The Movement for Inclusive Sportswear – Women and Girls in Sport Conference

When we think of sportswear, we often think of performance and style. But for Tess Howard, Team GB Olympian and Great Britain hockey player with over 100 caps, sportswear is about something much deeper: choice, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Tess has not only reshaped her sport by campaigning for uniform policy changes but has also launched Inclusive Sportswear CIC, an organisation advocating for education, inclusion, and equality in sports kit practices.

Ahead of her upcoming appearance at the Women and Girls in Sport Conference, we sat down with Tess to discuss her journey, her vision for the future, and the role of Inclusive Sportswear in driving systemic change.

How can better sportswear design address challenges like menstruation, puberty, and body image to boost participation and performance for women and girls?

“Menstruation, puberty, and body image become significant barriers when they aren’t supported empathetically,” Tess explains. “Sports kit often magnifies body anxieties, especially during puberty, when many girls feel like they’re under a spotlight. If a uniform doesn’t feel right—how it sits, pulls, or looks—it can make a girl dread PE or sports.

This can lead to a decline in participation, which is the opposite of what we want. Proper breast support, thoughtful fabric choices, and freedom of choice are critical. Most importantly, the reason behind a girl’s choice—whether it’s shorts, skorts, or leggings—shouldn’t matter. It’s about creating an environment where they feel confident and supported to move and thrive.”

What lessons can leaders across sports take from your success in changing uniform policies in hockey to create inclusive environments?

Tess’s campaign in hockey was groundbreaking, but she emphasises the importance of collaborative effort. “Inclusive Sportswear exists so athletes don’t have to fight these battles themselves. The success of my hockey campaign stemmed from published research on how gendered uniforms impact participation. It was a logical step to connect performance and comfort, as we train in shorts daily.

But change happened because we worked together. England Hockey’s leadership, our CEO, and teammates stood with me and approached the International Federation of Hockey formally. Leaders in any sport need to step up and recognise their responsibility—not just for performance but for the aesthetic of their sport and its societal impact, like girls’ body image and respect in women’s sports.”

With the Paris 2024 Olympics achieving gender parity, what steps are still needed to close gaps in education, kit, and funding to truly level the playing field?

“Paris 2024 is a huge milestone, showcasing gender parity. But to truly level the playing field, we need kit that reflects the diversity of athletes—across body types, para-athletes, and performance needs.

For athletes, performance is the priority. But millions of viewers will also see the message behind the kit. Are we showcasing strength and capability or reinforcing outdated expectations? Inclusive Sportswear is here to advocate for athletic gear that celebrates all athletes, rather than focusing on hyper-feminine aesthetics that don’t align with performance.”

How do we break down stereotypes and harmful practices like body shaming and bullying to create a culture where women feel safe and valued in sports?

Tess believes it starts early. “Uniform is often the first marker of differentiation between boys and girls. From school uniforms to PE kits, these differences send implicit messages about who belongs where. Girls are more likely to feel self-conscious and less likely to move freely.

We need to fix this at the foundation—starting with gender-neutral or inclusive school uniforms that prioritise movement and comfort. Then, as girls grow, they need clothing that supports them through life stages, starting with puberty and extending to menopause.

On body shaming, we need zero-tolerance policies. This behaviour is learned and reinforced by societal expectations on women, which we must challenge at every level. When women feel comfortable in their kit, it can act as ‘body armour’ against these external pressures.”

What role does Inclusive Sportswear CIC play in supporting female athletes through life stages like pregnancy, motherhood, and menopause?

“Each life stage—pregnancy, motherhood, menopause—brings profound body changes, and clothing plays a central role,” Tess says. “Inclusive Sportswear CIC’s Charter pushes brands to create affordable, effective sportswear for women at every stage of life. We also help governing bodies and clubs understand that supporting female athletes includes offering the right clothing.

Athletic performance doesn’t stop during these life changes. The right kit can make all the difference, enabling women to stay active, confident, and empowered.”

Tess Howard’s commitment to choice and inclusion in sportswear is reshaping the landscape of women’s sports.

Don’t miss Tess’s inspiring session at the Women and Girls in Sport Conference, where she’ll discuss her journey and the future of inclusive sportswear.