In 2021, Limitless commissioned research by Youth Sport Trust into the barriers to participation in sport in the independent school sector. The resulting report highlighted a similarity in the drop-off to participation in sport for girls before and after puberty in state schools. Since 2024 therefore, Limitless has conducted an annual survey to better understand the barriers that prevent girls from enjoying and participating in sport, and how sportswear can help overcome them.

For the second consecutive year, the survey was supported by female health experts, The Well HQ. In 2026, more than 1,160 respondents took part, including girls aged 9–18, parents, teachers, coaches and others involved in girls’ sport.

Who Took Part?

Of all respondents:

• 86% were girls who regularly participate in sport ("sporty")
• 14% were girls who do not regularly participate in sport ("unsporty")
• 4% were teachers
• 2% were parents or guardians

The findings provide valuable insight into how girls experience sport and the role that sportswear plays in their participation and enjoyment.

Kit Matters

One message came through clearly: sports kit has a significant impact on how girls feel when taking part in sport.

Among teenage girls, 97% agreed that the kit they wear affects their sporting experience.

This highlights the importance of providing sportswear that not only performs well but also helps girls feel comfortable, confident and supported.

The Biggest Barriers to Participation

When asked what factors affect their enjoyment of and participation in sport, girls identified three key barriers:

1. Periods
2. Body image concerns
3. School workload

These findings were consistent across both sporty and unsporty girls. However, periods were particularly significant for girls who participate less in sport, with 72% of unsporty girls identifying them as abarrier.

Choice Is Important

The survey also highlighted the importance of flexibility within school sportswear policies.

Girls want greater choice over what they wear for sport and believe kit should support individual comfort and confidence rather than prioritising uniformity.

The strongest opinions expressed were:

• 65%    agreed that bottom-half sports kit should prioritise comfort over uniformity
• 51%    believed sports kit should be better designed to support girls during their periods
• 47%    disagreed that sports kit should simply consist of a top and shorts

These findings demonstrate a growing expectation for more personalised and inclusive sportswear options. Many of the comments given by girls reflected a renewed interest in modesty, such as “Include more coverage for any of the kind of girls with insecurities that show such as body or birthmarks (I know as I am insecure about my birthmark) more coverage to make a girl comfortable.”

Sports Bras Remain an Area for Education

The survey also explored sports bra usage in schools.

Only 38% of girls reported always wearing a sports bra during school sport. While this figure is influenced by the survey's age range, which included girls as young as nine, it still highlights an important opportunity for education.

Sports bras should be viewed as a piece of essential sporting equipment, helping to improve comfort, confidence and performance during physical activity.

How Schools Can Make a Difference

Based on the survey findings, there are four key actions schools can take to help keep more girls active:

1. Prioritise Choice and Comfort

Offer a range of sportswear options that allow girls to choose what makes them feel most comfortable and confident.

2. Design for Period Confidence

Introduce sportswear specifically designed to support girls during their periods, including considering period underwear as a standard sportswear option.

3. Improve Comfort in All Conditions

Ensure kit lists include functional layering options and weather-appropriate garments. Performance should be viewed through the lens of physical comfort in all environments.

4. Invest in Education

Provide education for both girls and staff on topics such as sports bras, period management and the role appropriate sportswear plays in supporting participation and performance.

Supporting More Girls to Enjoy Sport

The findings from the 2026 Limitless Female Sportswear Survey demonstrate that sportswear is far more than just a uniform requirement. The right kit can play a meaningful role in helping girls feel confident, comfortable and able to participate fully in sport.

Limitless will continue to listen to girls and prioritise choice in our webshops, to ensure parents and girls can easily access an inclusive range of sportswear options.

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