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The year is 2024 and the theme is decidedly girl power. We have our first female Vice President, movies like “Barbie” are bringing digestible feminism to the masses and 151 women are currently represented in U.S. Congress. Despite these encouraging stats, girls’ participation in sports — a historically male-dominated space — is still lacking.
According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls who play sports enjoy a number of benefits — enhanced self-perception, a more positive body image and valuable life skills that apply on and off the field, such as leadership, confidence and teamwork. Despite these positive stats, girls are still two times more likely than boys to quit playing sports by the age of 14.
![BytheNumbersInequalitiesinFemaleSports_670x1024@2x](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/BytheNumbersInequalitiesinFemaleSports_670x1024@2x-670x1024.jpg)
The Women’s Sports Foundation has found that girls drop out of sports for many reasons, including lack of access to sports teams in their area, as well as perceived social stigmas and lack of female athletes to look up to. And while the recent renaissance in women’s sports, thanks to athletes like Caitlin Clark, Coco Gauff and Simone Biles, has helped to provide more role models for young girls, there’s still work to be done in other areas.
Gear is one of the key factors to determine an athlete’s performance, but there’s still an alarming lack of options for female athletes. Thankfully, adidas is on a mission to change that, encouraging girls and women to play to the best of their abilities by designing functional clothing that’s comfortable and stylish to boost on-the-court confidence.
Why adidas?
![adidas why I move image](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/adidas-why-I-move-image.jpg)
Adidas has a long history of dressing female athletes, but its commitment to women in sports goes beyond just fashioning the best in the league. In 2019, adidas launched a sportswear hijab made of sweat-wicking material for those who want to work out without sacrificing modesty practices. In 2021, adidas released “Stay in Play,” a line of period-proof activewear to prevent the drop-off in sports that occurs when girls start menstruating. In 2021, the brand launched the “Impossible Is Nothing” campaign with a commitment to create “real, lasting change for women in sport.” In 2022, the brand continued its mission to support gender equality by introducing products created especially for women such as the Ultraboost 22, sneakers that focus on female gait cycle trends, heel anatomy and instep height.
To prove that better activewear can encourage better play, we tapped a Division 1 volleyball setter, Ella Swindle, to put some adidas gear to the test to see how it worked for her busy lifestyle. Read her honest thoughts below — plus, learn her tips for women looking to compete competitively in sports.
Look #1: Every Day ’Fit
![adidas look #1](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/1-1024x819.jpg)
Only 1 in 3 high school athletes make it to the coveted Division 1 tier, the highest level of collegiate competition, because the program is not for the faint of heart. NCSA College Recruiting notes that while most of your time will be spent in practices and at games, you’re also expected to maintain your studies, which could include completing an internship or volunteering. With a busy day-to-day, you need clothing that helps you feel put together and comfortable for whatever the day might bring.
For her everyday look, Ella chose to pair the cozy Floral sweatshirt and shorts (the green is now sold out but we love the cloud white color, too!), made of comfy cotton French terry fabric. Under the sweatshirt, she layered the Floral Halter Tank, a soft, stretchy athletic-inspired fabric that’s easy to throw on before running off for class, a study date, brunch or a team meeting.
For her sneakers, Ella chose the iconic Gazelle shoes, which are perfect for running around in because they were originally made for training 50 years ago. Note: Ella liked the men’s colorway of the Gazelle Shoes better so she chose to size down a size and a half for a better fit. You can also shop the women’s styles here.
Finally, Ella topped off the look with the Flower Shopper Bag, which is the perfect roomy yet lightweight accessory for packing your laptop, books, phone and more.
Shop Ella’s Everyday adidas Look
![FASHION GRAPHICS FLORAL HALTER NECK TOP](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/FASHION-GRAPHICS-FLORAL-HALTER-NECK-TOP.png)
![FLORAL GRAPHICS SWEATSHIRT](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/FLORAL-GRAPHICS-SWEATSHIRT.png)
![FASHION GRAPHICS FLORAL SHORTS](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/FASHION-GRAPHICS-FLORAL-SHORTS.png)
![GAZELLE SHOES](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GAZELLE-SHOES.png)
![FLOWER SHOPPER BAG](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/FLOWER-SHOPPER-BAG.png)
“I love the color of this set,” says Ella. “The outfit is really comfortable and cozy, but also cute which makes it perfect for going out in.”
She also notes that it’s different from all other athletic styles she’s been seeing on the market and loves how it makes her stand out.
Look #2: Sweat Session Style
![adidas Look # 2](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/2-1024x819.jpg)
It goes without saying that no one makes it to the Division 1 level without spending lots of time honing their craft. Ella notes that she can spend hours in the weight room or running drills — on top of her mandatory weekly practices. Her workout wear needs to be no-fuss, sweat-wicking and comfortable which is why she chose to try adidas’ PowerImpact Training Sport’s Bra, Optime 3-Stripes Leggings and the Supernova Rise Sneakers.
With a perfect five-star review, the PowerImpact Training Sport’s Bra is a great choice for medium-impact activities like spinning, weight lifting or jogging. Customers love how breathable and comfortable the sports bra is — plus, they can’t get enough of the pretty lilac color. The matching Optime 3-Stripes Leggings leggings have a high-waisted fit for optimal coverage and support and AEROREADY fabric to keep you feeling dry throughout your workout. Last but not least, the Supernova Rise sneakers are made to provide optimal arch support, a cushioned midsole and a secure fit.
Shop Ella’s adidas Workout Look
![POWERIMPACT TRAINING MEDIUM-SUPPORT BRA](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/POWERIMPACT-TRAINING-MEDIUM-SUPPORT-BRA.png)
![OPTIME 3-STRIPES FULL-LENGTH LEGGINGS](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/OPTIME-3-STRIPES-FULL-LENGTH-LEGGINGS.png)
![SUPERNOVA RISE W](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/SUPERNOVA-RISE-W.png)
Ella stretched, set and peppered the volleyball around in her look, telling us that the outfit was really comfortable and easy to move in. The leggings, in particular, were a fan favorite for her.
“A lot of leggings are stiff,” she notes. “Especially as a tall girl, it’s hard to find leggings that fit well and are comfortable. These move well with my body.”
Look #3: Game Day Gear
![adidas Look #3](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/3-1024x819.jpg)
“There’s a lot of pressure playing a D1 sport,” Ella explains. “All eyes are on you when you’re on the court, especially for a National Championship.” When Ella’s setting on game day the pressure is on, so she needs an outfit that won’t distract her from her sport. She chose to try out the adidas HyperGlam Shine Bralette (shop a similar style here), the 4-Inch Shorts and the Stabil Next Gen Handball Shoes and took the court to test them out.
Ella’s Game Day adidas Look
![HYPERGLAM SHINE BRALETTE](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/HYPERGLAM-SHINE-BRALETTE.png)
![4 INCH SHORTS](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/4-INCH-SHORTS.png)
![STABIL NEXT GEN HANDBALL SHOES](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/STABIL-NEXT-GEN-HANDBALL-SHOES.png)
Ella served, spiked, set and ran around in the Texas heat for over a half hour before letting us know what she thought of the game-day gear.
“Everything is so breathable,” she concludes. “The sports bra was comfortable, supportive and easy to move in and the spandex are a bit longer which I like.”
She also touches on how supportive the shoes are, saying they’re really easy to move in, especially for someone who’s had issues with their feet in the past. That makes sense, considering the Stabil Next Gen shoes were specifically made for volleyball players and specially designed with rounded edges to promote natural movement.
The Verdict
According to Ella, adidas not only passes the sports performance test but also the style, function and affordability test. No item that Ella chose cost more than $170, with some coming in as low as $27. Since the high cost of playing sports and buying sports equipment is another hindrance for young girls, providing affordable and effective gear is crucial for ensuring involvement. Editor’s Note: You can also save even more if you’re a student, a military member, healthcare worker or if you sign up for the free adiClub membership.
Ella also felt confident and stylish in these pieces, and as the Women’s Sports Foundation noted, lack of confidence and unrealistic beauty standards is another barrier for girls in sports. By providing supportive and stylish options for all body types in extended sizes, adidas is showing girls that being strong is on trend and an athlete does not have one specific look.
“It’s so important for girls to get involved in sports,” Ella states. “Being an athlete has taught me so much about confidence, perseverance and how to carry myself on and off the cart when things get hard.”
She encourages young girls to try new things and get comfortable with failure as an avenue for growth.
“Participating in sports, especially as a woman, has brought so many important people into my life and opened so many doors for me,” Ella concludes. “All girls deserve that.”
Get to Know Ella
![5-13-24_ADIDASvolleyball_PeytonSims (113)](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/5-13-24_ADIDASvolleyball_PeytonSims-113-683x1024.jpg)
RMN: Tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin studying Advertising. I’m originally from a really small town in Columbia, Missouri.
RMN: When did you start playing volleyball?
I didn’t start playing volleyball until I was in 6th grade. I started by watching my older sister play with her friends and wanted to give it a try. I got really into volleyball in 7th grade and started taking the sport more seriously. My mom would drive me to Kansas City (which is 2.5 hours away) three times a week so I could join a club team. I’m really appreciative of all the sacrifices she made. By my sophomore year in high school, I had already committed to Texas and I’m really happy with my decision.
RMN: What has being a competitive athlete taught you, especially as a woman?
It’s taught me how to lead and how to stand up for my beliefs — when you’re on a team with a lot of different opinions you learn how to stand up for yourself and work with others. It’s also taught me maturity and made me a more confident leader; when you’re talking to older coaches who are trying to recruit you in 8th grade you learn quickly how to stand up for yourself and decide what you want to do with your life. I also learned how to say “no” at an early age, which I think is really powerful.
RMN: Why do you think it’s important for girls and women to participate in sports?
I think it’s so important for girls and women to participate in sports because it gives you an opportunity to impact the world. Especially now with athletes like Caitlin Clark, people are buying into women’s sports and wanting to see women succeed. Playing a sport goes further than the sport, it’s not about winning or being the best, but building each other up.
RMN: How can others encourage girls to get interested in sports?
I think it’s important to encourage girls to try new, hard things and fail at them. Exploring new avenues is great for your confidence and how you carry yourself. I would have never known that I wanted to play volleyball if I hadn’t had the opportunity to try and fail at it.
Learn more about how adidas is empowering female athletes here.
The post This Athlete-Approved Gear Finally Focuses on Women’s Needs appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.