If you’re newly aboard the fitness train, you probably have a question or five about fitness clothes. The main ones are probably: is it a waste of money? And: can’t I just do it in an old T-shirt and yoga pants? So, let’s delve deep and attempt not only to answer these questions but to provide you with a detailed guide to the perfect fitness attire.
Are fitness clothes worth the price tag?
The answer to this burning question is: yes and no. First of all, you need to make sure that the items you are considering are actually intended for working out. Sometimes fitness brands will also make gear that looks sporty but isn’t actually intended for a workout, but more for a show. If it is, in fact, intended for exercising, chances are that thought went into the fabric and design for maximum comfort. So yes, there is a reason for the price tag. However, sometimes brand prestige accounts for at least a part of the price tag. If you are operating on a tight budget, your best bet would be to buy quality gear off the discount rack.
Are all fitness clothes the same?
Absolutely not. The choice of activity determines the range of clothing options, which can range from similarities to complete contrasts. Quality bodybuilding clothes is entirely different from clothes for cyclists, for instance. Sometimes the difference will be in the fabric, the cut, or specific features. For some sports, your clothes will add support in certain areas for added comfort.
Consider the sport of running, for instance, where clothing designed specifically for the activity can provide support and comfort in key areas. They often feature built-in compression liners that offer support to the muscles of the thighs and reduce chafing during intense movement. Additionally, running tops may have strategically placed mesh panels to enhance breathability and keep the body cool.
To provide all of these, brands specializing in sports merchandise, such as Sports Gear Swag (sportsgearswag.com) for instance, often take the extra mile and even customize their clothes with such fabric. This is so that the athletes feel confident in what they are wearing and can perform better.
Nowhere is this more obvious than with shoes. For instance, shoes for running, aerobics, basketball, and soccer have very few similarities. Once you have settled on an activity, it would be wise to look into the best gear for you. When it comes to shoes, the right ones could even prevent injury.
Can Fitness Clothes Be Used For Sports?
While fitness clothes are primarily designed for various workout activities, their versatility extends to sports as well. The breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, and flexible designs make fitness attire suitable for a range of athletic pursuits. Whether you’re engaging in a game of tennis, going for a run, or participating in a team sport, the comfort and performance features of fitness clothes contribute to an enhanced sporting experience.
However, when it comes to specific sports like say, golf, investing in specialized apparel can make a difference. In such a case, consider upgrading your athletic wardrobe and buy golf trousers online to ensure you have the tailored functionality and style needed for the golf course. Finding the right balance between general fitness attire and sport-specific gear ensures optimal performance and comfort during various physical activities.
What’s with all these special fabrics?
Intuitively, most of us would say that cotton is the absolute winner when it comes to appropriate fabrics for gym wear. However, that is not entirely true. While cotton is very pleasant and doesn’t normally cause bad body odor, it also gets soaked pretty quickly. Cotton could be a terrific choice for low-sweat workouts, like yoga. If you are anticipating that you will sweat a lot during your workout, it might not quite cut the mustard.
The secret behind the special fabrics used for fitness clothes is that they are normally all moisture-wicking. That means that the sweat goes from the surface of your skin, through the fabric, right to its surface, where it is allowed to evaporate, leaving you dry. The best moisture-wicking materials for fitness clothes are bamboo and nylon. Bamboo is a particular favorite since it is all natural, soft, breathable, and comfortable and provides SPF protection as well. Polyester is up there too, but it can sometimes give you pretty bad BO. If you are expecting to get wet, you might want to look into water-resistant fabrics like polypropylene.