Running, cycling, yoga or fitness training? Outdoor or indoor sport?
Whatever type you prefer, it should bring you joy and you certainly want to feel comfortable with it. You might think that sports and fashion are two different fields, one emphasizing performance and the other emphasizing elegance, but these two worlds have long been intertwined.
It's not just about looking great while training, the main reason is to feel confident when you're doing your best. During sports performances, you step out of your comfort zone, and the right choice of clothing will give you the support and comfort you need to achieve your goals. Do you know what you should prefer when buying it? We will try to give a short summary.
QUALITY
Any sporting activity cannot do without falls, bumps and other minor injuries. All these accompanying phenomena are also reflected in your clothes. Cheap pieces don't last long, so you're forced to buy another pair of shorts, leggings, T-shirt or sweatshirt.High-quality sportswear stands out for its long service life. It is durable and also represents a kind of protection against scratches, abrasions and wounds. In the end, you will pay much less for a quality piece than for cheap things that you have to keep changing. Such a mindset is also suitable from the point of view of sustainability.
FUNCTIONAL MATERIAL VERSUS COTTON
Suitable material is one of the basic aspects when choosing sportswear. Materials such as polyester, nylon, spandex or elastane have excellent breathability and thus prevent sweat from remaining on the skin, which you will consider a big plus during dynamic exercise.A lot of people reach for 100% cotton clothing because it is comfortable, easy to wear and down, but it is not a very suitable material for exercise. Playing sports naturally leads to excessive sweating, and its effects will make you feel temporary discomfort. Although cotton absorbs sweat, it cannot wick moisture to the surface. The fabric thus remains wet, sticks to the body, is heavy and thermoregulation is limited.
Thermoregulation is the ability to maintain a constant body temperature within a certain range. During exercise, your body temperature rises, the thermoregulatory system starts to work, it starts evaporation to take the accumulated heat and sweat out of the body and thus return the body temperature back to normal. In order for the heat to be transferred from the body to the outside and the sweat to evaporate, it must not be restricted by clothing. Sweat that remains on the skin prevents body temperature regulation.
If you are going to be doing a sporting activity where you sweat excessively, you need clothing made from a fabric that can wick moisture away from the skin and allow the sweat to evaporate. Therefore, the combination of cotton with polyester, nylon, latex, bamboo, wool or spandex is not a bad choice. 100% cotton is not suitable for dynamic sports activities, but it doesn't have to interfere, for example, with yoga, where you don't sweat that much.
CORRECT FIT AND SIZE
Some prefer looser clothes, others more fitted, so that they can monitor the work of their muscles during exercise. Choose clothes so that you feel comfortable in them. However, there are a few recommendations, for example. too long and loose sports pants are not very suitable for jogging or cycling. You should definitely not go hiking in shorts. You will feel Pilates or yoga more in clothes that will follow the curves of your body.Don't underestimate choosing the right size either. If you're shopping online, choose brands that have a size chart on their website so you can choose the right size based on your measurements. If you still can't choose between two sizes, try contacting customer support with a question or order both sizes and return the one that fits you less. At TIMME, you have 14 days to exchange or return goods, which allows you to order several pieces in different designs or sizes and decide only after trying them on.
COMFORT
You may wear a dress or shoes to prom that are uncomfortable and impractical because you are willing to endure the discomfort and believe it will be worth it. However, when playing sports, you need to choose the right sportswear that will provide you with comfort and maximum freedom of movement. Loose and oversized clothing can hinder your exercise, while tight clothing can hinder your movement and restrict blood circulation. To achieve comfort, the cut and material of the clothing must work together.COMPRESSION SPORTSWEAR AS INJURY PREVENTION
We often buy various food supplements that are supposed to strengthen bones and joints, stimulate the cardiovascular system, and regenerate muscles. You can also prevent injuries by choosing the right sportswear.
Specifically, compression clothing ensures that your blood circulation remains normal. It exerts a slight pressure on the veins, which facilitates the flow of blood and keeps your heart in pace. The heart then pumps more oxygen to the muscles, which is critical for maintaining energy levels and reducing fatigue. The energy from your muscles turns into higher performance and faster regeneration.
High-quality compression sportswear helps prevent injuries and muscle inflammation. It increases venous blood flow and oxygen flow, making you feel less tired and perform better.
Is there a difference between choosing sportswear for indoor and outdoor activities?
INDOOR
Depending on the sporting activity we are doing, we need our clothing to meet certain criteria and be suitable for the required performance.
For running, choose material that offers compression and is quick-drying. Choosing the right sports bra that will give you the support you need while running is key.
In yoga, you want to feel as comfortable as possible, so choose a softer, more elastic material that allows you the maximum range of motion.
For exercise in the gym, it is advisable to reach for functional breathable materials with light to medium compression.
The high waist of the leggings will provide you with the necessary comfort and support the center of your body, thanks to which you can easily take off your T-shirt or sweatshirt after warming up your muscles and complete your training in a sports bra or crop T-shirt.
OUTDOOR
Clothing for outdoor exercise should be adapted to the season and weather conditions. During the warm summer months, be sure to choose fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and wick away sweat. If it's windy or rain is forecast, take a durable outer layer that won't get wet and will protect you from the changing weather. If it's cold outside, you'll naturally gravitate towards warmer fabrics. However, keep in mind that exercise will increase your heart rate and increase your body temperature, so layer your clothes.
As we already mentioned, cotton is pleasant and has no problem adapting to you, but when you sweat, you stay wet until you take it off. And that is not pleasant during any season.
That is why sportswear is made from elastane, polyamide and polyester. They are high-quality materials that wick away sweat, adapt to your figure and allow you maximum freedom of movement.
If you're looking for new sportswear, beware of reckless shopping. Sportswear should be stylish, but focus mainly on functionality. Choose the right size and cut. Reach for pieces that are made of quality materials and ensure breathability and durability. Have a few flexible pieces in your wardrobe that you can wear for any exercise and don't forget that investing in quality sportswear will pay you back many times over.
Whatever sport you prefer, TIMME offers a wide selection of quality sportswear, from comfortable high-elastic breathable materials to compression pieces. TIMME represents exclusive small series production focused on quality, functionality and timeless design. Whether you are looking for leggings with low, medium or high compression, a medium or high waist or a V-waist, we have a wide range of all types.
Do you need a gift? We have a solution for you, you can buy a gift voucher starting at €20, which the gifted person can use to buy sports equipment or a new outfit. In addition, in TIMME you will find a wide selection of leisure clothing, and by combining individual pieces you can create imaginative and versatile outfits that will accompany you not only during sports activities, but also after them, for example at tea with a friend, which you go to right after a yoga class.