societystandards

Navigating sport regulations, clothing standards, and gender norms

The Norwegian beach handball female team got fined for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms in the European tournament match against Spain in Bulgaria.

In order to protest against the regulations of the sport, the female team wore thigh-length elastic shorts. Which, although not impeding any movement, were considered “improper clothing.”

Here is what the International Handball Federation regulations state. Straight to the point:

Tops: “…The women’s tops (a midriff design) must be close fitting…”

Bottoms: “Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimetres.”

When it comes to gender stereotypes and sexism, there is no difference from one field to another.

In sports, they measure every centimeter of uniforms. Likewise, in fashion, designers are asked to make clothes that reveal more or stick to the body, under the assumption that this is what women want. And indeed, it’s what sells more. So, it must be true. In fact, after 25 years in fashion, we can confirm that there is a specific demand for this type of clothing.

People say, ‘that is what women want.’ And indeed, many accept it—after all, if they didn’t, they’d protest. 

But finally, someone did! The Norwegian women’s hand volley team, we thank you and stand with you!

The time has come to start questioning anything.
Everything related to society standards–involving sexism, gender stereotypes and equality–demands immediate attention.

Stop bla bla bla. It is time to take action.

Go, ladies. Brave!