No Bikini- No Service

 

What’s up with women’s wear at the Olympics?

In case you don’t know, the Norwegian women’s handball team were fined for wearing shorts instead of regulation bikinis (NBC).

Is it sexist?

It appear so. Here’s a quote from the Herald Sun.

While men are allowed to play in tops and shorts “no longer than four inches above the knee”, women are forced to wear midriff tops and bikini bottoms “cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg” with a maximum side width of 10 centimetres.

Why bikinis?

According to Jennifer Kessey, USA coach, it’s about performance and beaches. Women wear bikinis on beaches and that’s wear beach handball and volleyball are played. And for some players, a comfortable suit considering the sand and heat is important to performance (TodayShow).

Do sports wear requirements vary with the sport?

Yes. The requirements vary by gender and sport. Some are more flexible than others. Recently, women have challenged rules that do not allow them to wear shorts.

What’s Going to Happen?

Well, Norway is willing to pay the fine for their players. Good on them, I say.

I’ll speculate on the future of clothes.

Considering the western women’s movement and evidence of a greater awareness of harassment and outright abuse of women I suggest more women will be involved in decisions than ever before and there will be a greater consideration of what we might call “consent.” That is, a women will have a greater choice in what they wear balancing performance and comfort and they won’t be restricted to skimpy outfits.

A comment

Jennifer Kessey seems to have a balanced view. Call the gear “competition suits or competition gear.”

ps

The story about the bikinis and the women from Norway was about beach handball not beach volleyball—in case you missed the detail.

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