Sports and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle. If you’re engaging in one, you may have wondered if wearing specific clothing makes you play better in the game. Let us tell you that you do, in fact, perform at your best when you wear the right clothing.
Manufacturers don’t only design those athletic shoes and shirts for fashion. From the material to the curves under your shoes, everything has functionality. They are designed in a way that helps you become fit and boost your performance during a game.
If you want to learn how sportswear affects your performance, read this article until the end. The article also explores the benefits you get from wearing proper sportswear.
How Sportswear Can Help You Perform Better During a Game
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There’s a reason why high-quality sportswear is expensive. Most of these have performance features that help you with a lot of things while you’re playing. Wearing the appropriate clothing for the right kind of sports can maximize your talents and abilities. To be specific, here are ways sportswear boosts your performance during a game:
1. It Provides Protection and Reduces Your Risk of Injury
Playing sports is fun, but it also puts you at risk of certain injuries. That’s why a lot of sports, like football and baseball, require protective headgear and mouthguards. This way, players can avoid head injuries, such as cracked teeth, or brain injuries.
Aside from this, the right sportswear can help you be at your best under certain weather conditions. Wearing thermal clothes while you play in cold weather helps you keep your body warm. By doing so, you can avoid getting hypothermia and frostbite.
Alternatively, wearing breathable clothes while playing a game in hot weather helps you stay cool and dry. These lightweight clothes also help athletes move easily and avoid fatigue. Wearing heavy clothing can consume most of the energy you need to move under hot weather conditions.
People playing outdoor sports also need sports sunglasses to reduce glare from the sun. Those with poor eyesight use prescription sports sunglasses to give them clear vision while playing.
Most of the glass stores work with opticians to recommend you the right sports glasses that match your needs. You can also order prescription sports glasses online and get them at your door. Whether you’re cycling or playing soccer, these sports glasses can help you see better while protecting you from high-impact objects.
So, it’s worthwhile to spend money on sportswear that’s designed to reduce your chance of injury. If not, you risk being hurt or, worse, having to put off your activity or training for a long time while you heal.
2. It Makes You Feel Comfortable While Playing
There is absolutely no justification for compromising on performance and comfort. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to perform your best. To give you an example, think of a piece of sports equipment that doesn’t fit right or keeps moving out of position. It most likely distracts you, which lowers your performance.
Athletic shoes that fit well can provide support for your feet and ankles. If your shoes are not the right fit, you’re likely to experience discomfort and perform poorly. The same is true for other types of sportswear, such as shirts and pants. Prescription sports sunglasses also make you feel comfortable playing under the sun.
3. It Improves How Your Brain Functions
“Enclothed cognition” refers to how your thinking changes when you wear specific clothes. It makes sense that your outfit affects your actions and behaviors. That’s why what you wear during a game affects how you act unconsciously while playing.
Putting on a pair of high-quality padded cycling shorts can motivate you to perform. You’ll also adopt a persona, much like a dancer does when they put on their outfit before a performance. You can also increase your self-assurance by wearing tank tops you like. This, then, improves your focus, determination, and results.
4. It Offers Freedom of Movement
Another benefit of wearing the proper sportswear is that it improves your mobility. If your clothes are too tight, it restricts your movements, and lowers your performance. You may not be able to jump as high as you can, or run as fast as you can with tight clothing.
With compression clothing, you can move freely and make the most out of your talent during the game. It also has wicking abilities that reduce sweat pooling and keeps your body comfortable.
The Type of Fabric and How It Affects Your Performance
Fabric is important when designing sportswear. There is no absolute standard for the ideal material as it mainly depends on the specific style of clothes and the wearer’s tastes. But, each type determines how well the outfit performs, how long it will last, and how it feels when you wear it.
Knowing the characteristics and properties of sportswear fabrics can help you make a decision. Here are some of the most common sportswear fabrics, and how it can affect your performance:
- Polyester – Polyester is known for its tensile strength, lightweight, and durability. The material is also non-absorbent, which makes it easier for your sweat to evaporate.
- Cotton – Cotton is a natural fabric made from the fibers of a plant, which makes it extremely breathable. This means that it wicks moisture away from the skin and prevents irritation and rashes. It is also durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear while still maintaining its original appearance.
- Nylon – This is a great option for heavy-impact sports because it is soft, elastic, and moves with your muscles. It’s the ideal fabric for leggings, shorts, and shirts.
- Spandex – This material has a high elastic range that’s suitable for sports that need more from your muscles. Spandex can stretch 10 times its original size, making spandex clothes lightweight and comfy.
Taking Care of Your Sportswear
As you can see, sportswear does a lot for you during your games. But, despite being everything-proof, you should still know how to take care of it. By doing so, you can maintain its functionality and enjoy the benefits that come with it. Here is a list of things you should do to better take care of your sportswear after using it:
1. Wash It the Same Day As Using It
Bacteria thrive in warm, damp fabrics. After playing outside, it’s best to wash your sportswear as soon as you can. This way, you can prevent any chance of bacteria growing in it.
2. Reduce the Heat
There’s no need to scrub each piece of lycra by hand while slouched over the sink during your free time. You can wash most sportswear in a washing machine. But, you should carefully check the care label on every piece of clothing.
Using high-temperature water can damage your sportswear. Opt for a way to clean your sportswear that is non-toxic, works at low temperatures, and is kinder to textiles. You can get rid of any germs building up by adding an antibacterial ingredient. But, be sure to choose one that is good for the environment and your skin.
3. Don’t Use Softener
You should avoid fabric softener while washing sportswear, even if it is a part of your weekly washes. Fabric softeners can harm the moisture-wicking properties of sportswear. You can pre-treat any scuffs and stains with a stain-remover bar. Then use an eco-friendly detergent specifically for sports that has odor-controlling qualities.
You should also use a guppy bag. The microplastics from your clothes can wash up into the rivers when you wash your sportswear. This is bad for the health of both human and marine life.
The Right Sportswear Can Make a Difference
The right sportswear can make a big difference in your performance. It helps you avoid injuries, boosts your confidence, and lets you play comfortably, think clearly, and move freely. By choosing the right outfit for your game, you’ll be able to focus on your performance and give it your all. Stay refreshed with Quintdaily for more informative sports updates.
