AILEEN’S UNIFORM ATLAS
The Pulse is pleased to present Aileen’s Uniform Atlas, a recurring feature written by Aileen Out.
Out is the owner of Prettybusiness, a news blog in the Netherlands that focuses exclusively on work clothing.
When designing sportswear, comfort and appearance often take precedence. However, for the Olympic Games in Paris, another element has been added: protection against secret photography. A unique fabric aims to prevent special cameras from revealing the underwear of female athletes. It seems like a good solution to a growing problem.
Japanese women do not feel safe
Secretly photographing female athletes has become an increasingly significant issue in Japan over the past few years. During sporting events, women are photographed using infrared cameras that can reveal their underwear beneath their sportswear. These photos are then spread online, often zoomed in on intimate body parts, accompanied by sexually suggestive captions.
The problem has become so severe that the Japanese government passed a law last year making “photo voyeurism” a criminal offense. Additionally, QR codes are present at sporting events, allowing people to report the use of special cameras when spotted. However, in practice, it is difficult to catch the perpetrators since taking photos at sports events is so common.
Infrared cameras
Therefore, Japanese sports equipment manufacturer Mizuno started researching fabrics that protect against infrared cameras five years ago. After numerous prototypes, they have now developed a thread capable of absorbing infrared light.
For female athletes, this invention comes at the right time. During these Olympic Games, they no longer have to worry about secret photography, as their clothing now protects them. Mizuno plans to incorporate this fabric into other sportswear and underwear after the games.
Needs of female athletes
This is not the first time a sports manufacturer has adjusted its collection based on the needs of female athletes. In recent years, more and more women have expressed frustration with white shorts worn during matches. These shorts cause menstruating women to be concerned not only with the game but also with the possibility of visible leakage.
In response, Nike designed special shorts for the 2023 Women’s World Cup players. Each team received a colored model, and the shorts featured a special absorbent lining. The tennis world has also responded to the criticism. Since 2022, female tennis players at Wimbledon are no longer required to wear white shorts.
While the special fabric is a good solution against secret photography, it is a band-aid on a wound that shouldn’t exist in the first place. This issue reflects a larger societal problem that needs to be addressed. However, until that happens, this new fabric is a welcome invention.
