Sportswear has become a huge part of our wardrobes. Here are some examples for you to find out which materials and styles suit different forms of sport, and how you can get the best from your apparel.
The yogi
If you do yoga, you understand the struggle of uncomfortable leggings or sportswear losing its shape. To combat this, the fabric would need to have a high percentage of Lycra or Spandex combined with fabrics such as polyester or nylon to provide durability and a soft hand feel for comfort. It is this softness and stretch that are essential for the more eclectic poses.
The sweaty betty
This one is for those who practice Bikram yoga. Polyester-based fabrics are particularly good at resisting moisture, as the fabric is hydrophobic and will not absorb water. The best polyester is stitched so the moisture is repelled outwards, meaning your sweat is essentially extracted and expelled away from the body.
The multitasker
If you participate in more than one activity, such as running, weight-lifting and dancing, you need a fabric that can cope with it all. However, it is very difficult to get one fabric that meets the requirements of all sports. It is recommended that you choose a fabric that is likely to fit the majority of your sporting requirements, or purchasing different types of sportswear depending on the event.The iceberg
You train hard all-year round. The only problem is that running in too many layers of fleece can slow you down. Luckily, a fabric has been created which offers a great combination of warmth and freedom of movement without getting you sweaty, and it’s called Supplex. It offers all the things we look for in a great activewear fabric, such as four way stretch, flexibility and protection against moisture while keeping you warm in colder climates.
The ‘I’ve pulled my hamstring…again’
The solution may be as simple as compression sportswear. If you are going for a long run or doing some high-intensity training, a well-constructed garment made with a compression fabric will support your muscles more, and you will recover faster as a result.
The sports bra aficionados
While many women will not leave the house without an underwired bra, it is not always essential. In reality, a fabric with under-bust support, thick strapping and a good depth of cup size may be all you need.
Bibliography:
Green. C, ‘How to choose the right activewear for your workout’, www.bodyandsoul.com.au, August 26, 2016.
