Are skimpy uniforms supposed to make women run faster….?

Runners, is this a design that would actually help you run faster? Or are we tackling a whole ‘nother issue here? 👀

 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

It’s not giving anatomically functional

Love how the top zips for easy on and off, BUT THE GUSSET. It’s so small that it somehow gave a mannequin cameltoe?! Honestly did not know that was even possible.

Is minimal coverage meant to increase speed? Aerodynamics somehow? Were women in the room during the design process?

Concern aside, the comments did not disappoint

It’s pretty clear that we’re all on the same page…

The real question…

Jokes aside, there’s a real conversation we need to have about the design differences between men’s and women’s uniforms. Are they different for functional purposes? Or are women’s uniforms designed to be skimpier because it draws spectatorship?

I have read several articles since that original IG post, and Nike has said they have many more styles of the Olympic track uniforms for the athletes to choose from. However no official statement (so far) on whether the design team working on that women’s kit consisted of any women.

nike olympic track uniforms mens and womens citius mag pace photo

Post credit: @citiusmag | Original image: @pacephoto

 

I do wonder what I would do…

Anyway, what do you think of the Nike Olympic track uniforms reveal? Let’s discuss in the comments!

7 thoughts on “Are skimpy uniforms supposed to make women run faster….?”

There are 7 comments posted by our users.

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  1. Emily says:

    Yes, these uniforms were designed by men and are not modest. But, I have a few things to say. First, not every man wants to see random women wearing scanty clothing. Every male in my family agrees with this. Secondly, women often choose to wear immodest clothing. Look at stars like Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, P!nk, etc. Thirdly, if the women athletes who have the wear the uniform disliked it, I would think they would protest the design. And there is multiple choices for uniform.

  2. Chloe Sanders says:

    I think that women should have a uniform that is anti camel toe and is gonna be full coverage like a pair of Nike pro shorts in the bottom. I think a man designed the uniform based on swimsuits. Thinks both the base men have shirts and women have tiny fabric. Sounds sexist to me. As a truck runner , I would not run in that. It looks un comfy and if you watch Olympics most of the time the camera zooms on butts because of “men” teleprompters but anyway. Change the design!!! I will sign the petition

  3. MD says:

    I agree, the gusset and mannequin choice was awful. But the athletes do have multiple options to choose from luckily. I think it’s wrong to suggest that these uniforms are made for the male gaze. We should trust these women (they are professional athletes after all) are making the best decision for their optimal performance and empower them to compete in what they feel best in. Katie Moon (@ktnago13), a pole vaulter, made a post about this and explained it very gracefully.

  4. Eliza says:

    I can feel the wedgie through the screen, ouch…
    But in all seriousness I feel like women are sexualized on a day to day basis with no explanation already. This is basically giving a free show, which is a violation of our women’s athlete privacy, even Tara (a track and field runner was confused). And the fact that there are NO WOMEN on the design team just shows that things need to change, because obviously they didn’t consider or care about the unpleasant experience this would give the women athletes, but definitely made sure the males were well covered. And side bar I think you would’ve killed the design Cassie lol.

  5. K says:

    Brené Brown has a a new podcast about this. Women’s sports attire and make-up (why???) of dance, cheer, and gymnastics are purely for the male gaze and of course the science backs it up. Now running?! At least, it’s targeted at grown women instead of tiny children that never had the chance to know better.

    1. Kathy says:

      Can you share a link to that podcast? I’d love to listen to it!

      1. Sylvia Mahmood says:

        hi! i think this is the link to the podcast- hope you enjoy <3

        https://open.spotify.com/show/4P86ZzHf7EOlRG7do9LkKZ?si=1698497541184595