Finnish Female Athletes Explain Their Choice of Revealing Competition Gear

European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union issued a joint guideline in June aiming to curb the sexualized portrayal of female athletes in media. This directive quickly ignited discussions, particularly on social media, questioning why female athletes predominantly choose more revealing competition outfits compared to men.

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It doesn't pinch anywhere. My legs are free. When I'm about to compete, I do warm-up jumps or sprints in tights. I know that when I take the pants off, it's a completely different game.

While male athletes typically opt for half-tights and sleeveless shirts, female athletes commonly wear short tops paired with bikini-style bottoms. The absence of similarly revealing options for men became a focal point of the debate. Tuomo Salonen, director of elite sports for the Finnish Athletics Federation, explained that the team's apparel provider offers a wide range of choices for both genders.

For men, top options include sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, and streamlined full-body suits, with four types of bottoms available: short shorts, slightly longer loose shorts, half-tights, and long tights. Women have more choices for tops, including short or long tops, t-shirts, and one-piece swimsuit-style options. Bottoms range from bikini briefs to longer tights and loose shorts in two lengths. Salonen stated that athletes select their preferred outfits based on competition needs and conditions, and have been satisfied with the current models.

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When running with brief-style bottoms, there's balance. From every direction, it feels like the waist doesn't come up too high. The leg cuffs don't get messed up and the bottom fits well.

Triple jumper Senni Salminen shared her perspective, finding the bikini-style bottoms most comfortable and practical for athletics. "It doesn't pinch anywhere. My legs are free," she explained, contrasting it with the feeling of wearing tights. Short hurdler Saara Keskitalo echoed this sentiment, noting that brief-style bottoms offer better balance and fit without the waistband riding up or leg cuffs bunching. She prefers minimal fabric to avoid the discomfort and compromises that can arise with tighter-fitting shorts or tights, stating, "The less fabric there is, the fewer problems."

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I don't like it when the leg cuffs pinch. Everyone's body shape is different. Sometimes it pinches somewhere and you have to make compromises. The less fabric there is, the fewer problems.