Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Unisex Race Shirts--Yay or Nay?

Morgan at Caution: Redhead Running recently posted her gripes with unisex race shirts. Just as many women are participating and finishing races as men (I wish I could find that issue of RW with the exact stats). Why do races only offer "unisex" shirts? (Read: "unisex" = "men's") I'm willing to pay an extra dollar or two to get a shirt that fits instead of adding to the useless clutter in my closet. Most, if not all, of my "unisex" shirts end up in the goodwill pile, unless I want to keep it for a nostalgic reason. (I was extremely disappointed that my first half marathon shirt is a bulky "unisex" size. I only wear it in the winter as my first layer. Insert sad face here.)

My first half marathon shirt: The 2008 Chicago Distance Classic

Then there are some race shirts that fit like a glove and are awesome. (Thanks Soldier Field 10 Miler for having Adidas as a sponsor to offer awesome race shirts!)
Soldier Field 10 Miler 2009 -- one of my favorites!

Women participants are paying the same amount to enter a race as men. We deserve a shirt that fits! Or at least, let us know when we sign up what kind of shirts are available so we can opt out (if that option exists).

(This is the same jacket on both me and my husband. I don't think it is a "women's small")

What are your thoughts on unisex race shirts? Are you taking a stand too? See Caution: Redhead Running's post HERE! #onesizedoesnotfitall #sizematters #unisexraceshirtssuck

P.S. Have you entered my Road ID Prize Package raffle yet? Only $3 donation per entry! Every little bit helps!

9 comments:

  1. Love this post! Hehehehehe!

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  2. That coat is outta control!!!! Thanks for posting! I'm going to be doing another post soon and will include this!

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  3. Turns out "custom women's jacket" meant custom colors, not custom sizing. My husband now wears it around the yard as it is a nice windbreaker. I was really bummed when it didn't fit.

    Thanks so much for the link up!

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  4. Haha, I know! I mean, I don't know what's worse? Stiff/crisp cotton or gigantic, or gigantic stiff/crisp cotton?! Ahhh!

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  5. I saw another post on this and I couldn't agree more! I loathe unisex shirts.

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  6. Totally agree!!!! Especially when I'm paying $100 for a Rock ' n Roll Race ... really, they can't spring for gendered shirts???? Also I was really disappointed by the Turkey Trot jackets. They would be such nice jackets otherwise. I have the men's jacket in M (from Robert's entry) and it is the exact same size and style as my women's M, just different colors.

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  7. I know, I'm hoping the Rock N Roll changes their tune this year, but I doubt it. With how much those races cost, I totally agree!

    I was so pumped about the TT jackets too and they were a giant (literally) let down. I heard the Palos Half also only offers unisex shirts. Maybe I can swap mine out for an extra small when the expo comes around?

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  8. Can you send me the link or let Morgan at Caution: Redheaded Runner know? This is a movement and we gotta spread the word! I'd love to see what other folks have to say.

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  9. I'm not sure about the Palos Half shirts. The one I have from 2010 fits me pretty well. I always assumed it was a women's shirt, but I don't remember for sure.

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