Has Nike prioritised ‘skimpiness over function’?
They’ve unveiled the Nike kit for the US team, and this is what some of the women say:
“They are absolutely not made for performance,” US steeplechaser Colleen Quigley.
“Professional athletes should be able to compete without dedicating brain space to constant pube vigilance or the mental gymnastics of having every vulnerable piece of your body on display. Women’s kits should be in service to performance, mentally and physically. If this outfit was truly beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it.”
Lauren Fleshman, US 5000m national champion in 2006 and 2010.
“Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out.” Tara Davis-Woodhall US long jumper.
https://lnkd.in/einVZxed
Of course, I checked the Nike purpose on their website, which says:
“Our purpose is to move the world forward through the power of sport. Worldwide, we're levelling the playing field, doing our part to protect our collective playground and expanding access to sport for everyone.”
I couldn’t find Nike values, however they talk about key priorities which serves instead:
👉🏼We build diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams.
👉🏼And champion a transparent, responsible supply chain so people can thrive.
👉🏼We create opportunities for kids and communities to access resources so they can excel.
👉🏼And we innovate and scale more sustainable solutions to help protect our planet.
I expected something around design and performance of kit from shoes to clothes amidst their values or principles, so I’m not quite sure how the contentious ‘very high-cut pantyline’ fits within the Nike moral compass.
It’s created a hoo haa – although shorts are also available, which you can see here: https://lnkd.in/eZeFFgfe
I remember Tom Daly's tiny trunks designed by Stella McCartney, so I wonder what Adidas will unveil for Team GB? 🤔
#nike #sportswear #brandvalues