They are being paid to wear them. But it is insulting that Nike chose to dress professional athletes in what appear to nighties. I suppose we could dress the men in g-strings...
4
Had Nike been a conservative political entity instead of the most stalwart of liberal brands, the firestorm over this obvious belittlement of professional female athletes - by turning them into court-level Beyonce's - would have commanded daily news coverage from even before the tourney started.
Had just ONE leading athlete from EITHER gender have called Nike's hand on this issue, I bet the whole sad episode would have died in a day.
Mike should be embarrassed and THIS should not be forgotten.
And don't you worry how the men at Nike must think of their DAUGHTERS?
Had just ONE leading athlete from EITHER gender have called Nike's hand on this issue, I bet the whole sad episode would have died in a day.
Mike should be embarrassed and THIS should not be forgotten.
And don't you worry how the men at Nike must think of their DAUGHTERS?
3
This is the nadir of women's tennis clothes design, but it's not just Nike that has been determining the outfits should be shorter and skimpier over the last several years; other manufacturers do this too. Where else is there to go, except maybe the bikinis the women volleyball players wear? I don't fault the professional athletes. Many of us out here don't like being forced to play in these skimpy outfits either. We're not only concerned about having choices that fit our tastes and bodies, but also worry about skin cancer and sun damage. At least milliions of people aren't watching us.
4
I just wonder if Nike is approaching the women's beach volleyball teams to go to thongs? Or even basketball teams? This kind on thinking needs to be faced squarely.
1
Female tennis players are not required to wear dresses. They chose to wear dresses. Some women's tennis players compete in shorts and tops.
3
Female tennis players should be allowed to wear shirts and shorts like the men. The "tradition" of women wearing impractical little dresses needs to end. This is a sport, not a fashion show.
9
So where's the story about what the men are wearing?
10
Imagine getting one's wrist caught up in the free-flowing fabric, just as a strong backhand will make or break one's game in the finals...........
This dress looks like a real loser, to me. I could never wear anything like that--even for badminton or ping-pong.
This dress looks like a real loser, to me. I could never wear anything like that--even for badminton or ping-pong.
3
Regarding tennis garb: I hate when both players are wearing the same colors. It's hard to see who is who. This is especially vexing during Wimbledon.
11
A lot of predictable comments blaming men for this. The women voluntarily wear the dress in exchange for money.
9
It's time for poor put-upon males to speak up about this abuse. Bravo, brave male!
5
Imagine Nike or some other company trying to make the men wear mid-riff shirts and jock straps -- all bright white, of course. Well, I can imagine some in Nike really wanting to do that, but other powers realizing it would be a public relations fiasco.
8
You do realize these women are getting paid to wear the Nike dress They signed up for this voluntarily. Please decide whether women can make decisions for themselves and live with the consequences, as men do, or if they are little children who need to be protected by the patriarchy.
4
So many provocative topics you could cover regarding the competitive WTA play at Wimbledon - but you focus on their outfits. Classic sexist journalism. Thumbs down.
9
I wouldn't call this sexist journalism. I see it as a mockery of the stupid designers at Nike, and allowing us posters to join in the fray. For shame, Nike!
One of the earlier posters suggested a codpiece with a Nike logo for men's wear on the court. That would be a funny story, too.
Thanks, NYTimes, for this deliciously hilarious story about the great design faux pas of the Century.
One of the earlier posters suggested a codpiece with a Nike logo for men's wear on the court. That would be a funny story, too.
Thanks, NYTimes, for this deliciously hilarious story about the great design faux pas of the Century.
9
Next fashion statement - all will play as did the ancient Greeks - naked.
4
This is nuts. Ridiculous dress for tennis. What's missing from this article is any explanation of the clout Nike has to put female players in this dilemma. Let the designer and the doofus marketing execs dance around in them for an hour or two on international TV.
14
Even with the alterations, the dress looks ridiculous during play. And the skirts aren't much better in terms of length. When did it become de riguer for women to show their underwear? And why do women's tennis garments NEVER include ball pockets? I'm guessing Nike's design decision-makers are men.
14
Loved the fashion statement first time I saw it. [read on before exploding]
However, kudos belong to the person responsible for wardrobe on Two and Half Men. Can't recall which year or episode, but most befitting for the actress playing seductive sophisticate caught in the brothers' rivalry.
For the one women's singles match I watched: not so much. My first thought was what was she thinking; based on article it appears that it was Nike that wasn't thinking -- at least beyond dollars. Regardless of their BRAND, Nike just proves that they are not fashion house or even remotely connected to athletic endeavors. [sorry Phil; or should we now say Mark?]
If it weren't so sad it would be laughable.
However, kudos belong to the person responsible for wardrobe on Two and Half Men. Can't recall which year or episode, but most befitting for the actress playing seductive sophisticate caught in the brothers' rivalry.
For the one women's singles match I watched: not so much. My first thought was what was she thinking; based on article it appears that it was Nike that wasn't thinking -- at least beyond dollars. Regardless of their BRAND, Nike just proves that they are not fashion house or even remotely connected to athletic endeavors. [sorry Phil; or should we now say Mark?]
If it weren't so sad it would be laughable.
4
Who really cares? It's just a dress. Put a belt on if it is flying up. Ridiculous.
7
Oh Silly Sally... It appears many of the women didn't care for the dress as it exposed too much of their body and was flying to and fro. That's who cares...
7
A belt won't stop the dress from flying up and exposing the players' nether regions. The players care, Sally.
4
Not only is this an inappropriate fly-away trapeze dress design, the knife pleating makes it even more fluid and easily blown up. Perhaps a female designer or, better yet, a female tennis player should be designing court fashion, if 'court fashion' is even a proper consideration for any athlete----my guess is it isn't.
3
"a Nike spokesman said. “We work closely with our athletes to provide them with product that helps them perform and feel their best on the court.”" What a great corporation - Yes - I mean it! Nike is terrific. So much silly anger at Nike in these comments one wonders if they missed the part about the women freely choosing to wear the "dress"; and are paid for doing so. No sex-ploitation here except in the eyes of those who are prone to see wrong in every corporate-women endeavor. If anything the dress - mini as it is - allows to women to conform to Wimbledon's outdated attire code and still wear close to nothing that would inhibit court speed.
A real plus for women over men who have to don a load of uncomfortable and sweat inducing clothes.
A real plus for women over men who have to don a load of uncomfortable and sweat inducing clothes.
5
I've always been annoyed by the stupid outfits in women's tennis. Just put everyone in shorts and a shirt and get on with the game.
15
The dress is hideous.
6
If your take away from this article is that Nike is somehow sexist because it sells clothing (in this instance, tennis dresses) to the the public by paying world-class tennis players to wear their apparel (some of whom chose to wear it, some of whom didn't) the world must be a very unhappy place for you, and I'm sorry for that.
1
While I appreciate some of the ongoing issues female athletes face when it comes to dealing with large companies who offer endorsements etc. I also wonder about running this piece at all. I have the suspicion (albeit not researched) that there are fewer news pieces on women in sports, and fewer that are about actual athletic performance. I expect more of the NYTimes.
5
It's obviously guys playing a trick on gals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5091CywtIE8
If you don't have time to watch the whole episode, maybe start around 18:08. Regarding the new dress, "Honeybunch, you were made for it." Hahahahaha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5091CywtIE8
If you don't have time to watch the whole episode, maybe start around 18:08. Regarding the new dress, "Honeybunch, you were made for it." Hahahahaha.
1
So many neo-puritans out today! All with so many ideas to cover up women's bodies! Or to at least make sure that women dress like men when they play tennis in public.
When did this problem start? Maybe it started when women were first allowed to play sports in public. Right? Remember those long dresses that showed almost nothing? We need to get back to that day or earlier. Or...
Were these adult, female athletes given a choice of what to wear within well known guidelines. Some choose the new dress, some modified it, and others went back to the more traditional wear. But...
Since all these outfits show SKIN!!! And the companies involved make PROFITS!!! I'm with the majority of posters here. The horror, the horror!
When did this problem start? Maybe it started when women were first allowed to play sports in public. Right? Remember those long dresses that showed almost nothing? We need to get back to that day or earlier. Or...
Were these adult, female athletes given a choice of what to wear within well known guidelines. Some choose the new dress, some modified it, and others went back to the more traditional wear. But...
Since all these outfits show SKIN!!! And the companies involved make PROFITS!!! I'm with the majority of posters here. The horror, the horror!
4
The outrage is not about skin. It's because Nike pressured their sponsored athletes to wear this "athletic" dress wear and it is entirely impractical.
1
They should make the men wear the Nike dresses, too. Keep things equal! Same goes for the lines people, ball boys and girls, and the chair umpire. White Nike dresses for all!!
8
Wow. The stuff women have to put up with. Still.
14
So sad that there are still entire 'stories' about female athletes and 'what they are wearing'. Why can't they just wear shorts and a shirt if they want...or shorts and a tank top?...IS there a rule in tennis that says women 'must' wear skirts or dresses?
5
Prince Harry shows up for the Olympic Women's Volleyball in 2012, and it's seen as a dating opportunity. Go 10 miles up the road to watch tennis performed in 20 times the fabric, and Nike has somehow crossed a line?
Someone at Nike is getting a very large bonus for all of the free advertising.
Someone at Nike is getting a very large bonus for all of the free advertising.
1
A miss both in sporting and fashion terms.
4
Tennis garb should stick with tradition, white shirts and shorts are most practical for the hot sun and sweating! Keep it that way! Some things just should never change!
2
Given all the complaints about the utility of the new prescribed Nike outfit that must be modeled by athletes while in competition, maybe an out of court settlement could be negotiated. So that Nike does not lose face and its investments in this ill fitting outfit, maybe it should be advertised as the female athletes night ware before an important tournament that provides "rest" and "comfort" for the game.... Or for a restful recovery after a game.
Btw, men should be allowed to wear this comfortable and beautiful design too--i court or at night. Make it optional and unisex. Break barriers!
Btw, men should be allowed to wear this comfortable and beautiful design too--i court or at night. Make it optional and unisex. Break barriers!
4
when branding becomes more important than the sport, you just know a story like this will take shape
6
The need for novelty and brand visibility evidently prevailed over common sense and usability. Didn't they think to try it out on a few real players before imposing it on their stars?
Let's hope Nike learn from this - though I suspect they won't.
Let's hope Nike learn from this - though I suspect they won't.
5
Shorts and T are far more comfortable than wearing a STUPID dress to play sports in . . . keep it real. PLEASE
10
I'm sorry, what year is this? Why are women forced to wear dresses when playing sports? If tennis feels the need for players to be in office attire when playing , why aren't the men wearing ties while playing?
18
I'm no prude, but am shocked at how seemingly transparent it is. Were no women involved in the design of this?
14
OK, I'm not a tennis player, but all that floaty fabric would get in my way playing croquet. Cannot imagine what they were thinking—especially since, yes, the style evokes the "babydoll" dresses and nighties I wore as a little girl, so … infantilizing.
It really isn't so important that the skirt flew up and was revealing, since of course you're wearing athletic "trunks" or something underneath. The style's just silly and impractical. Form follows function, Nike designers.
It really isn't so important that the skirt flew up and was revealing, since of course you're wearing athletic "trunks" or something underneath. The style's just silly and impractical. Form follows function, Nike designers.
10
It must have been a slow day for reporting on Wimbledon if today's article was written.
1
They have experienced annoying rain delays. What to talk about?
Why does fashion have anything to do with Wimbledon? Isn't it enough for Nike to have its emblem on the ladies' clothing?
4
Gaping oversights in professional athletic uniforms are not unheard of. Ever try on a MBL replica jersey? Incredibly heavy uncomfortable flannel. I can't imagine how the players wear those in the hot August sun.
2
UGLY!
4
Amazing fury generated over nothing. Nobody makes anybody wear anything. These athletes are paid to wear Nike apparel and use Nike equipment.
6
Contradictory statement, here. "Nobody makes anybody wear anything. These athletes are paid to wear Nike apparel...."
So they really didn't have to show up on the court in their negligees? Or did Nike "make" (require) them to wear unsuitable costumes?
So they really didn't have to show up on the court in their negligees? Or did Nike "make" (require) them to wear unsuitable costumes?
3
Nike just thought top athletes wouldn't mind a bit of a drag on performance, to look pretty in a Greek Goddess "baby doll" mini-dress. SMH
8
Hey Nike,
How about you put Roger Federer in a "flowy" tank top with some tight skivvies and see how he likes it. No? Because he's a "real player." He would feel silly?
These women are serious athletes and professionals. Treat them with the respect they deserve. Your endorsements should reflect admiration for their hard work rather than your need for skin showing publicity.
I'm switching brands.
Signed,
A Female Athlete
How about you put Roger Federer in a "flowy" tank top with some tight skivvies and see how he likes it. No? Because he's a "real player." He would feel silly?
These women are serious athletes and professionals. Treat them with the respect they deserve. Your endorsements should reflect admiration for their hard work rather than your need for skin showing publicity.
I'm switching brands.
Signed,
A Female Athlete
36
Now if someone could only design a HANDSOME and STRONG and ICONIC uniform for the U.S. Men's Nat'l Soccer Team, we'll be all set.
Italy, Holland, Germany, Spain, England, Brazil and Argentina always are dressed in iconic hues and very handsome design. Our designers can't even get the blues of the American flag on the uniform for two consecutive cycles...I've said it for years: A STRONG uniform makes for strong play - a weak uniform makes for weak play.
Look at the coaches! Every international coach wears hand made suits on the sidelines...Klinsman dresses like a suburban dad at his son's Saturday game.
Italy, Holland, Germany, Spain, England, Brazil and Argentina always are dressed in iconic hues and very handsome design. Our designers can't even get the blues of the American flag on the uniform for two consecutive cycles...I've said it for years: A STRONG uniform makes for strong play - a weak uniform makes for weak play.
Look at the coaches! Every international coach wears hand made suits on the sidelines...Klinsman dresses like a suburban dad at his son's Saturday game.
2
Too short, too transparent. When you're worried about your dress, you're not playing your best tennis. Nike should have known better.
21
Obviolusly Nike doesn't care as much about how well their tennis clothing helps their female athletes play as long as these ladies look fashionable while losing.
7
I don't recall ever having seen a male tennis player wearing sleeveless, scoopneck tops. Why don't they? Oh, yes, tennis is a dignified sport, and polo shirts--with sleeves and collars--are preferred because they are more genteel.
Let's dress our women players in proper clothing for the sport. Polo shirts and shorts--or, if required by Wimbledon rules, mid-thigh-length tailored skirts with built-in shorts.
Why are these women wearing sleeveless tops? They are not playing basketball, nor participating in a swimming meet.
Let's dress our women players in proper clothing for the sport. Polo shirts and shorts--or, if required by Wimbledon rules, mid-thigh-length tailored skirts with built-in shorts.
Why are these women wearing sleeveless tops? They are not playing basketball, nor participating in a swimming meet.
9
Are you serious? If men Tennis pros were allowed to play shirtless they would in a New York minute. I'll bet they envy the women who can wear - in their eyes - next to nothing. Ever play tennis on a hot day while wearing a collared shirt? Wimbledon - not Nike - has men and women dress rules players must adhere to if they expect to play there. Of course, if actually offended by the dress code they can always choose not to play.
"Power pleats"? Thanks, Nike, for the funniest attempt at branding I've heard in a very long time.
35
Becoming a mannequin for money, sad capitulation of your worth as a woman.
4
Ridiculous dress; I'm interested in a player's talent and strokes, not her underwear.
16
Shades of Gussie Moran's panties! For all the proclamations of advancement in women's sports accompanying Pat Summit's obituaries yesterday this controversy underscores the reality that much ground remains to cover. Why not have women players wear shorts and shirts as men do?
14
A floaty pleated dress belongs nowhere in an athletic competition. This makes me wonder if the execs at NIKE are worrying that women tennis players don't look helplessly feminine enough. If they're so worried about gender and appearance, then they can put codpieces on the men's shorts next. Perfect place for the Nike logo.
140
Eheheh. Nicely-played. ;)
1
Codpieces! Now that I'd pay to see. That dress is truly an insult to these women and shows that Nike thinks their game and abilities are a joke.
I do think the dresses are cute, but my one question is where are the pockets for the balls? When I played tennis in a uniform, our skirts had pockets. Based on the description of the players frustrations, I’m guessing there aren't any, because the weight of a couple of balls would at least prevent the dress from flying up too much. Not to mention anyone used to having a pocket or pouch, would get annoyed at always having to ask for a new ball.
4
This article reads like some sort of scandal until you get to the last several paragraphs where we learn that some players are wearing it. Some like it. Some like it even without the alterations. Those who don't like it have had the option to alter it, come up with the creative solutions mentioned earlier in the article, or wear an alternative outfit that is closer to what most players typically wear. So, in the end, this is really just spilling ink on a subject that probably wouldn't get discussed on the men's side. Come to think of it, I can recall articles about men's attire as well (Andre Agassi comes to mind). Maybe this is just a function of covering the early rounds of a tennis tournament which usually offers little drama on the court.
6
The belt is a great idea! Women's sports: definitely an area where dignity needs to return. Embrace the tradition and make something of it!
1
The dress itself is not much different from the tennis whiles women wore through the 60s- very short dresses/skirts with tennis pants underneath. Wimbledon still retains the tennis whites dress code- unlike the other tournaments. The problems with the Nike dress are
1- The loose style makes it ride up and interfere with play. Belted or otherwise waisted it appears to be fine
2-It is not flattering on all body types. is designed for a tall, lean figure without a bust or hips. While this fits the body type of most women on the circuit, it looks like a maternity dress on those like Serena- very unflattering. In fact- Serena appears to be wearing a white Nike more fitted and much more figure flattering for her body type.
As far as marginalization of women athletes- the men pay as much attention to their outfits - carefully edited to appear as though they do not.
1- The loose style makes it ride up and interfere with play. Belted or otherwise waisted it appears to be fine
2-It is not flattering on all body types. is designed for a tall, lean figure without a bust or hips. While this fits the body type of most women on the circuit, it looks like a maternity dress on those like Serena- very unflattering. In fact- Serena appears to be wearing a white Nike more fitted and much more figure flattering for her body type.
As far as marginalization of women athletes- the men pay as much attention to their outfits - carefully edited to appear as though they do not.
5
Let the boys try them on- long, lean, no breasts or hips? Andy Murray, N. Djokovic, etc.
8
I'd like to see the question of function addressed in this and the Fashion section too. Since when is function totally secondary for clothing? I am sick of women's swimsuits that stay wet all day long. I used to have a very pretty swimsuit that dried quickly when I got out of the water. When will journalists point this out honestly. Women want clothes that work, AND look nice. Should be possible when the stakes are this high, and for every other woman too.
5
Women's swimsuits, arrgghhhh! Designers might consider a course in anatomy, where they would learn that women's legs do not emerge from their armpits.
2
Stupid dress for a tennis player. How about shorts and a tee, much more practical. What was Nike thinking?
7
Sexually suppressed WASPS have made tennis attire a "problem" for decades. Let the players wear what they want already!
4
I'd rather see what Serena Williams might design. She has experience with wardrobe design, and a bit of experience with tennis.
5
I try to be at least somewhat fashionable given my advanced age, and keep half an eye on the trends. And I guess I thought this was an amusing story about a sportswear fashion fail, but dear me, so many aggrieved posters! So, "why don't they wear what the men wear?" Well, you may be perfectly content to dodder around the Home Depot in the same khaki pants, polo shirt and mannish haircut your husband is sporting, but I doubt there are many 20-something top female athletes who want to appear on television that way. "Where is the story about what the male athletes are wearing?" In some ways this relates to the previous, but men as a group just don't dress as imaginatively or interestingly as women. And while I seem to remember some coverage of Jimmy Connors' pin stripes way back when, as a rule, sartorially speaking the tennis dudes are pretty dull.
6
It looks girly and would provide nice ventilation, but the billowing would distract the eye from the ball, so very impractical. I don't really think the boy shorts are flattering either. I like the traditional tennis skirt. It's flirty yet functional.
2
Then why don't men wear them?
3
Because men and women wear different clothes.
5
In these sports that show the body--basketball, tennis, track & field, and swimming--we mere mortals love to ogle. This feminist is saying very loudly--I DO care what women wear, and what they look like, especially if they're athletically fit. I'm in my 60s and strive for fitness, so when I see younger (or older), more fit bodies, it's an inspiration to me. I like measuring my fitness goals against others. And while everyone keeps asking, why didn't Nike try out this dress first?--well, the company did--on Eugene Bouchard, a world class player who loved it. She also has a tone, fit abdomen that she clearly likes to show off.
There have been articles about the length of men's shorts in tennis (Nadal's have come to his calves), and the occasional appearance of muscle tees on men. Really, folks, not all fashion articles are inherently sexist even when focused on just females. This has been a topic that has fascinated for decades at Wimbledon as athletes and designers have periodically tried to be subversive in the face of its rules. And many of us will most look forward to the Olympic opening ceremonies to see how each country--men and women--are outfitted, and later on, what they're wearing when they run, jump, pump and twirl.
There have been articles about the length of men's shorts in tennis (Nadal's have come to his calves), and the occasional appearance of muscle tees on men. Really, folks, not all fashion articles are inherently sexist even when focused on just females. This has been a topic that has fascinated for decades at Wimbledon as athletes and designers have periodically tried to be subversive in the face of its rules. And many of us will most look forward to the Olympic opening ceremonies to see how each country--men and women--are outfitted, and later on, what they're wearing when they run, jump, pump and twirl.
9
I thought you come to play tennis. So wear what you are comfortable with, not some logo outfit a corporation is forcing you to wear.
What a racket! Pun intended.
What a racket! Pun intended.
3
"It looks so cute on the boys and makes them feel so masculine". Said no one, ever.
So chauvinists are alive and well in the sporting industry, what a surprise. What ever happened to the ERA?
So chauvinists are alive and well in the sporting industry, what a surprise. What ever happened to the ERA?
10
ERA? It has never been ratified by the requisite 38 states. Perhaps it is time for another push on it.
Shorts.
3
We haven't heard such an uproar sine Gussie Moran was vilified for wearing lace panties--and became famous for it. Any Grand Slam tournament is a fashion show for clothing manufacturers to sell merchandise. Wimbledon white doesn't sell clothes.
1
The clothing on the court used to be 'tennis whites'. Not necessarily this form of silly dress garb of course, but sticking to the traditional white color for clothes should be observed. No fluorescent, midriff baring, sloppy or crazy patterns.
Keep it classy and classic.
Keep it classy and classic.
4
Does Nike think it's cute that grrls just wanna play tennis?
1
Nike got what it wanted: People are talking about their dress no matter the fact that it does not work in real life. Stella McCartney on the other hand created dresses with openings that help to keep the player cool and allows the skin to breathe while being pleasant to the eye and functional to the athlete but gets little ink for doing so. Advertising and Kim Kardasian are the only winners here. SMH...
1
Don't you think just maybe, Nike would have had this baby doll tested on the court before forcing on the ladies at Wimbledon?
Are the men wearing white speedos?
Are the men wearing white speedos?
10
Clearly no one involved in the design of this dress has played even a single game of tennis.
Epic fail, Nike.
Epic fail, Nike.
270
Maybe not "clearly" as the last several paragraphs mention that several players n the tournament (who meet your criteria of having played a single game of tennis) like the dress (even the unaltered version) and have been wearing it and winning matches.
1
SJG: My use of clearly was (clearly) ironic. Btw, only two players are on record here as liking it: Genie B who is on the payroll for marketing this specific garment, and another player who is also getting paid to wear it. The others you count are extolling the virtues of switching to the alternate outfit.
2
All the Nike sponsored players are paid to wear it. Even those that aren't wearing.
I usually am not a defender of articles in the NY Times (especially Roger Cohen's). But in this case of "wardrobe malfunction'" many commentators make point that there would be no like article about men's wear, or that players get paid to wear branded merchandise. The first point is moot (as in arguable) the second point is moot (as in 'so what?" Having covered both meanings of the word moot i do seem to recall a number of articles about men's sport apparel- especially on performance including protective (or lack of protection) for players in the NFL. One further point of mine - i do give kudos to Nike for at least trying something different (if not totally new, or apparently totally functional.). I write with a modicum of authority having been a garment worker, and a reporter for both Women's Wear Daily and Men's Wear Magazine. Some of my stories were actually true. I wish i could remember which. By the way, the Ralph Lauren was actually a decent stylist, but not really what anyone who knew anything could call a fashion designer. On the other hand, Cardello , now there was a designer who could design. Disclosure: I do own a pair of Nike pants and shoes. I usually wear them to paint in.
2
A dress for an athlete? Must have been designed by a man hoping to see some flesh.......
The "dress" does look like a nightie to me. All athletes should be dressed in knitted cotton or other perspiration wicking fabric, giving them the ability to move fast without being hampered by fabric flying around. Additionally, the clothing should never be a distraction while professionals play their games.
The tennis dress pictured is more suitable for a child dancing in "The Nutcracker."
The "dress" does look like a nightie to me. All athletes should be dressed in knitted cotton or other perspiration wicking fabric, giving them the ability to move fast without being hampered by fabric flying around. Additionally, the clothing should never be a distraction while professionals play their games.
The tennis dress pictured is more suitable for a child dancing in "The Nutcracker."
194
Cotton does not wick perspiration. It absorbs it, making the fabric heavier and the wearer hotter.
4
As George Costanza pointed out, "Yeah. Cotton breathes, you see, it's much softer. Imagine playing games and your team is five degrees cooler than the other team." Worked out well.
"Must have been designed by a man hoping to see... "
Rather sexist trope for an "ultimateliberal"
You would have been safe if you had been more selective
"Must have been designed by a white middle-aged man hoping to see..."
Rather sexist trope for an "ultimateliberal"
You would have been safe if you had been more selective
"Must have been designed by a white middle-aged man hoping to see..."
Nike new Slogan...."Just Ruin It"
42
This is so messed up it's hard to figure out where to begin on it.
First, this is part of the commodification of women's bodies. Part of it. One instance of millions.
Second, it shows the marginalization of women athletes. It's not their athletic ability, it's how they look.
Third, Wimbledon and tradition. Does anyone, anywhere, at any point really need to pay respects to royalty? Never mind Brexit, what has been the history and the lasting imprint of the British Empire on those it ruled over? Bow and/or curtsy for the Queen? Stop it. Wear white for tradition? In some cultures, white is the color of garb for funerals.
The whole thing is sickening. And for those many posters blaming the women athletes for taking part in this, yes, they do. And if they don't, they can sit home and make babies. That's the reality of modern society, i.e., a few women get to bang their heads on the "glass ceiling," while by-and-large women are seen as mothers, first and foremost.
First, this is part of the commodification of women's bodies. Part of it. One instance of millions.
Second, it shows the marginalization of women athletes. It's not their athletic ability, it's how they look.
Third, Wimbledon and tradition. Does anyone, anywhere, at any point really need to pay respects to royalty? Never mind Brexit, what has been the history and the lasting imprint of the British Empire on those it ruled over? Bow and/or curtsy for the Queen? Stop it. Wear white for tradition? In some cultures, white is the color of garb for funerals.
The whole thing is sickening. And for those many posters blaming the women athletes for taking part in this, yes, they do. And if they don't, they can sit home and make babies. That's the reality of modern society, i.e., a few women get to bang their heads on the "glass ceiling," while by-and-large women are seen as mothers, first and foremost.
74
Wimbledon and Tradition, really true what you said. British Empire does not want to move on with time. Just to get a single ticket to Wimbledon is a whole calamity on its won. Does not change in 100 years, queue and more queue and more queue. History and Tradition must be preserved they said, but majority want easier option in modern era
Does anyone need to pay respects to royalty? No. It is about royalties. That is Nike's business. They design it, promote it (by paying athletes, a royalty), and let other companies manufacture it, for a royalty (i.e., license fee).
Why would a female athlete wear a dress anyway, much less one that looks like a baby doll nightgown a young girl would wear?
Or, to put it another way, are the men wearing this?
Or, to put it another way, are the men wearing this?
29
Obviously not. Male athletes are almost never judged by their physical appearance, but only their success on the playing field. And male tennis players were boring ordinary white shorts and white polo shirts or similar -- in sensible cotton fabrics, that breathe and wick moisture away.
What rational is there, in 2016, for an ADULT woman tennis player to dress like a kindergartner in a tiny mini dress designed to flip up and show her underwear? Ditto for female ice skaters.
What rational is there, in 2016, for an ADULT woman tennis player to dress like a kindergartner in a tiny mini dress designed to flip up and show her underwear? Ditto for female ice skaters.
2
hear hear!
The women (many of them middle-rank players) are paid BIG $$$ to wear these idiot 'Nike-branded' products...look at all the free advertising they've provided on the NYT threads alone!!
This is what happens when symbiosis goes out of control.
Nike sees these young ladies as models walking a runway, rather than athletes. Naturally Nike wants to create something that it attention getting so viewers will notice the clothing. It has to be new and different. If the women dress like athletes normally dress, it doesn't sell as well.
The women, many of whom are in the middle rankings and can use some money and support, allow themselves to be used as models. I don't blame the women for wanting to look nice on international television, but you can see how easily it can get ridiculous.
Nike sees these young ladies as models walking a runway, rather than athletes. Naturally Nike wants to create something that it attention getting so viewers will notice the clothing. It has to be new and different. If the women dress like athletes normally dress, it doesn't sell as well.
The women, many of whom are in the middle rankings and can use some money and support, allow themselves to be used as models. I don't blame the women for wanting to look nice on international television, but you can see how easily it can get ridiculous.
85
Players get paid to wear those awful clothes in all the tournaments. Enough said.
7
Its bad enough Nike didnt see this babydoll dress as full of design flaws. But the professionals who also missed it is really dumb. Or extra greedy.
15
I so look forward to the article about men's Wimbledon apparel.
Oh, wait, the US media reports on how men compete, not what they wear.
Oh, wait, the US media reports on how men compete, not what they wear.
40
I totally agree -- how did these women do in their events, anyway? That was not even mentioned in the article. And, why revert to a "babydoll" dress associated with lingerie for a womens world sporting event? Clearly it was the look not the function of the sportswear that was most important to Nike!
16
This is a silly article that would never have been published had it involved Nike's choice of outfits used my men. Now, if the men were asked to wear white under wear as their shorts and tank tops this article might be fair and more interesting. Tennis has always been sexist, including but not limited to the pay. Nike wants their product to look sexy.
11
And yet one US Olympic runner almost had to go to court with Nike over what shoes he could wear:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/05/21/u-s-runner-...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/05/21/u-s-runner-...
3
This Nike dress does look like baby doll pajamas and seem to be comfy for sleeping but not for tennis.
The skirt is too fly away and distracting for the players. It seems to just get in the way. Nike should know better. They design sports wear for athletes- not for red carpet or the runway. Silly.
The skirt is too fly away and distracting for the players. It seems to just get in the way. Nike should know better. They design sports wear for athletes- not for red carpet or the runway. Silly.
15
This article, indirectly points out two big issues in women's sports...unequal pay the gigantic profits of companies like Nike. Many players sign with shoe/fashion companies, simply because it gets them more money. With the disparity in tournament pay-outs, players who don't reach quarterfinals often need the stipends provided by shoe/fashion companies to meet expenses.
Wimbledon (and much of tennis as a whole) requires "ladies" to wear skirts or dresses on-court, and Wimbledon requires them to be white. Lets face it, Nike is in it for Nike. They mass produce an item, get it on the players, and hopes that they generate a buzz and the item goes big in retail. Those dresses are basically off-the-rack, made in Asia.
Let's look at Track and Field, Nike's bread and butter. At this years Olympics, top Nike athletes will have custom made apparel, made in the US. Athletes who are sponsored by other companies, but have to wear Official USA gear provided by Nike, will get off-the-rack, made in Asia gear. It's all about profits.
Wimbledon (and much of tennis as a whole) requires "ladies" to wear skirts or dresses on-court, and Wimbledon requires them to be white. Lets face it, Nike is in it for Nike. They mass produce an item, get it on the players, and hopes that they generate a buzz and the item goes big in retail. Those dresses are basically off-the-rack, made in Asia.
Let's look at Track and Field, Nike's bread and butter. At this years Olympics, top Nike athletes will have custom made apparel, made in the US. Athletes who are sponsored by other companies, but have to wear Official USA gear provided by Nike, will get off-the-rack, made in Asia gear. It's all about profits.
34
The reference to 'ladies' in sports and elsewhere is ridiculous. We would do well to promote proper grammar: female/male; women/men, girls/boys;
ladies/gentlemen. I hate it when announcers say ladies tennis (golf, diving or whatever) and then follow with men's tennis.
Ones gender is female or male ( including transgender categorized according to their choice). Whether or not one is a lady or a gentleman is a judgment based upon manners or social class. It is an outdated and useless descriptor for female participation in a sport.
Please -- it's women's and men's or female/ male or girls/boys. If in doubt about how to describe a female participant, try substituting one adjective for the other and you'll immediately know which to use.
ladies/gentlemen. I hate it when announcers say ladies tennis (golf, diving or whatever) and then follow with men's tennis.
Ones gender is female or male ( including transgender categorized according to their choice). Whether or not one is a lady or a gentleman is a judgment based upon manners or social class. It is an outdated and useless descriptor for female participation in a sport.
Please -- it's women's and men's or female/ male or girls/boys. If in doubt about how to describe a female participant, try substituting one adjective for the other and you'll immediately know which to use.
12
'Lady' and 'gentleman', are designations you earn.
2
These problems will completely disappear when consumers stop purchasing a product or brand because they saw it worn by a professional athlete or other celebrity. We can sit here and blame the corporations or other powerful entities when the power rests entirely in the hands of the public. The day we the public start showing up to our local tennis courts in generic brand shorts and t shirts or (gasp) in the same outfit we wore last year, is the day all this nonsense will end.
3
Not well thought out for the "Just do it" monster of overvalued athletic shoes.
But it sure was well thought out for a lot of free press, worth millions.
But it sure was well thought out for a lot of free press, worth millions.
7
So stupid and paternalistic to dress top female athletes like 5 year old little girls in nightgowns.
61
Maybe we should make the men players just wear a long T-shirt and underpants and see how they like it?
405
Who's "they"?
Who would not try this in a practice round first before wearing it in a match? Nike and the designer must have known and wanted to see the malfunction attention. Let's get rid of the clothes entirely and just have a Nike headband big enough to go around the breasts.
6
This story is a perfect window into the contradictory, unreasonable, unhealthy and insane demands our culture places upon women.
Be attractive. Be tough. Be competitive. Be quiet. Be athletic. Be strong. Be feminine. Be sexually desirable. At all times, at all ages.
No wonder the suicide rate for women has skyrocketed.
On 4/22/16, the CDC reported a 45% increase in the suicide rate for women overall between 1999 and 2014. Among middle-aged women, between 45 and 64, was the highest rate and largest increase: 63%, from 6 to 9.8 per 100,000. Among girls 10-14, the suicide rate increased threefold, from 0.5 to 1.5 per 100,000.
Nike and the kerfuffle over this dress are symptomatic of a larger, deeper pernicious phenomenon. Call it what you will: gender inequality, sexism, patriarchy.
Whatever it is, it's real.
Be attractive. Be tough. Be competitive. Be quiet. Be athletic. Be strong. Be feminine. Be sexually desirable. At all times, at all ages.
No wonder the suicide rate for women has skyrocketed.
On 4/22/16, the CDC reported a 45% increase in the suicide rate for women overall between 1999 and 2014. Among middle-aged women, between 45 and 64, was the highest rate and largest increase: 63%, from 6 to 9.8 per 100,000. Among girls 10-14, the suicide rate increased threefold, from 0.5 to 1.5 per 100,000.
Nike and the kerfuffle over this dress are symptomatic of a larger, deeper pernicious phenomenon. Call it what you will: gender inequality, sexism, patriarchy.
Whatever it is, it's real.
49
YES! Thank you so very much.
And if you're too tough/fast/strong and not feminine enough, you'll get tested for being too masculine. Sometimes it really seems like there is no winning.
I am totally not surprised to see suicide jumping in the over 45 crowd.
I am totally not surprised to see suicide jumping in the over 45 crowd.
2
Does wearing a skirt/dress improve one's tennis game? If so, why don't the men wear them, too?
26
How demeaning. Even moderate testing would have shown that this design is a problem. What value is Nike adding other than branding? Clearly dressing these women in untested fly away dresses shows that the athletes are valued less for their ability and more for a chance view of their behind. Nike's clients were not the athletes.
I will think twice about buying my next Nike product, if this is how they treat professionals.
I will think twice about buying my next Nike product, if this is how they treat professionals.
36
Of course you can pick my outfit. If I could make oh, I don't know, a million dollars wearing a clown suit to work, sign me up..
18
You could put a swoosh on a potato sack, throw it on Genie Bouchard and start counting the sales revenues. But it looks like Nike thought thought all the women would be happy running around the courts in "baby dolls" rather than something functional. Even Nike errs from time to time.
14
Exactly. Genie loves it because it seems she is more about fashion than tennis. Both are fine but one needs priorities to be a champion.
1
Personally I like to play in a dress when the weather is very hot (usually not the case in London during Wimbledon) but this is looks like a nightgown/negligee and all that material flying up would be very annoying. Nike tends to cut its clothes for the under 30 set and anyone over a size 2 needs a large. That get-up Serena opted for at the Australian and spring season was downright hideous. Really, I don't want to see anyone's bare midriff on the tennis court.
18
So, what exactly would happen if a woman (or several women) simply refused to wear an article of clothing she/they deem uncomfortable or inappropriate? If Nike's dress doesn't suit them, Nike has the problem, not the women who simply point it out.
If Serena told Nike "This dress is just terrible!", do you think they'd pull out her contract and give her a lecture? Of course not. They'd fix it, or forget about it. The other competitors can do the same. Or, wear a sign that says "I know I look like an under-dressed clown, but that's what Nike makes me do to earn a few extra bucks, which are more important to me." Dear players: pick one, and go with it.
If Serena told Nike "This dress is just terrible!", do you think they'd pull out her contract and give her a lecture? Of course not. They'd fix it, or forget about it. The other competitors can do the same. Or, wear a sign that says "I know I look like an under-dressed clown, but that's what Nike makes me do to earn a few extra bucks, which are more important to me." Dear players: pick one, and go with it.
12
Let's have the men wear Seinfeld's puffy shirt.
43
It is unfortunate that Nike made a dress that both looked bad and interfered with play. While your photo shows that Katie Boulter managed to make it look good, that only means that she could look good wearing a potato sack. This is Nike's potato sack and it is bunching even on Katie!
Serena's outfit this year was not much better. The pleated off-the-waist skirt reminded me of my Grandma's tennis ladies minus the square cut shorts. Even the spiral hem could not save it .
Given the triple scandal that tennis is recovering from this year: game fixing, doping and inane sexist remarks; you would think that Nike would have brought its A game to Wimbledon. Not so much.
These are tall, lean, young athletes in peak physical condition. The designers are not saddled with having to conceal any faults. This dress looks like it was designed by a committee with a mission statement, all of whom were on their smart phones while the dress was having its final review. Tim Gunn would have sorted them out in two minutes flat.
And perhaps it is time for the All England Club to let the women wear shorts and a shirt. Properly designed and fitted, they would put this dress to shame.
Serena's outfit this year was not much better. The pleated off-the-waist skirt reminded me of my Grandma's tennis ladies minus the square cut shorts. Even the spiral hem could not save it .
Given the triple scandal that tennis is recovering from this year: game fixing, doping and inane sexist remarks; you would think that Nike would have brought its A game to Wimbledon. Not so much.
These are tall, lean, young athletes in peak physical condition. The designers are not saddled with having to conceal any faults. This dress looks like it was designed by a committee with a mission statement, all of whom were on their smart phones while the dress was having its final review. Tim Gunn would have sorted them out in two minutes flat.
And perhaps it is time for the All England Club to let the women wear shorts and a shirt. Properly designed and fitted, they would put this dress to shame.
14
It's fairly obvious that sexiness trumps functionality in women's tennis and especially on the LPGA, the latter being as cutesy girly as it gets. Those skimpy short skirts distract from the game. Players on the LPGA tour should be required to wear slacks just like men on the PGA. Hell, and while I'm at it why not abolish company branding on all clothing. We've all been turned into walking talking billboards, especially with outdoor performance clothing.
19
Remarkable, when the veil is pulled back and we can see the marketing for what it is. I feel bad for these people as athletes having to contend with performance issues from apparel that they are contractually obliged to wear - and as women, for having to endure something that was clearly designed to reveal their underwear.
That they're expected to continue praising their sponsor even in the face of obvious challenges is a sad indictment on modern times.
That they're expected to continue praising their sponsor even in the face of obvious challenges is a sad indictment on modern times.
18
How does wearing a 'cute' dress have anything to with the vicious gladiator battles of world-class women's tennis?
I get Maria Sharapova's great earrings as talismans of luck & power, but women dressing like tulips to slam projectiles at each other is absurd.
They should be thinking b-line not A-line...
I get Maria Sharapova's great earrings as talismans of luck & power, but women dressing like tulips to slam projectiles at each other is absurd.
They should be thinking b-line not A-line...
11
Nike: that you want women athletes to look like baby dolls is sick and it's gross and I will buy other clothing as a result. NYT: this article reflects a continuing inability to focus on women's accomplishments in your pages. Treat them like the world-class athletes they are instead of talking about their outfits. NOT news NOT interesting. Do you think you are satisfying women readers with this stuff?
32
"sick and gross"? A little over the top, no?
1
Nope! Sick and gross are NOT over-the-top. They are mild in comparison to my reaction when I saw the photos. Some male designers at Nike have lost their minds. They should all be fired for stupidity.
2
The first thing that popped into my head when I saw it - it looks like they are playing in their nightie!
22
Exactly what Nike hoped you (and the male 'fans') would think!
Pleated skirts and ruffled bloomers! Please come back!
4
'ruffled bloomers'??? Female athletes are athletes, not small children for your seemingly pervy approval. Gross.
4
@Tracy: Grandpa Dino means BLOOMERS .... long puffy pants that come down to your calf. Not the little ruffled panties that toddlers wear.
Bloomers were worn with a long skirt over them, too! And back in the day, bloomers were considered to be outrageous, feminist and very shocking! Today, they look like a modified burkha.
Bloomers were worn with a long skirt over them, too! And back in the day, bloomers were considered to be outrageous, feminist and very shocking! Today, they look like a modified burkha.
The job of an athlete is to be an excellent looking and performing example of a human. Why shouldn't you show off your form? They don't put clothes on the dogs at the Westminster do they?
Even as a straight dude, I think the baggy men's fashions that are so in vogue in sports look ridiculous. That being said, why is Nike giving the players only one choice instead of several to chose from?
Even as a straight dude, I think the baggy men's fashions that are so in vogue in sports look ridiculous. That being said, why is Nike giving the players only one choice instead of several to chose from?
3
Baggy? Check out the current trend of pro golfers wearing low-rise, trim cut trousers. Sure, there are some folks out there still stuck in the baggy phase, but that trend faded a few years ago.
But these Nike dresses really do look like baby doll nighties. C'mon Nike. Are you that desperate for a little extra (negative) attention?
But these Nike dresses really do look like baby doll nighties. C'mon Nike. Are you that desperate for a little extra (negative) attention?
4
Does this story really warrant NYT space? Other than Nike and perhaps one or two dozen well compensated players, who really cares what the women wear? In functional terms, the professional women would likely be far more comfortable - and functional in a simple pair of white shorts, formerly known as Hot Pants. At the end of the day, this is about playing and winning world-class tennis. The game is not a fashion statement.
8
I detect an overabundance of subjectivity in your opinion.
3
Unflaterring on most of the women and a flawed design that needed to be tailored. Just scrap it.
17
Companies like Nike sell the idea that they are "tech": you pay high prices for their clothes and shoes because Nike scientists and engineers and human biomechanics specialists have spent time and money making sure the apparel "works"
but, of course, it is all a myth; I bet Nike now outsources not only manufacture, but design to China or Pakistan, and the only thing left in the US are clueless marketers
but, of course, it is all a myth; I bet Nike now outsources not only manufacture, but design to China or Pakistan, and the only thing left in the US are clueless marketers
7
While I defend a player's right to choose her style of outfit (see Bethanie Mattek-Sands) for Nike to have thought that this nightie was an appropriate outfit to provide to their entire team of athletes was really demeaning to the women. Clearly no consideration went into tailoring the form and function of the garment to the rigors of the sport.
23
This could open a big discussion! I believe a major reason women's pro basketball and soccer fail in the ratings is that (unlike tennis) their apparel gives no evidence they are women! If we are merely watching a sports competition the product is similar to a game played by smaller men! Tennis realizes this and lets us enjoy the fact women are competing by show casing the difference in the genders, Until women's b-ball and soccer do the same their pro sports will languish in the rating!
2
The Victorian era called, they'd like women to return the past century of equality.
7
Surely this is sarcasm?
You're point is that women should be treated as sex objects & not recognized for their physical abilities?
You're point is that women should be treated as sex objects & not recognized for their physical abilities?
3
Yeah, that's the most important thing about gendered sports--to point up the differences between men and women. God forbid we watch to see a sport played at its highest level.
She looks great---Thanks NIKE!
5
That is one ugly dress. It reminds me of the baby doll pajama tops I wore in the '50s.
10
I can't believe I read this article. I only have the fact that we have two fashionista, tennis playing daughters to blame. Still, I should really get back to work, or at least find out what's gotten into Paul Simon - what's HE going to do - take up gourmet cooking?
9
...and for the men Nike chose a renaissance style Elizabethan Tudor tunic with ruffle...
If only I shall live that long.
If only I shall live that long.
35
An athlete should be an athlete. Not a stripper or a model or someone looking to hook up.
Male and female athletes should dress themselves in clothing that allows them to perform best. Their outfits do not have to attract attention; their performance is all that's important.
Let's see all the men and women in basically the same shorts -- not those ugly, baggy "skorts," please -- and tops that don't bind or flap about or do anything but sit still and not be noticed.
We like watching what you do. Not so much your bits and pieces.
Male and female athletes should dress themselves in clothing that allows them to perform best. Their outfits do not have to attract attention; their performance is all that's important.
Let's see all the men and women in basically the same shorts -- not those ugly, baggy "skorts," please -- and tops that don't bind or flap about or do anything but sit still and not be noticed.
We like watching what you do. Not so much your bits and pieces.
20
Hmmmm...have any of the designers, or the Nike design team, actually played Tennis? A...dress? Really? How...quaint...how....early 20th Century. How completely inept and inappropriate to the game.
Nike....these are professional ATHLETES! You should respect themas such by providing them with playing apparel appropriate to a game involving a huge expenditure of energy with a lot of running, jumping, swinging, gyrating and the like. Would you expect the Men to be running around in a billowing, flowing, shirt?
Jeezus someone on that design team needs to pick up a racket and go volley a few rounds...
Nike....these are professional ATHLETES! You should respect themas such by providing them with playing apparel appropriate to a game involving a huge expenditure of energy with a lot of running, jumping, swinging, gyrating and the like. Would you expect the Men to be running around in a billowing, flowing, shirt?
Jeezus someone on that design team needs to pick up a racket and go volley a few rounds...
60
Well stated, John!!!
1
They are paid good money to advertise whatever Nike designs. The easy way to stop this is to stop being walking bill boards for corporations.
5
I demand parity! The men should be forced to play in capes!
94
The men should be forced to play in precisely the same childish get-up assigned adult women who are world class athletes at the top of their game.
7
This is what the players get by trading their autonomy for cash. They can't even control what they look like, to say nothing of the effect of a billowing dress on their play.
Didn't anyone try it out before the tournament? Or perhaps they did, but their contractual agreements were more important than their performance.
Didn't anyone try it out before the tournament? Or perhaps they did, but their contractual agreements were more important than their performance.
17
I don't know much about women's tennis outfits, but Eugenie liked it; and she looks great in it.
3
Should male tennis players wear white Speedos? Perhaps female players should wear bikinis.
Who knows? That may as well increase viewership.
Who knows? That may as well increase viewership.
15
beach volleyball. They're barefoot and virtually naked. why the skimpy outfit? does it help them volley that ball over the net more efficiently? Nope. But it sure does get the male viewer involved.
This "dress" is the "New Coke" of Nike.
This "dress" is the "New Coke" of Nike.
1
Why are a woman's athletic accomplishments always relegated secondary to her looks and dress? Is Wimbledon about the tennis or is it a Nike active-wear infomercial with some, world class mind you, women's tennis thrown in for the action shots?
IMO...The price for Nike's partial sponsorship of Wimbledon is excessive...as is Adidas's of the French Open.
IMO...The price for Nike's partial sponsorship of Wimbledon is excessive...as is Adidas's of the French Open.
21
It is corporate media and corporate sports--players become brands and it is almost impossible to dislodge them after that happens and let new players into the top ranks. Nike workout wear has always been less than adequate for performance wear. If I order it online it always has to go back.
2
Because, men rule the world so can force women to sign contracts that require them to wear skimpy outfits and trot along a net while whacking a ball with a heavy badminton birdie. Oppression is constant.
3
I am cynical enough to believe that this article exemplifies Nike's wisdom. It's tough to get NYT-caliber coverage for a plain white skirt, unless you go weird.
You may scoff, but country club wives are raising their eyebrows.
You may scoff, but country club wives are raising their eyebrows.
1
I like what Victoria Azarenka wears. She wears a matching top with shorts. Now if only Rafa will return wearing his "muscle shirts." We women like eye candy too.
7
Wow... Is Nike trying to compete with Victoria's Secret? At Wimbledon!
That dress- a see through really- is rather odd on a ping-pong court. But obviously, it's Nike Summer Collection for the CEOs wives' week-end at the country club.
How about shorts on the professional tour for the ladies.
That dress- a see through really- is rather odd on a ping-pong court. But obviously, it's Nike Summer Collection for the CEOs wives' week-end at the country club.
How about shorts on the professional tour for the ladies.
19
I think the dress looks great. They should wear high heels too although that might be a problem on grass.
11
I marvel at how women are able to concentrate on their game as parts of their bodies that are normally covered are visible to all. I agree with others who suggest shorts underneath. Many of the big name players like Serena and Azarenka already do that. I am sure that not having to worry about being exposed in their movements will greatly improve the quality of the game.
3
Impractical tennis dress designed to show as much skin as possible. Boo, Nike.
14
Right ...because women don't like to show their skin, and are forced to wear these costumes by Nike. You're so wrong, so wrong.
3
Just sell it.
7
Typical Nike. The company cares more about marketing an image then making quality products. As a distance runner I rarely see anyone wearing Nike shoes because they offer little support. They sponsored the first NYC Half Marathon on a weekend of excruciating heat, same year people died from exhaustion at the Chicago marathon. I had to go to Niketown to pick up my race number and there was no water available. Adding insult to injury they had a display of water bottles we weren't allowed to touch and our swag bags included a card about proper hydration. At the end of the race there was no recovery food.
So many people complained that the New York Road Runners dropped Nike as a sponsor.
So many people complained that the New York Road Runners dropped Nike as a sponsor.
22
What would Bill Cunningham have thought?
10
It's silly silly fashion that pays the freight.
1
When watching Safarova play the other day the first thing I noticed was the chic dress she was wearing. Nike finally got it right compared to the ridiculous outfits they do for Serena which makes her figure look twice the size than it actually is.
1
I have not seen Ms. Safavora recently, but she is an attractive young woman and has an attractive style of play. Like Ms Muguruza, for example, she has the body type of many female tennis players that is tall, long-legged and lithe.
Regrettably, one might assert the opposite with regard to Ms Williams. Outstanding athlete of course, but I frankly find that her movement and style of play match her chunkiness of physique. As an aside, Ms Williams musculature is the most notable, aside from Samantha Stosur's, in women's professional tennis. It is more than unnatural. Ms Sharapova, although from my perspective a player with a remarkably awkward style of play, has next to no notable musculature. Ergo, one might question who is using what drugs for enhancement of performance.
Otherwise, I find all "sports endorsements" to be more or less disgusting. Yes, athletes who can make a living from playing their sport, i.e. professionals, are those who play the sport best, but I find commercialization through professional endorsement to be one of the sleaziest aspects of commercialization.
For me personally "professional" or much worse "celebrity" endorsement of a product or service is a distinct negative for consideration of the merits of the product or service.
Regrettably, one might assert the opposite with regard to Ms Williams. Outstanding athlete of course, but I frankly find that her movement and style of play match her chunkiness of physique. As an aside, Ms Williams musculature is the most notable, aside from Samantha Stosur's, in women's professional tennis. It is more than unnatural. Ms Sharapova, although from my perspective a player with a remarkably awkward style of play, has next to no notable musculature. Ergo, one might question who is using what drugs for enhancement of performance.
Otherwise, I find all "sports endorsements" to be more or less disgusting. Yes, athletes who can make a living from playing their sport, i.e. professionals, are those who play the sport best, but I find commercialization through professional endorsement to be one of the sleaziest aspects of commercialization.
For me personally "professional" or much worse "celebrity" endorsement of a product or service is a distinct negative for consideration of the merits of the product or service.
1
The dresses are light, glamorous with an undertone of naughtiness about them. Perfect to promote an otherwise (until the finals) unwatchable sport. Good job Nike.
6
Are you kidding me? Thanks but no thanks Nike. Convenient that you didn't design the men's outfits like this...
17
Back in the 60s when I took tennis lessons on a local casual clay court, I did not see the cut off, pleated lamp shade dress were at all confining. If anything they were a tease that did not delivery.
Who cares what one wears as long as they can play the tennis sport.
2
I could care less about tennis fashion in general, but oh do I miss Rafa's pirate style!
It looks like nightwear. These are tennis players not models. Since men's fashion is moving closer to that of the female, is there going to be a dress for the males, too?
5
A dress that hikes up? Shows more flesh - more a sex show. Women should dump it.
9
Nike should just admit that this dress is a flop as tennis apparel and market it as the lingerie that it is. Let the women wear tops and shorts or tops and skirts if they prefer but stop with the "statement" clothing and let players concentrate on playing tennis.
20
"NikeCourt female team athletes will compete in the one-piece NikeCourt Premier Slam Dress, which represents a departure from the skirt-top combinations worn in previous Grand Slams. Despite the traditional aesthetic, the dress features modern design elements such as power pleats and racerback construction, which work in tandem to enable the athlete’s movement."
And someone gets paid to write this drivel? Amazing! I want to know what a power pleat is.
And someone gets paid to write this drivel? Amazing! I want to know what a power pleat is.
18
Most entertaining was Nike's effort to argue this was somehow a performance enhancing, high tech design.
There's more engineering in lingerie than this outfit, although they share a common goal.
There's more engineering in lingerie than this outfit, although they share a common goal.
21
I'm surprised to hear that professional athletes would wear something that they haven't previously tested out under 'game-day' conditions. Even in amatuer running we know better than to wear a new pair of shoes for a marathon.
6
Clearly this story is not about tennis. Some have suggested it belongs on the fashion pages. Alternatively, maybe it belongs on the business pages, since it refers to business decisions made by the athletes' corporate sponsors, and to how the athletes are trying to cope with said decisions.
2
The article would have been a lot more useful had the written examples of player alterations been accompanied by photos of each.
6
I use to be a faithful Nike wearer, but have found that their overall design and fabric quality has definitely slipped. Back to Fila for me.
4
Most men probably watch Women's tennis primarily to enjoy the good looking women.
1
Certain, not likely.
2
This is what happens when you let pin head fashionistas make sports decisions.
7
Wimbledon is about tennis, not fashion. #covertheathlete
2
Personally, I hate to be expected to stuff balls up my underwear that have previously been stuffed up other women's underwear and are covered with their sweat in the course of a game. Who deemed pockets for women--in shorts preferably, but in skirts as well--irrelevant, and WHY? Men have longish, comfortable, shorts with deep pockets. (I don't see any men stuffing balls anywhere but into a pocket.) Who decided men could be comfortable and decided women were not permitted this minimal convenience? And why?
32
Amazing, that a corporation can dictate what style of clothing an athlete must wear. And equally amazing, that athletes are willing to give up control over factors that may influence their performance.
136
You have that completely, 180 degrees backwards, ed.
The dissent has all to do with what clothes allow women to feel comfortable.
The dissent has all to do with what clothes allow women to feel comfortable.
Not to mention how amazing it is that in 2016 we have an entire article devoted to the sartorial aspect of a sport which is dominated by independent, powerful, strong woman. And not to mention how amazing it is that in 2016 women have to be promenaded in public in dresses, even when they are participating in a physically demanding activity? And the dress itself looks like a little girl dress - seriously?
8
they get pid a lot to wear the clothing made by the sponsor.
The posts that argue for women to dress like men or who argue that function precedes form seek to make everything drab and grey and monolithic. The result is evident in the US where the uniform of jeans, tee shirts and baseball caps pass for comfort to the detriment of aesthetic enjoyment and variety. If this were not enough the same people want to impose their taste on others.
1
People wear those clothes because they ARE comfortable and easy to maintain. You consider that wrong? Perhaps you are too enthrall with fashion. Perhaps people want to spend their time doing something (or nothing) other than worrying about their wardrobes.
2
The subtext of this article is the different expectations for women in sports than that for men. Women athletes are expected to be athletic and attractive. Spectators - read this comment section for examples -are simultaneously cheering on sexy tennis outfits and deriding the women who wear them for being fashion plates and not serious athletes. Furthermore, women athletes are heavily scrutinized by the public for any perceived imperfections in their bodies and blamed for such scrutiny for wearing clothes deemed to revealing. It's a frustrating situation that women simply can't win. Nike provides these dresses to elevate and promote their company, becoming yet another enterprise using women's to promote their brand. While many blame women for participating in these sponsorship deals, this is how athletes make a living during their often short careers. The fault lies with Nike for exploiting female athletes like this. These are challenges male athletes don't face, which to me, is the whole reason that this topic is newsworthy
335
Very well said. Excellent post.
4
And this week we celebrated the hard fought strides made by Billie Jean King at the Trailblazer Honors event this week - Nike should be ashamed.
3
One could wonder when commercial pressures will add a 'sexy' focus on the men...maybe promoting tighter shorts. Would lower ranked men be able to resist?
2
Athletes or sex objects? The answer seems obvious and one has to wonder why the female tennis players would deign to wear something that looks so antithetical to comfort and freedom of bodily movement in a sporting competition?
8
Wimbledon is a unique tournament and not only a Grand Slam. It could be nice if Nike will not able to provide the dresses next year as a consequence of Brexit decision. However, fashion and beauty are part of the game.
Roberta Vinci isn't merely "a veteran player" but the woman who beat Serena Williams in the U.S. Open last year. Pitiful, NYT.
11
Every minute women spend thinking how "cute" they or their opponents look in this or that dress or skirt or whatever is a minute they fall even further behind their male counterparts--who, I can assure you, don't give a damn about whether or not their shorts make them look fat. Women in all fields--not just tennis--would be wise to shed their vanity and devote the energy to becoming better at what they do. That is the surest, fastest way to closing the 78 cents on the dollar pay gap with men.
4
Female tennis players ought to dress the same as the men. As it is, the women might as well be dressed like beach volleyball players.
There's no reason female players have to give us a peek at their underwear…in fact, if they want to be viewed as equal to the men, taken as seriously and paid appropriately, let's take make it about tennis and not about underwear.
There's no reason female players have to give us a peek at their underwear…in fact, if they want to be viewed as equal to the men, taken as seriously and paid appropriately, let's take make it about tennis and not about underwear.
4
"Female tennis players ought to dress the same as the men."
Most male athletes have an inverted triangle body shape: broad shoulders, tapering at the chest, then pretty much straight down. There is far more variation in body shape among women. It's one thing to design shorts for a typical male tennis player, something else to design them for, say, Serena Williams, whose hip measurement exceeds that of her waist by 16". Granted, she has a particularly unusual body type for a professional athlete (in part, I expect, because large-breasted girls often give up sport), but you can see the problem of designing athletic apparel that works for such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, never mind comfort with exposure.
Most male athletes have an inverted triangle body shape: broad shoulders, tapering at the chest, then pretty much straight down. There is far more variation in body shape among women. It's one thing to design shorts for a typical male tennis player, something else to design them for, say, Serena Williams, whose hip measurement exceeds that of her waist by 16". Granted, she has a particularly unusual body type for a professional athlete (in part, I expect, because large-breasted girls often give up sport), but you can see the problem of designing athletic apparel that works for such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, never mind comfort with exposure.
This is an extreme example of the pathetic-ness of forcing athletes into last minute costumes in which to play in any sport. If they can't make apparel the athletes want to wear, then they should be trying to bring it to market, much less force it to be worn in the most important matches. The cart is driving the horse.
It does it for me..........
Does Nike have plans to outfit male players with a stylish codpiece?
20
Call it a wardrobe malfunction and be done with it. Clearly designed by a non-tennis player not at all taking the variations of playing styles and appearances into account. Bag it.
4
They are players and not sex objects. There is something called self respect and dignity. The women players should refuse to wear such worthless dress. Where is women's empowerment gone ?
8
Without the title I thought it was an article about nightgown !by wearing this on court , who would take you seriously ? Talking about equal pay. Sponsors turn your game to a fashion show .On the other hand men stay classic, focus on their games therefore draw many people.
8
Since when did honeymoon nightgowns become Nike's choice for womens tennis player's outfits? Nike controls everything regarding sports wear, Wimbledon, the U.S. Olympic teams, most of the other pro-sports world teams. Truly nauseating.
33
This dress looks very good on Eugenie Bouchard
2
It's money and arrogance, people. Is that so hard to get? Nike pays designers more than they deserve to create stuff that's novel but ill-suited to its purpose. And women are the usual targets and losers. Maybe if these companies gave two hoots, they would have athletes from the various sports they sponsor design, or at least advise, these outfits. Maybe even some actual women for women's events. Could not hurt, for sure.
As to cover girl Bouchard: I absolutely love Genie. But she is really Maria lite, and without the drugs. I am hoping Garbine can take that mantle for real. She has the tools and the looks. But that will only happen when the Queen, no, the Empress, concedes she is departing. And yes, there can only be one: Serena. Say it soft, and it's almost like praying; say it loud, and it's just devastating.
Serena. The greatest champion there's ever been . . . Serena!
As to cover girl Bouchard: I absolutely love Genie. But she is really Maria lite, and without the drugs. I am hoping Garbine can take that mantle for real. She has the tools and the looks. But that will only happen when the Queen, no, the Empress, concedes she is departing. And yes, there can only be one: Serena. Say it soft, and it's almost like praying; say it loud, and it's just devastating.
Serena. The greatest champion there's ever been . . . Serena!
1
Obviously inspired by Hillary Clinton's - Iron Lung Collection.
You made this Hillary supporter laugh out loud!
I like her tunics, but they do often look like they could get up and walk around by themselves. Wonder if she'll need an extra thick one for that outdoor ceremony next January?
I like her tunics, but they do often look like they could get up and walk around by themselves. Wonder if she'll need an extra thick one for that outdoor ceremony next January?
1
I'm surprised that Nike did not test this dress for functionality. With other types of women's wear, we can expect frivolousness but you would think for fitness wear, also known as *performance wear*, in some circles would be tested prior to their first showing at a major tennis tournament.
10
Publicity stunt maybe? Not that Nike needs it.
1
It is Nike's knowingly naughty nightie. If Ms Bouchard wants to be naughty, she should move up her ranking (48), not her hemline.
7
All Nike clothes are manufactured outside the US, mostly from China. Their quality has been steadily going downhill for years. Gone are the functional and tailored aspect of it's athletic wear, which apparently has culminated in this hideous tent of a "dress," replete with "power pleats." Who are they kidding? Especially heinous because it impedes the movements of some of these elite athletes and sad since these woman have athletic bodies which the clothes should compliment, not hide.
4
Why has women's tennis turn into such a fashion show? And we wonder why it's not taken so serious a sport at times when more players talk about their clothing than the sport itself?
91
But it is taken seriously and the men are just as conscious of their clothing..it just isn't covered as much.
2
Why are the players bring blamed for this? This is clearly a marketing move by Nike designed to capitalize on women's bodies to sell their brand. It is quite appropriate for any athlete to consider how their clothing enables their athleticism. Perhaps it is the negative connotations you associate with women that result in YOU not taking women's sports seriously.
6
They were being INTERVIEWED about the DRESS, not the sport!
3
Not only is it impractical for tennis for the reasons stated, it strikes me as uniquely unattractive, as well. (Then again, I buy most of my shirts at Target, so clearly I'm no fashion expert.)
45
its a tenny tourney, not a fashion show
40
To Nike, it's both.
I am sure all the tennis players sponsored by Nike are well paid to wear these (agree) ugly designed and impractical outfits. Heck I would wear a paper sack to be paid to wear it. I have to buy my own clothing,
44
It seems to me that Nike has lost its way and its mind in providing such a ridiculous "dress" for women athletes. This is about image over function.
Will Nike provide harem pants for male tennis players next? Or maybe Nike can design swimsuits that have long fabric panels trailing behind the swimmer in the water?
Whoever designed this "dress" should be fired.
Will Nike provide harem pants for male tennis players next? Or maybe Nike can design swimsuits that have long fabric panels trailing behind the swimmer in the water?
Whoever designed this "dress" should be fired.
298
Before instituting it as the Official Nike Tournament Dress, had the NIKE head office and board worn the "dress" to their meetings, and turned down the air conditioning, they would have caught the problem before it became a corporate embarrassment. The takeaway? ABT. Always beta test.
84
In marabou stiletto heels of course.
2
Why do women at Wimbledon still wear tennis dresses or skirts at all? They should just wear shorts and a T-shirt like the men. It's more practical.
367
One word: ratings.
Sad (especially in the year 2016), but true.
Sad (especially in the year 2016), but true.
SEX!!!
Note the different "uniforms" in that Summer Olympics favorite (for men)-Beach Volleyball. Men wear comfortable loose shorts, while the women wear tight, skimpy bikinis. Even gymnastics shows the "sexy" side of women (well, little girls)!
Note the different "uniforms" in that Summer Olympics favorite (for men)-Beach Volleyball. Men wear comfortable loose shorts, while the women wear tight, skimpy bikinis. Even gymnastics shows the "sexy" side of women (well, little girls)!
1
Yes, why have any traditions, rituals or symbols whatsoever? Let's not bother and just live to the lowest (and most effort-free) denominator in all areas of life.
1
The dress without a belt looks like a cute short nightgown... that can't be the look Nike was hoping for. Back to the drawing board.
45
"...that can't be the look Nike was hoping for..."
A nightgown that reveals more than it covers on lithe young women? Of course it was!
A nightgown that reveals more than it covers on lithe young women? Of course it was!
5
@Pierrette: I think "cute short nightgown" IS exactly the sexualized & inappropriate "look" Nike's designer was aiming for. This "dress" has nothing to do with respecting women athletes, and everything to do with making them look like models in some smarmy catalog.
12
Exactly the look they were going for.
3
Is the Nike "dress" some kind of pregnancy caftan? Why don't the designers have the women players wear t-shirts and shorts similar to what the men wear. What about wearing the shorts that volleyball players wear and the tennis players cover with their "dresses"?
Frankly, all women players are quite beautiful athletes without the assistance of Nike or Adidas outfits.
Who, besides the clothing manufacturers, cares what they wear. It's the quality of their play that matters.
Frankly, all women players are quite beautiful athletes without the assistance of Nike or Adidas outfits.
Who, besides the clothing manufacturers, cares what they wear. It's the quality of their play that matters.
145
They are paid by Nike. If they don't want the cash they can select their own attire.
What does "beautiful" have to do with it? Do you categorize male athletes by their appearance? No you don't. You categorize them by their skill. Their appearance never comes up, nor should it.
1
Looks like a skimpy nightgown. Bad idea, Nike.
277
give back kournikova to us!
9
I think as a male spectator- the new dresses are marvelous- very sexy and un-Wimbledon-like. The old style with a very short pleated skirt exposed the women players buttocks as they have never been exposed before- again a plus for the male spectator- Yea!!
What I don't understand is the not so hidden sexism in the different approaches to male and female tennis clothes. Why don't female tennis players wear the same type of outfit the male players do? You know- shorts and a shirt? The male players achieve wonderful athleticism with that outfit and don't expose secondary sexual parts in the process of playing tennis? Or would that reduce the number of male spectators??
What I don't understand is the not so hidden sexism in the different approaches to male and female tennis clothes. Why don't female tennis players wear the same type of outfit the male players do? You know- shorts and a shirt? The male players achieve wonderful athleticism with that outfit and don't expose secondary sexual parts in the process of playing tennis? Or would that reduce the number of male spectators??
115
Perhaps the men could wear dresses?
6
no Carol- that wouldn't work according to Lisicki:
“I didn’t feel comfortable showing that much,” Lisicki said, laughing.
“I didn’t feel comfortable showing that much,” Lisicki said, laughing.
You don't see women marathoners doing this kind of stupid thing.
I am expecting the same level of journalism on what the men are wearing. This is NOT tennis coverage and it belongs in Thursday or Sunday Fashion and Styles.
87
The article discusses how the outfit affects play and movement, not its fashion aspects. Opinion seemed divided on whether or not the dress is comfortable for play. That seems a valid tennis question. I’ve seen quite a lot of coverage lately about the leggings male basketball players have taken to wearing under their shorts--which are now so long and baggy they might well be called culottes. So, if fashion can be related to sport it seems.
5
Apparently the men were satisfied with their kit, so what's to report. It's a perfectly legitimate a story when a sponsor that dictates what players wear blows it this badly.
3
The Times doesn't care. Just read most of their other articles. A gradual morphing into the National Enquirer.
2
Form follows function?
10
Women's sports and not fashion please. Represent us in your paper.
51
The Nike dress looks like a bib. Will all players be forced to wear the bib, or only the ladies?
35
This article is about sponsorship and faulty gear, thus belongs in Sports.
1
While the racquet doesn't necessarily make the player great, the player holding it, certainly does! So too does the apparel, not necessarily make an outstanding performance! It's all marketing!....And by the way, when are they going to get rid of those long baggy shorts, who in my day were nerd wear!
8
I love the dress. I think it is cute enough to wear out.
I can see how some tennis players may not be used to the different style though. it is a very different kind of style and the players need to wear what feels comfortable. I do think Serena's version is a better choice but no one else will get to wear that. Also, some people just don't look good in it. I probably wouldn't want to wear it when compared to Bouchard who looks amazing in it. If only she played as well as she looks.
I can see how some tennis players may not be used to the different style though. it is a very different kind of style and the players need to wear what feels comfortable. I do think Serena's version is a better choice but no one else will get to wear that. Also, some people just don't look good in it. I probably wouldn't want to wear it when compared to Bouchard who looks amazing in it. If only she played as well as she looks.
9
Sex sells.
20
'Fashion' at the cost of sport performance and excellence, how thoroughly contemporary a notion! Look good; perform poorly.
29
The design of this dress really makes me think that nike has lost touch with athletes. Does nike even know what tennis is, or what playing tennis entails? This dress says otherwise. For anyone who has ever played a sport or simply exercised, you would know just how annoying it is to wear loose fitting clothing like this.
This dress really brings to light how absurd the 'athelesiure' trend is. The concept of 'gym-to-street' is simply just a silly marketing ploy meant to sell more clothes in an already saturated market. Quite honestly, if you can wear the same outfit that you wore in the gym/yoga/soul cycle/crossfit/whatever to dinner/the bar/whereever, you're probably not really sweating, and therefore not really exercising. Otherwise, if you haven't showered in between, you're probably disgusting, and none of your friends will want to socialize with you ever again.
This dress really brings to light how absurd the 'athelesiure' trend is. The concept of 'gym-to-street' is simply just a silly marketing ploy meant to sell more clothes in an already saturated market. Quite honestly, if you can wear the same outfit that you wore in the gym/yoga/soul cycle/crossfit/whatever to dinner/the bar/whereever, you're probably not really sweating, and therefore not really exercising. Otherwise, if you haven't showered in between, you're probably disgusting, and none of your friends will want to socialize with you ever again.
138
Some of the women players said the dress was very comfortable for playing the game.
2
Amen!
It never ceases to amaze me in this day and age that women athletes especially in tennis, are "expected" to put on a fashion show first, sometimes (as this article highlights) to the detriment of their playing well and to their potential. I never hear about "wardrobe malfunctions" amongst the men. Why don't all the players, both women and men have standard regulation gear: shorts, perhaps a skirt for the women should they choose and a top/tee shirt? When I watch a tennis match, I watch for skill and talent, when I want to see a fashion show, I watch E!
201
I doubt that the women who wear the Nike, et al, clothes would want to give up the lucrative endorsement money they earn for wearing the clothing. It’s not so much a “fashion show” as an ongoing advertisement.
2
It's money. Nike and the athletes make money because fans buy what their tennis heroes wear. Players aren't going to turn down Nike money.
1
Men no less than women. The top players choose their clothes very carefully and not without controversy. Remember Nadal's pedal pushers and sleeveless shirts?
1
Next article in Sports will be how problematic sweatbands can be.
11
It seems to me that people, including potential customers, would have more respect for Nike if the company just admitted it made a mistake in the design. Grabbing a handful of dress is not something one would want to risk at that level of competition.
47
Baby-doll negligee. Popular gag gift at a bridal shower.
274
Tennis and ice dancing, the last sports where women wear dresses. I can't understand why the tennis players put up with it. You don't get points for style in tennis.
30
And field hockey.
Are we really talking about what female world class athletes are wearing? Still?
53
Only because Nike made a major mistake in designing the women's official uniform. The designer should be fired.
3
Women's sports are turning into total skin shows.
It's fascinating to see the very different ensembles for men and women participating in identical activities. Beach volleyball being the apex of this disparity in practicality.
It's fascinating to see the very different ensembles for men and women participating in identical activities. Beach volleyball being the apex of this disparity in practicality.
98
Totally agree. The popularity of women's beach volleyball is directly correlated with the skimpiness of their bikinis, which are completely ill-equipped to deal with sand in unmentionable parts!
4