Why FIFA Women's World Cup teams ditched white shorts
The much-anticipated final of the FIFA Women's World Cup ended with Spain securing a 1-0 victory against England in a thrilling match on Sunday, August 20. However, this year marked a notable change for England and several other teams that went beyond the final score. What was it? They were no longer burdened by concerns related to playing during their menstrual cycles.
Gave it everything. Made us dream. Inspired the nation.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 20, 2023
Proud 💙 pic.twitter.com/CsPqmNJC2s
The shift
A significant change has emerged – an acknowledgment of women's comfort and subsequent enhancements. If you tuned in to the Women's World Cup this year, you would have noticed that many teams, including the finalists England, discarded their usual white shorts in favor of blue kits.
The reasoning behind the change
The motive is straightforward – the elimination of worries about playing in white shorts during menstruation.
- This shift encompassed teams such as Canada, France, Nigeria, and South Korea.
- Although a few teams, like Zambia and the Philippines, adhered to light-colored shorts during this year's tournament.
This shift is part of an expanding pattern, not exclusive to football that seeks to address concerns around menstrual anxiety or trying to make 'work' uniform for comfortable.
This transition aligns with a growing trend, not confined to football alone, that seeks to address concerns surrounding menstrual discomfort and enhance comfort in 'work' uniforms.
The concept for England's dark shorts
The notion of adopting dark-colored shorts for England was introduced three months prior to the World Cup – in April 2023 – and several countries followed suit.
However, a reminder
For the finals, England switched to an all-blue (light) shorts and T-shirt ensemble, as the alternative option (dark navy shorts with a white T-shirt) clashed with the colors of Spain's shorts.
It's important to note that this shift wasn't limited to football alone; another significant alteration transpired this year – at Wimbledon.
The Wimbledon evolution
For an extended duration, Wimbledon staunchly upheld its dress code regulations, permitting accessories only in 2014.
A historical glance
- Tracing back to the inaugural Wimbledon tournament in 1877, participants were mandated to sport all-white attire. Any hues resembling off-white or ivory were sternly forbidden.
- The guidelines permitted only "a single trim of color," limited to no more than a centimeter in length, to appear on the neckline or sleeve.
- Women were initially admitted to compete at Wimbledon in 1884, adhering to similarly stringent rules.
In recent times, influential figures in the sport, including legendary player Billie Jean King and Judy Murray, mother of professional player Andy Murray, have advocated for revisions to the rule concerning undershorts.
Definitely something that affects female athletes! Finally bringing it to everyone’s attention! Not to mention the mental stress of having to wear all white at Wimbledon and praying not to have your period during those two weeks. https://t.co/PzyHnPlSJk
— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) May 31, 2022
This June, the modification finally materialized, permitting women to wear black undershorts with their dresses instead of white, for the obvious reason – to alleviate discomfort when playing in white during menstruation.
The aviation sector
Another sector catching on to the trend of prioritizing comfort in women's uniforms is the aviation industry.
How? Female crew members were traditionally expected to wear high heels, tight skirts, and tightly styled buns. However, many airlines are now embracing change and introducing more practical outfit options.
For example, in June 2023, Qantas Airways allowed their female crew to opt for flats instead of heels while retaining their existing uniforms.
Another instance is India's newest airline, Akasa Air, which adopted similar uniforms for both males and females, including sneakers, trousers, and jackets.
British Airways also garnered attention with its first uniform overhaul in two decades, introducing jumpsuits and hijabs as part of the ensemble choices available to its crew members.