Fabric for tracksuits: what to choose
Sportswear is an essential part of anyone's wardrobe. It is worn with pleasure not only in fitness clubs and gyms, but also on various trips, on vacation, at home. What kind of fabric is used for a tracksuit depends on its convenience, practicality and durability.
A sports suit should be comfortable and not restrict movement, so the fabric from which it is sewn is subject to quite serious requirements:
- breathability. The material should not “float” the body, but allow the skin to breathe freely;
- hygroscopicity. During sports, sweat should be absorbed into the fabric, and not accumulate under it;
- heat exchange. Clothing should provide good ventilation, protecting the body from overheating;
- safety. The material should not emit substances harmful to the body that can cause skin irritation and allergies;
- wear resistance. The fabric must be resistant to abrasion and other loads;
- practicality. Caring for a suit does not have to be complicated and painstaking.
In addition, some types of sportswear designed for the cold season need to be water-repellent and windproof, as well as warm and lightweight.
An important role is played by the external attractiveness of the material from which the suit is sewn: perform exercises in a beautiful, bright sportswear much nicer.
Natural or synthetic?
There is no doubt that natural materials- cotton, linen, wool - are more preferable for sportswear, because they have a number of undeniable advantages:
- absorb moisture well;
- provide oxygen to the skin;
- do not cause allergies.
But at the same time, natural fibers do not have sufficient elasticity and quickly lose their original appearance from frequent washing. Besides natural fabrics are very wrinkled and require constant ironing.
Synthetic materials: polyester, polyamide, elastane - are characterized by other properties:
- increased strength;
- elasticity and extensibility;
- crease resistance;
- form retention;
- durability;
- ease of care.
However, synthetics are poorly breathable, can “float” the body, causing irritation and redness of the skin.
That is why manufacturers of sportswear fabrics prefer to use blended fibers that combine all the positive qualities of natural and synthetic yarns.
Interesting fact! Specialists of the famous Nike company have been working for a long time to create comfortable fabric for athletes working with maximum loads. The result of their research was a micro-mesh made of polyester with the addition of natural silk, which instantly absorbs excess moisture, brings it to the surface and immediately evaporates.
The most common fabrics from which sportswear is sewn include knitted fabrics: soft and warm footer and elastic diving.
Footer: brushed comfort
The footer is so cozy, comfortable and hygienic knitwear that you can even sew clothes from it for newborns. Its front side is smooth and silky, and the wrong side has a pleasant fleece to the body.
For the production of footer, cotton fiber is used, in which polyester and elastane are added for strength and elasticity.
Footer types
Depending on the number of threads that are involved in the process of creating the canvas, the footer is divided into three types, differing in strength and some other properties:
- Single thread - the thinnest, produced without the addition of synthetics. Light, soft and absolutely harmless material is used for the manufacture of children's clothing.
- Two-filar - differs from the previous one in greater strength due to the addition of polyester fibers. The wrong side consists of many small loops, which made it possible to give the matter a second name - a looped footer. Bathrobes, pajamas and other warm clothes for children and adults are sewn from this material. Two-thread footer is a fabric from which you can sew an inexpensive and comfortable tracksuit.
- Three-thread - the most dense and heavy material, on the reverse side of which there is a thick pile. A very soft, warm and cozy fabric, for the production of which not only synthetic, but also woolen fibers are added to cotton. Trekhnitka is used for sewing insulated tracksuits and outerwear.
Interesting fact! The most unusual type of fleece footer is melange, all three threads of which are slightly different in shade. This fabric not only has a beautiful appearance, but also very practical - it is easy to wash and dries quickly, which is very important for fitness clothing.
Properties of lining fabrics
For outdoor sports, especially in cool weather, it is best to choose suits from a double-thread or three-thread footer. Soft gentle pile pleasantly warms the body without creating a "greenhouse effect", and perfectly absorbs excess moisture. In addition, the footer has other positive aspects:
- environmental friendliness. Since the material is 80% natural raw materials, it does not cause allergic reactions and can be successfully used for children's clothing;
- breathability. Even in the presence of fleece, the fabric is remarkably breathable and the body under it “breathes” freely;
- dimensional stability. Footer clothing retains its shape after numerous washes;
- wear resistance. Puffs, pellets and scuffs do not form on the fabric;
- pollution resistance. The footer is a non-staining material that almost does not get dirty.
The only disadvantage of lining fabrics is intolerance to direct sunlight, under the influence of which they begin to “spread” and lose the brightness of colors.
Caring for sportswear
In order for sportswear made of cotton jersey to retain its original appearance for as long as possible, you should follow the basic rules for caring for it:
- The temperature of the washing water should not exceed 400C.
- For products with fleece, it is better to use not powders, but special liquid products.
- Thick and heavy products after washing should be squeezed out in a towel, and then laid out horizontally until completely dry.
- Thin things can be twisted and hung on a coat hanger.
- Do not dry knitwear on radiators or in bright sunlight.
- If there are no special instructions on the label, then ironing can be carried out by setting the regulator to the “cotton” position.
It is important to know! When buying a tracksuit made of footer, you should pay special attention to the quality of the inside.. It often happens that manufacturers, trying in every possible way to reduce the cost of the product, instead of real fleece, glue a layer of cotton wool to thin knitwear, which will disappear after the first wash.
Diving - elastic beauty
Diving is a fabric that was specially developed for the production of sportswear. No wonder among experts it is called "sports jersey".
The basis for this textile is artificial viscose fibers, which make up from 50 to 70% of the total volume. In addition to them, there is polyester and elastane, due to which the material is characterized by increased strength, elasticity and extensibility. Therefore, another name for diving is widely known - “second skin”. 
Diving has two main varieties:
- Microdiving - light and thin elastic knitted fabric. Sports swimsuits and clothes for swimmers, athletes and gymnasts are sewn from it.
- Crepe diving is a denser fabric with increased strength due to highly twisted fibers. It is used for sewing leggings, leggings and suits for automobile, parachuting, cycling and other sports.
Interesting to know! The world-famous company "Adidas" produces tracksuits from a fabric called "superelastic". This knitted fabric Made from 100% polyester fibers, it features a smooth front and a fluffy back. Suits made of superelastic - warm, practical and very durable - are successfully worn by athletes in various competitions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Due to the combination of viscose and synthetic fibers, diving has many positive properties:
- water resistance - moisture is not absorbed, but flows down on the surface of the material;
- elasticity - diving has an increased dragging ability;
- crease resistance - the fabric does not wrinkle and does not require ironing;
- wear resistance - the material is immune to scuffs, puffs and other mechanical damage;
- ease of cutting and sewing - it fits the body tightly, so it does not need darts and other adjustments to the figure;
- easy care - the fabric is easy to wash and dries quickly.
However, it is not recommended to wear diving clothing for people prone to allergies, as under certain conditions the material can cause skin irritation.
And although the main raw material - viscose - is not synthetic, but diving cannot be called a completely "breathable" material. Therefore, it is not suitable as everyday sportswear.
Diving Care: It Couldn't Be Easier
The ease of care for "sports jersey" is its undoubted advantage.
- You can wash it by hand or in a machine at a temperature not exceeding 300C.
- You don’t need to wring it out - just hang up your clothes to make the water glass.
- Since diving does not wrinkle, there is no need for ironing.
The wide range of colors inherent in this jersey allows you to sew a variety of sports and fitness clothes from it.
In addition to footer and diving, suits are also used for:
- dazel - fabric made of 100% polyester, very durable, elastic and wear-resistant;
- duspo - lightweight material with increased windproof ability;
- polytafetta - fabric with a water-repellent effect;
- mesh - knitted fabric with a cellular structure, used as a lining material in clothing for sports and tourism.
The range of modern natural, artificial and synthetic fabrics allows you to choose the material for a tracksuit that can fully satisfy the needs of the most demanding lovers of active movement.
Sportswear should be comfortable, practical and light. Everyone knows about this, but the choice of a sports wardrobe, nevertheless, causes certain difficulties. This is especially true for summer sportswear.
clothing material
The choice of clothes begins with the selection of fabric. Modern sportswear is made from synthetic fabrics that have all the necessary properties: elasticity, lightness, the ability to pass air, do not darken from sweat or water. Summer sportswear is made from lighter types of fabric, but otherwise retains all the properties.
Principles for the selection of sportswear
There are several basic principles for choosing summer sportswear. These include:
- the length of summer sportswear should be minimal, proportionate to the conditions (if in gym- the shorter, the better; if it's outside, it depends on the weather). You can give preference to shorts, both tight-fitting and loose (loose-cut shorts have more room for movement. They are ideal for fitness, for example);
- if you have complexes about your legs, you can buy capri pants or leggings up to the middle of the knee. They can be loose-fitting or tight-fitting. The main thing is comfort;
- Tops can be used instead of T-shirts. Modern tops are made in such a way that they support the chest, fix it, but at the same time do not hinder movement. Tops can be complemented with special fabrics on the back and in the armpits, which make the air flow more active and reduce sweating.
color aspect
It is worth choosing the color of sportswear carefully. In summer it is warm or even hot, and dark colors retain heat even more. Preference should be given light colors. The use of bright sports items is also acceptable. Dark sportswear can be used if you have problems with sweating to dark material masked this problem.
Freedom or fit
Sportswear is produced in different versions. You can find both loose things and tight-fitting ones. Experts advise wearing tight-fitting sportswear. It is easier to see areas that need improvement, in increased load. Moreover, extra centimeters of tissue will not cause an increase in body temperature.
The attention of the female half of humanity is attracted by ready-made sports clothing sets. But this and main mistake everyone. Clothes assembled in a set rarely fit perfectly and sit like a glove. Sets are created to show how the clothes look on the figure. To make the clothes comfortable for you, you should refuse to buy a set and purchase a top and shorts (or other clothes) separately. Clothing should be comfortable, comfortable, not restrict movement. If the fabric and colors diverge - it's not scary. The main thing is that the “suit sits”.
Test Drive
Trying on clothes in the store, you need to actively move in it to understand how it will behave during training. the best way check will be squats, tilts, swings with arms and legs. You can also pull your knees to your chest in turn - during this exercise, the clothes will immediately sit down as they will sit after several hours of training.
Sports accessories
When purchasing clothes, do not forget about sports accessories and even socks. Accessories are boring for convenience and health. For example, hairbands are great at absorbing sweat and keep hair away from your face so it doesn't irritate your skin. Athletic gloves will protect against the formation of blisters during training. They will protect against the contact of sweaty palms and metal, preventing chafing. And socks are an important element. The breathable socks will keep your feet cool during your workout, giving you a comfortable feeling.
The choice of sportswear is quite complicated. It should be comfortable, practical and made of quality material. This choice is especially difficult for girls who need not only a comfortable, but also a beautiful uniform. But sportswear should meet not only these two criteria.
Basic requirements for sportswear
Clothing for tourism and hiking
If a walk is planned around the city, then you can choose shorts (if the weather is warm outside). If you are planning a long walk in the mountains or the forest, then it is better to opt for long sports trousers. Sneakers in this case are required, they should not be on a very heavy sole, so that it is more comfortable to walk. The top should be chosen according to the weather: it can be a T-shirt or T-shirt with long sleeves; but take a sports jacket in case of an unexpected change in the weather. Also, take a cap or panama with you to save yourself from the scorching sun.
For yoga and fitness
During fitness, we make various physical exercise on different groups muscles, so clothing should be primarily elastic. It should not greatly hamper and restrict movement, because when performing stretching exercises, clothing will only interfere. It is best to choose capri pants made of light material and a T-shirt made of equally light fabric.
For swimming
Girls do not have to buy one-piece swimsuits, now there are separate-type swimsuits on sale, but at the same time they fit well. Such swimsuits do not constrain movements, they are very convenient and comfortable. Be sure to bring a swimming cap and goggles.
For active sports
The choice here is very large. It can be comfortable shorts, track pants, T-shirts, tracksuits. It all depends on the weather and the type of sport or outdoor game. Choose shoes with non-slip soles.
- In addition, girls must necessarily pin up their hair so that they do not interfere during training.
If you approach the choice of sportswear with all seriousness, then it will not be difficult for you to find a good form for sports. The main thing is to buy clothes from high-quality material, and, of course, your size. :)
Every person should have a tracksuit. This is a versatile piece of clothing in which you can:
- go to nature, cottage or go hiking;
- jogging or walking the dog;
- go to the store or go for walks with friends;
- exercise.
It is especially important for athletes to know how to choose a sports suit. This is one of the factors that affects the quality and results of training. We will consider the nuances of selection in this article.
Criterias of choice
Convenience and comfort are the most important criteria to consider before buying. The suit should fit well, not restrict movement and not interfere with the exercise.
Pay attention to:
- Croy. Clothing should not be wide, especially when exercising on simulators. The edges can catch on the projectile, causing the item to tear or, worse, injure you. Products that are too tight-fitting are also a dubious option. Some exercises require you to take quite frank positions, so you will feel uncomfortable;
- Textile. Many people think that for sports it is better to take suits made from natural fabrics. Yes - they are hypoallergenic and pleasant to the body, but wear out quickly. Natural materials are more suitable in combination with synthetics. For example, cotton + lycra or cotton + polyester. Such combinations provide both durability and natural air exchange while physical activity;
- Accessories. Get rid of costumes big amount buttons, zippers and chains. They are designed for walking, not for sports. The decor will ring, beat on the simulators, and in the worst case, cling to them;
- Hue. Manufacturers offer different variants so you can easily find the shape in your favorite color. But do not get carried away too much, because your goal is training, not defile.
Any shades are suitable for classes in the gym, but not too "poisonous" so as not to distract others. Are you training outside? Then choose black and gray tones, because dust and pollution are not visible on them. If you want to buy a dark suit for running, then pay attention to the presence of reflective elements that will make you visible to drivers at night.
Suits for different types of training
The choice of women's or men's tracksuit depends on what type of activity you prefer. It is convenient to run and exercise on an exercise bike in a top, shorts or cropped leggings. For outdoor training at low temperatures, you need to purchase a classic insulated suit with good thermal insulation and a hood with fur trim.
It is better to engage in power shells in a T-shirt and shorts.
General theses
Summing up, we can highlight the main criteria for the selection of a tracksuit. He must:
- be pleasant to the body and comfortable to wear;
- be made of durable materials that allow the skin to breathe;
- do not give color when sweating;
- be safe - without laces, rivets and other massive elements.
Before buying, look for information about sportswear brands: read reviews and specifications, look at prices. Thanks to this, you can better navigate the store and choose a really worthy option.
The practicality of tracksuits contributed to their popularity not only among athletes, but also among all lovers of comfort. These clothes are relevant not only in the gym and are used not only for training. You can go hiking, walking, going to the country, walking the dog in it - wherever you can behave at ease, such a suit is appropriate.
It provides freedom of movement and does not require compliance with any rules, suitable for men, women and children. To choose suitable clothes, you need to familiarize yourself with its varieties and features.
Types of tracksuits
Sportswear is classified by purpose, and therefore there are several main types:
- gym clothes;
- clothing for outdoor sports;
- walking suits.
In sports clubs, you can work out in both trousers and shorts. This is a universal option for winter and summer, since the room temperature is the same all year round. Male or woman suit for outdoor sports differs depending on the time of year.
A summer suit consists of shorts and a T-shirt made of light materials, and a winter suit is a warm jacket and trousers made of fleece or other warm fabric. There are also clothes for training in windy and rainy weather. These costumes use fabric with water-repellent impregnation that keeps you dry and comfortable.
Walking suits are not designed for sports, so style and design are more important for them. IN female models the advantages of the figure are emphasized, the shortcomings are hidden, and the fashionable sports suit even slims.
How to choose a sports suit?
If you choose clothes for sports, you need to build on its features. For running, sports games and fitness, pants and T-shirts are most suitable, but for aerobics and training on simulators, shorts, tops, and T-shirts will be relevant.
For gymnastics and yoga, it is preferable to use tight-fitting clothes - leggings and leggings. Today you can find both women's and men's styles for any sport. When choosing a suit for walking, you should focus on the time of year and air temperature.
One of the most important characteristics of a suit is its composition. Always in the price of natural fabrics that pass air well and absorb moisture, but they have one significant drawback - rapid wear and deformation.
To prolong the life of clothing, while maintaining the health of the athlete, natural fabrics are combined with synthetic ones. Hybrid models are very convenient to use, durable and safe for health. They warm up muscle tissues, allow the skin to breathe and do not hinder the movements of the athlete.
For outdoor activities, it is important that the material is reliable, resistant to moisture and retains its appearance as long as possible. These properties are possessed by microfiber, nylon, and for winter training, heaters made of synthetic winterizer and holofiber are suitable.
In the production of fabrics, polyester is also often used, the main advantage of which is its low price. The quality of clothing is evidenced by the presence of spandex and elastane in the composition. In the manufacture of models for trekking, permethrin, an insect repellent, can be used.
Women's and men's tracksuits must be appropriate for size and body type. Knowing the features of your figure, you can easily choose a model, but in any case, it is better to buy clothes with a fitting. The size value on the label does not always correspond to reality and largely depends on the style.
The jacket and trousers should be moderately loose - not tight, but not hanging out. Sleeves should reach the wrist when the arm is bent at the elbow, and pants should reach the shin with the leg bent. Sweatshirts without buttons should be easily removed over the head.
Always check the quality of seams and threads, stitches and accessories. During the fitting, do a few exercises - sit down, swing your arms and legs. So you can make sure that the suit will be comfortable for training and walking, that it will be comfortable in it under any load. Leisure and exercise in the gym require convenience.
Not the last point when choosing a suit is safety. It is better to avoid metal inserts, various laces and ties around the neck and other traumatic elements. Make sure there are no sharp pieces or tight rubber bands anywhere. Clothing intended for outdoor activities must be equipped with reflective elements. Choose suits that are easy to care for.
Design and colors of tracksuits
Even if you only plan to work out in the gym, the design and color of the clothes should not be ignored. This is of particular importance for women who want to purchase not only comfortable, but also beautiful clothes.
The choice depends on the tastes of the athlete, but if it comes to practicality, then for spring and autumn it is better to choose darker tones. For outdoor activities, many even in the summer prefer dark colors that do not require daily washing, as well as fabrics that do not wrinkle. A stylish and comfortable set of clothes motivates you to go in for sports and walks, while not causing unnecessary problems.