorts and skorts (for sports like netball and tennis) should sit comfortably at the natural waist or hips, depending on the style, without gaping or digging in. The leg cut should allow a full range of motion for running, jumping, and lateral movements. For sports that require sliding or diving, reinforced areas should be positioned to support women’s body mechanics.
Don’t overlook the importance of proper integration or compatibility with sports bras. Whether it’s built into the top or worn separately, adequate support is non-negotiable for performance and long-term health.
The Confidence Factor
There’s something powerful about putting on a kit that actually fits. It sends a message: this was made for you, for your sport, for your body. Not adapted, not compromised, but designed with intention. That psychological boost translates directly into how players carry themselves on the pitch or court.
For clubs, investing in properly fitted women’s teamwear demonstrates respect for your female athletes. It shows that the club values them equally and understands their specific needs. This isn’t a trivial point; it affects recruitment, retention, and team morale. Players talk, and word spreads about clubs that get the details right.
Making the Right Choice for Your Club
Selecting teamwear might fall to committee members or volunteers who aren’t always sure where to start. The good news is that reputable teamwear suppliers understand these challenges and have developed women-specific ranges based on extensive research and athlete feedback.
When evaluating options, don’t just look at sizing charts. Consider the actual cut and construction. Ask about the design process; was it developed specifically for women, or adapted from men’s designs? Request samples in various sizes so your players can actually try them on. What looks fine on a mannequin might not work for real athletes in motion.
Pay attention to fabric technology, too. Modern performance fabrics offer moisture-wicking, stretch, and durability, but these features only work optimally when the fit is right. The best fabric in the world won’t perform if the garment is constantly shifting or restricting movement.
See the Difference for Yourself
The proof, as they say, is in the wearing. If you’re responsible for selecting kit for your women’s or girls’ team, the best way to understand the importance of proper fit is to experience it firsthand.
Ready to see what a proper fit can do for your team? Apply for a free sample from OSO Teamwear today.