For what is essentially just a bit of material, there's a lot of fuss about who wears what in the sporting arena.

York City Knights this week unveiled two brand new kits ahead of their new life in National League One.

The fans are still bubbling on the enthusiasm of a club which has reincarnated from the ashes and is high on this year's promotion. They won't even think twice about dipping their hands into their pockets again, especially when they know that their cash is forming the lifeblood of the entire organisation.

It's when clubs get older and fans start to see their passion interpreted in the eyes of the directors as pound signs that the cynicism kicks in. Cue the annual moans when Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea et al catwalk their latest gear.

The only way around it is to get smart. Part of the reasoning behind the Knights' new kits is a revolutionary 'athletic-fit' that will make it harder for them to be tackled. (Although the 'classic-fit' replicas will still fit the fuller figure.)

And in an age where women are working harder, earning more and enjoying the profits, the marketing gurus have begun to tap into the increasing numbers of women spending their time and money in the pro sports arena.

Tailored replica kits, specially-designed leisure wear and even lingerie are all catering for the female fan base and dispelling the myth that girls who like sport are tomboys with short hair who don't like being feminine. They're not.

The biggest pull of all is a shirt that looks good - nice colours like the all sky-blue home shirt with a splash of navy and white will always triumph over chocolate brown (stand up Coventry City) or lurid green (ditto Hunslet Hawks).

But one last word of advice if you're weighing up which Knights shirt to get.

If the pre-match ales have started to take their toll on your figure, the away kit is the one for you. It's predominantly black, and black, as we all know (keep up lads) is a slimmer's best friend. Plus the vertical detail down the sides and on the sleeves will draw the eye away.

And you get to feel like the ref. Which is always good.

Updated: 10:06 Saturday, November 12, 2005