Why do females athletes wear tiny clothing and males dont?

Question

I apologize for the copy and paste job but I really was hoping for a better answer than "to show off their bodies" which is what I got when I asked it on the General Sports section. I find it irritating that what ought to be about sport and talent is made into objectifying women for their bodies.
Anyhoo:
Everytime I watch a bit of figure skating or "dancing with the stars" or watch a tennis match, I just find it odd that I can literally see the butts of the female participants because of the one-piece/bikini style clothing they wear. It cannot be for greater flexibility can it? Male participants wear pants or tights and they do fine. Serena Williams yesterday after her injury wore loose fitting tights and managed to win the match still. So why do they wear such clothing? I tune in to watch tennis, not a chick in a short dress that barely covers her bum.
Some said movement and Im really curious how that is since Serena did fine and males do fine.

Well I wasnt saying Pete Sampras ought to wear mini-skirts while flying around the tennis court but rather that the female uniforms could be a bit more...covering?
--
And of course as per swimmers, a speedo or bathing suit is understandable.
I gave specific examples of when it isnt understandable i.e. tennis, the dancing reality shows etc.

And if you really think it is about objectifying and gaining male audiences, do you find it problematic or insulting etc.?

Kaine--
yes but if it is about movement then how do the male participants perform with longer shorts? Why didnt Serena Williams loose the match because the loose-pants she wore ought to have constricted her but technically didnt do much to either hinder her or make her better.

Answer 1

I don't know. I've often wondered that myself. It's not just sports though. I've been in restaurants where the waiters are wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts but waitress have short skirts and skimpy tops. And even in the office I see female coworkers coming in wearing clothes that they are practically falling out of. I think it really has something to do with the idea that sex sells and let's face it men want to see women and even some straight women I know say the prefer to look at women. And everyone seems to agree they prefer that men are covered. In a nutshell, women look good the less they wear, men don't.

Answer 2

well as for tennis - guys wear shorts - I'd have to agree it's more of a culture thing that the gals wear shorter shorts.

As to dancers - most of the time guys will join the gals in tights as the dress code for a particular style of dance dictates. Often when wearing long (or short) dresses a gal may be required to use a bit of modesty - thus the tights.

Figure skating - well maybe you can Google "skating costume history" and tell us?

But I am thinking tradition and "sex appeal" is going to be the answer.

Answer 3

Showing off their body has nothing to do with it. The less clothes you have on the move confortable you feel, and have more room for movement. Male tennis players wear looser fitting clothes becuase thats just what they feel more confortable. If you watch Rafeal Nadal, he wears tight capri's instead of shorts. (the only pro i know of who dose) Women rather wear a dri-fit dress to play tennis in than a giant polo, and basketball shorts. It is 100% players preference based on what clothing helps then perform better.

Answer 4

You've covered most bases,
-objectifying
or
-flexibility

Truly, we'll never really know, for the stars themselves put the clothing on, full well knowing what they're doing. Maybe its the stars who want the extra sex appeal (dancing with the stars), but as far as sports go, well, then maybe.....its the same reason. Only the woman who wears the clothing knows.

Answer 5

its probably more of a tradition than a reason to look at women.

women have always have worn skirts -- always. men have always worn pants. and same with bathing suites.

and when women wear just sports bras when they go out for a jog, somone might think that that is to show off, but men go out jogging without shirts on and women just plainly can not do that

Answer 6

Sad to say but I think they want to make a fashion statement. Who knows maybe it's an endorsement for the clothing and so they get money for it. You are right others do just fine and even win some!

Answer 7

Depends on the sport. Male swimmers hardly wear anything at all, and equestrians wear the same type of clothing.

Answer 8

cause the male athletes would look rediculous in womens tiny clothing

Answer 9

Could it be to gain more male spectators?

Answer 10

it is just about objectifying women.