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Sometimes, an athletes attire sparks as much conversation as the game itself.
This is often the case inbeach volleyball, where women have been competing inbikinisfor decades.
Every four years, I become a womens beach volleyball enthusiast, read another controversial comment.
Leggings in beach volleyball is a crime, another said.
Australian players Mariafe del Solar and Taliqua Clancy have also sported bikini uniforms.
Two pieces are still an option for women, but one-pieces and short-sleeve tops are also allowed.
Full-length leggings and long-sleeve tops are also permitted in cold weather or for religious reasons, as perWWD.
For instance, the Egyptian team competed with hijab uniforms.
The FIVB, the sports governing body, requires that all uniforms have a close fit.
A tailored fit is key.
As for male competitors, they wear tank tops and bottoms resembling board shorts.
(The shorts cant be longer than 3.9 inches above the knee).
However, in many beach volleyball competitions outside of the Olympics, its common for men to play shirtless.
Imagine diving chest first and lodging more sand than you care to think down the front of your suit.
You cant keep it in there, and it is not easy to get out,said Kessy.
But I totally respect other people wanting to be more covered if thats what makes them more comfortable.
