Why do female athletes wear what they do?

[800wow]

There aren't any rules (as there have been in some sports) so the women are competing in next to nothing through choice.

Is it comfortable? They all have a amazing bodies, but do they all like being on TV dressed this way? Is it performance? If so, why don't the men also do it?

Is there pressure from sponsors either directly or because the most 'saleable'get more sponsorship or advertising contracts?

I'm genuinely curious as to why they make these choices. I run and I wear less in competition than I do in training but wouldn't find high cut knickers comfortable to run in.

Because the teams' clothing is chosen for them, I assume by men.

The clothing is not chosen for them they get options of what to wear. Including shorts and long tops, even full length leggings. They chose what they want from that list.
There’s a good YouTube video about it from a U.K. marathon runner called Philly Bowden on one of her q&as explaining why she, and so many others chose it from the options given to them

🙄

It's not though.

It may be the case (I don't know) that men influence their choices, possibly for commercial reasons, but the athletes themselves choose what they wear.

Do you think they’re wearing those clothes to show their bodies off?

I don't know. I have no idea why they choose their race kit. That was my question.

I'd assume not as I imagine they have far more important things to consider, but I don't know what they are.

The press have recently been told to film and take photographs of female athletes from less intrusive angles. Presumably the male athletes do not have the same problems as the female athletes regarding clothing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/cvgj55npzdzo

Surely they choose what they are most comfortable in, and perform best in.

What I find strange is that even in the 21st century athletes (male and female) still put their race/competitor number on with safety pins...

Actually Linford Christie has had quite a bit to say about the way the press used to talk about his "lunchbox", but even he didn't wear outfits as revealing as modern female athletes.

I thiugh this too! There's something about the cut of this year's vests that means they don't fit on the back too.

Yes, I expect so but why are high cut knickers the best thing? They wouldn't be comfortable for me and yet a very high % of athletes choose them.

As a sporty person myself i would say they wear these clothes as they are the most comfortable and flexible/aerodynamic/non flappy so they don't actually feel impeded by the clothes at all leaving them free to concentrate on the activity?

I would also venture that the male athletes would prefer to perform in similar but wouldn't be allowed due to outraged outcry 🙈😝🤣

Presumably the male athletes do not have the same problems as the female athletes regarding clothing.

The men get to choose the same way the women do and they make different choices why is that? Surely if the women's clothing is optimum for performance at least some men would be doing the same for a 1/100s advantage?

Totally wrong... but yeah be the eternal victim...

I can see why lycra and short shorts are a good thing, it's the up your bum knickers I don't understand.

Some of the mens outfits leave nothing to the imagination....

I would also argue they aren't revealing as they only reveal arms and legs? I've yet to see a nipple - or even cleavage - a butt crack or a vagina in any form...?! 🤔

But in field and track type events a certain kind would Not be watching leg movements.... 😆

The women are fully covered up its just tight fitting 🤷‍♀️

Some of the choice could just be pure fashion ones? 🤷‍♀️
Trends change, show your butt bikinis are all the rage at the mo. These athletes are younge, fit and strong and are unlikely to have serious body image issues over some hip bones and a bit of butt showing.
Knowing that they've chosen their own kit means they must be fairly happy with choices.

I'm not saying the women aren't decent. I'm interested to know why high cut knickers they have to retrieve from their bum are the most comfortable or performance enhancing option.

Ease of movement, keeping cool, lightweight. These are all good reasons for athletes to wear what they do.

So why don't the men do the same?

As a sporty person myself i would say they wear these clothes as they are the most comfortable and flexible/aerodynamic/non flappy

That. I mean not always of course, many female athletes have also complained about too revealing outfits they need to wear due to regulations. But it is so much more comfortable to excercise in for example shorts and sports bra, as opposed to sweaty t-shirt and joggers clinging to you.
It may not feel that different to run in knee length shorts vs briefs for a casual jogger, but a fraction of a second can make a difference in a high level race, so why not choose the least movement restrictive option.

Yes, I understand shorts and a crop top (although men don't wear crop tops?), it's the knickers. I don't understand how they can be comfortable or performance enhancing.