Player or “Player”: The Effect of Uniform on Perceptions of Female Athletes

Study 1 compared perceptions of female athletes in conservative or revealing uniforms. Participants (N=300) in a 2x3 experiment were randomly assigned to view images of three female lacrosse players wearing either tank tops or t-shirts and either short shorts, long shorts, or skirts. Participants rated the appropriateness of the uniform and the athletes’ capability, femininity, and objectification. A MANOVA revealed a significant main effect for shirt. The conservative shirt was seen as more appropriate than the revealing style; however, uniform type did not affect perceptions of the athletes. Study 2 measured how uniform styles are perceived by the women intended to wear them. Participants (N=156) were randomly assigned to view an image of either a revealing (racerback tank top and spandex shorts) or conservative (loose t-shirt and shorts) uniform and imagine themselves wearing it. Participants completed questions on their attitude toward the style, as well as their expected performance, self-objectification, and overall self-confidence. A MANOVA revealed a significant effect for uniform. Participants self-objectified more and were less confident in the revealing uniform despite preferring the style. Overall findings suggest that while uniforms do not affect others’ perceptions of female athletes, they do affect the athletes’ self-perceptions.