Pants or shorts? Hockey at the heart of the equipment revolution

“No person should be deterred from participating in any sport based solely on what the uniform requires them to wear.”

The legacy of gendered and sexualized uniforms dates back to Victorian times, but it’s only in recent years that female athletes have begun to question hyper-feminized clothing in order to break down the cultural stigma around what it means to be a sportswoman.

The German gymnastics team decided to compete in overalls instead of leotards at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Norwegian beach handball team were punished for choosing to wear shorts over bikini bottoms at the 2021 European Championships, sparking a conversation about sexualized clothing for female athletes.

“The right to wear or not wear clothing or a cultural tradition where clothing is based on misogyny or patriarchy permeates every society. It’s a huge narrative that sport helps bring to life in a very practical way,” reflects Howard, who is now on a mission to change the image of his sport.

Her research, published this month in the peer-reviewed journal Sport, Education and Society, is already prompting change in hockey circles.

After presenting her findings to England Hockey, the governing body revised its playing equipment regulations last September to allow female players at all levels of the game to wear shorts.

But there is a problem. “No hockey brand makes hockey pants for women,” explains Howard, “so it’s up to the hockey brands to step up.”

As a forward for East Grinstead in the top division of women’s hockey, she has yet to benefit from a pair of custom shorts herself. “I’m currently talking to my club sponsor about making me a pair of shorts,” says Howard.