When it comes to being active, the significance of comfortable and well-fitting gear cannot be overstated, especially for young female athletes. Ill-fitting sportswear can hold you back, cause discomfort, and even lead to long-term health issues. Fortunately, several brands are now leading the way in designing innovative solutions that address these challenges.

From netball courts to hockey pitches, the gym to the running track, the demands on sportswear are not only functional but also crucial for performance and confidence.

The Problem

The female body changes every month, let alone over the course of adolescence. Changes in shape, size, and muscle development make it harder to find gear that fits properly & fulfils each young woman’s personal needs. Traditional sportswear & team kits often fail to truly accommodate diverse body types, leading to several key challenges:

• Lack of Support: Like a best friend…we want sportswear that supports us. Many sports bras, for example, do not provide the support needed during intense physical activity or you need several types to fulfil varying needs of diverse training formats.

• Restricted Movement: Ill-fitting sportswear, whether it’s too tight or too loose, can restrict movement and negatively affect performance. Athletes need gear that moves with them, offering a full range of motion without chafing or constricting.

• Discomfort and Irritation: Poorly designed fabrics or incorrectly sized clothing can cause chafing, pinching, or excessive sweating, distracting athletes from their game and leading to skin irritation or injury.

• Body Image and Confidence: The discomfort of ill-fitting gear can also have an emotional impact. When kit doesn’t fit properly, you don’t feel good, when you don’t feel good, you’re less likely to perform at your best. The wrong kit should never be an obstacle between you & your performance or even taking part at all.

• Longevity and Durability: As young athletes are constantly growing, the need for sportswear that can adapt to their changing body sizes is essential. Yet, many brands fail to create options that are adjustable and durable enough to withstand the frequent wear and tear of active sports.

The Brands leading the way

The good news is that many brands are beginning to address these issues by innovating with better design, materials, and technology. These companies are stepping up with sportswear that not only meets the technical demands of athletic performance but also supports young women in feeling comfortable and confident.

1. Nike: Gender-Specific Innovation

Nike has long been at the forefront of sportswear design, and in recent years, it has placed a stronger emphasis on tailoring its products to the needs of female athletes. Nike’s “Pro” line of sports bras and athletic wear features designs that provide ample support for young women, from adjustable straps to compression fabrics. In addition to this, Nike’s use of performance fabrics like Dri-FIT helps wick away moisture and prevent chafing, ensuring comfort throughout intense activity.

Nike is also integrating innovation into its design process by including input from young athletes in the development stage. By listening to feedback and offering more inclusive sizing options, Nike is meeting the demand for products that reflect a greater diversity of body types and preferences.

2. Adidas: Sustainability Meets Performance

Adidas is another leader in the sportswear industry that has shifted focus toward the unique needs of young female athletes. The brand’s “Primeblue” collection, which incorporates sustainable materials such as Parley Ocean Plastic, has seen increased success due to its comfortable fit and eco-friendly approach. The brand uses innovative construction techniques to ensure its activewear fits the body better, such as tailoring leggings and sports bras to accommodate young women’s evolving body shapes.

Adidas is also experimenting with more customizable sportswear, offering athletes options for creating gear that aligns with their specific size, fit, and style preferences. This trend toward personalisation is making it easier for young athletes to find gear that supports both their performance and individuality.

3. Lululemon: Performance and Style

Known for its yoga and fitness apparel, Lululemon has been expanding its offerings for young female athletes, particularly in areas where flexibility and support are paramount. The brand’s signature “Align” and “Energy” bras provide supportive, stretchy fabrics that adapt to movement and offer comfort during activities like running, gymnastics, or cross-training.

Lululemon is particularly focused on creating clothing that supports a broad range of body types, offering products with adjustable features and diverse sizes. The brand’s emphasis on high-performance materials like Luon and Nulu fabric ensures that athletes remain comfortable throughout their workouts without worrying about irritation or overheating.

4. Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty has been lauded for its forward-thinking designs that include more supportive sports bras and running gear tailored to the female form. With sports bras that offer high, medium & lighter support in different styles, shapes & structures they offer appropriate solutions for varying levels of support. Equally their leggings & tops are designed for varying levels of intensity and activities. Their ‘Power’ style’s 3-way stretch is designed for strength-training and certified ‘squat proof’ whilst their ‘Zero Gravity’ range offers more flexibility for running & dynamic movements.  

5. Third-Party Brands and Startups: Niche Solutions for Every Athlete

Several smaller, innovative brands have emerged in recent years to address the needs of young female athletes. For example, Juno Active specialises in plus-size athletic wear, providing adjustable options that allow young women to wear gear that fits perfectly, regardless of their size. Additionally, sporting icons like Millie Bright (England Lionesses & Chelsea Football Club) and Simi Pam (Bristol Bears) have aligned themselves with companies they see as moving the needle in the women’s sportswear space. Respectively, Millie has partnered with innovative sports-bra business MAAREE as a brand-ambassador in their unrelenting pursuit for the ultimate sports bra. Simi Pam worked alongside Gymshark bringing their ‘We Do Gym’ campaign to life, a company whose passion for body-type inclusivity was shared with her own.

The Road Ahead

The future is looking bright, more brands are likely to embrace the challenges and invest in innovative solutions. The combination of advanced fabrics, customisable fits, body-inclusive designs, and athlete feedback will continue to drive the evolution of sportswear.

For young female athletes, the promise of better-fitting gear not only improves their performance but also boosts their confidence, helping them excel in their chosen sports without the worry of discomfort or self-consciousness. The future of athletic wear is one where every young athlete can find sportswear that supports them—physically, emotionally, and athletically.