Fabric Types — What to Choose?
Sportswear fabric directly affects comfort, temperature regulation and sweat wicking. The wrong fabric can cause skin irritation, overheating or getting chilled.
| Fabric | Advantages | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Wicks sweat well, dries quickly, inexpensive | Can retain odor, less breathable | Most sports |
| Nylon | Durable, soft, abrasion-resistant | More expensive than polyester | Intense sports |
| Merino wool | Naturally antibacterial, regulates temp., does not retain odor | Expensive, dries more slowly | Running, hiking, cold weather |
| Elastane (Spandex) | Excellent elasticity, freedom of movement | Not used on its own (blended with others) | Compression clothing |
| Cotton | Inexpensive, comfortable, natural | Absorbs sweat, dries slowly, chills when wet | Light exercise, yoga |
⚠️ Avoid 100% cotton for intense sports! Wet cotton loses its insulating properties, becomes heavy, causes chafing and dries slowly. This can cause skin irritation and getting chilled.
🧥 Layering Principle
1️⃣ Base Layer
Sweat wicking. Polyester or merino wool. Should be close-fitting to the body.
2️⃣ Mid Layer
Thermal insulation. Fleece or down jacket. Used only in cold weather.
3️⃣ Outer Layer
Protection from wind and rain. Waterproof but breathable material (Gore-Tex or similar).
🏷️ Best Sportswear Brands
- Premium: Lululemon, Gymshark, Alo Yoga, Vuori — highest quality, €50-120 per item.
- Mid-range: Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Puma — excellent value for money, €25-70.
- Budget: Decathlon (Domyos, Kalenji), H&M Sport — good basic clothing, €10-30.