Abstract
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.