WHY DOES IT MATTER?
There is much to consider as we dress for workouts or sports activity. It’s not all about looking good, though that is certainly a consideration.
Looking back, when I played tennis, I was not as interested in how I dressed as in how I was playing. Generally, it seemed that many females wanted to also look good as they played. Or maybe they were simply more aware of the importance of their activewear.
Palm Fit tells us that comfort is a key to performance and enjoyment of our fitness or sports activities. They list these reasons:
- Comfort improves performance. Tight, uncomfortable clothing can restrict our movement and distract us. Our fabrics need to be soft and breathable.
- We can boost our confidence. When we wear stylish clothing that fits, we are likely to push harder and stay motivated.
- Support and protection. Compression leggings can improve blood circulation and muscle recovery. Sports bras support women in high impact workouts and reduce discomfort.
- Temperature regulation. Our workout gear should help to regulate our body temperature, whether we are inside or ourtside. Breathable fabrics wick away sweat and keep us cool. In cool weather, moisture-wicking materials help us to avoid feeling damp and cold after we work up a sweat.
- Durability. Quality activewear should withstand frequent workouts and high impact activity. Cheap fabrics may lose their shape, fade and wear out quickly.
- Versatility. Activewear is not just for sports or workouts these days. We can use it for casual outings as well.
- Motivation. Qualty, fashionable activewear can give us an incentive to stay consistent with our workouts. Women who are trying out new leggings or performance tops are more likely to stay the course of their commitment. We men are also motivated by our quality shirts and shorts.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ACTIVEWEAR
Carolyn Mair, Ph.D. is a behavioral psychologist and the author of The Psychology of Fashion. She says “There’s a really close connection between your body and your mind, and it’s clear that how you feel physically impacts how you behave. So when you’re wearing clothing that’s functional and makes you feel comfortable, you’re more likely to push through your roadblocks”.
Dawnn Karen, M.A., is an assistant professor of psychology at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is also the author of Dress Your Best Life. She tells us that red might feel aggressive and stimulating, while blue seems authoritative. She feels that, while these color associations may seem trivial, they can boost mood and performance. She also says that we may sustain an upbeat mood by picking red or yellow activewear and wearing blue can make us feel less nervous and more confident. Also. wearing yellow can boost our mood in general.
Dawnn Karen further says that activewear is “just about having the right tools for the job”. She points out that wearing a low impact sports bra for a high intensity interval workout or constrictive leggings during a mellow yoga flow could make it difficult to complete the movements without significant discomfort.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
I am an affiliate marketer, which means that I use the links of associated companies within my articles to provide relevance and to present a source for goods. I may earn from activity on the links. See my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER – for information on this process.
Amazon is an associated business and an excellent source for activewear. Here are some pertinent links. Each link will show descriptions, prices and suggestions for other similar items. Discounts are available since Amazon Prime Big Deal sepcials are available through October 9.
Wide leg yoga pants for women – 28% off
Men’s athletic quick dry running or workout shorts – 42% off. Less than $20
High waist leggings for women, with pockets – 20% off
Compression socks for men or women. 3 pairs – 42% off
Women’s high waist workout shorts, seamless – 14% off
Wide leg women’s sweatsuits or lounge sets – 33% off
Women’s high waist yoga capris – 13% off
Women’s lightweight hoodie jacket – 23% off
Tennis dress for women– 37% off
Women’s high waist bikini set – 25% off
Sports bras, seamless and comfortable – 47% off (less than $20)
Women’s lightweight running/yoga shorts , with phone pocket – 26% off (less than $20)
The Psychology of Fashion, by Carolyn Mair – paperback
Athleta is the ultimate sports apparel shop for women. Check them out here.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has lots of specials on activewear for both men and women. My permanent link is at the side of my website. Click on the red link. You will see the question “What are you looking for?” Proceed from there.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It seems that women may generally be more sophisticated than men when it comes to activewear. But we men need to feel comfortable and at least somewhat fashionable also.
We all need comfortable athletic shoes. My recommendation has always been Dick’s Sporting Goods for the best athletic shoes.
Let’s not let discomfort stand in the way of our athletic or workout performances!
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.
Wearing the right clothes when working out or playing sports is certainly much more than just looking good. I can remember playing tennis when I was much younger, that the correct shoes were the most important aspect of playing the game for me. If you are not comfortable, or not supported while working out, then it indeed impacts your performance.With so many brands that have joined the active wear market, I often wonder how sustainable they are. As a bit of an eco warrior, I am always looking for brands and clothing that are using eco-friendly and sustainable materials and practices. So do you have suggestions for eco-friendly active wear brands? Thank you.
LineCowley, I agree with you on the importance of shoes when playing tennis. I believe that Dick’s Sporting Goods is the place to shop for athletic shoes of all kinds. As for eco-friendly sportswear, Patagonia is known to practice sustainability by eliminating virgin petroleum fiber in all of their products as well as by using easily recyclable packaging.