The aim of great fitness wear is to help you feel cool and comfortable even during the most rigorous workout. From manmade fibres to supersoft organics, these fabrics will move with you and meet the demands of even the most punishing circuit training or kettlebell session. Here are five more fabrics than are light and durable and won’t leave you feeling like a wet rag.
Lycra
This is the fabric that puts the stretch and flexibility into your workout gear. With the ability to stretch a phenomenal 600 times and then snap back into place, it is no wonder that Lycra is the fabric of choice for cycling shorts and other gear that gets a lot of punishment. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying, Lycra is a staple in active wear.
Wool
Like cotton, wool is a natural, high-performance fabric that traps pockets of air and provides insulation and excellent temperature regulation. Breathable and moisture-wicking, it doesn’t retain odors but it does become extremely heavy when wet. Overcome these issues by buying wool blend socks and base layers.
Polypropylene
Like polyester, this is the kind of synthetic that is durable and lightweight, not unlike the “Climalite” fabric you find in the Adidas Football kits available from the https://www.kitking.co.uk website and other outlets. Polypropylene is also absolutely waterproof, which means it pulls moisture away from the skin’s surface through its fibres so you stay feeling fresh and dry, making it ideal for high-performance base layers.
Tencel
If you want sustainable workout gear, look for Tencel fabric. Like bamboo, this is an extraordinary organic fabric that has sweat-wicking properties with a luxurious look and feel. Made from wood pulp, Tencel is both cooler than linen and softer than silk. In addition, it is resistant to wrinkles for easy maintenance whilst being breathable to keep you comfortable. Best of all, it’s completely biodegradable.
X-STATIC
This is the high-tech, high-performance fabric that will keep you odour-free even after the most aggressive workout thanks to its secret ingredient: silver. An antimicrobial that inhibits the formation of bacterial and fungal growth that can be a problem in other performance workout fabrics, this heavy metal is woven directly into the fabric, which means it can never wash out or stop working. This is the ideal choice if odour is a problem for you.