We know that trying
to choose the right clothes for the right activity can be really
confusing, especially if you are reasonably new to web-shopping.
So here, with thanks to our friends at Sweaty Betty
, are top tips about what to wear, active wear style tips, brand
suggestions to look out for, and advice on how to stay looking
fab whilst working out in different sport situations.
AEROBICS and RUNNING
What happens to my body?
Any aerobic activity should make your heart beat faster, your
breathing increase, your muscles work and there is impact on your
joints and bones. Your body sweats to cool down.
What should I wear?
Less is more. The more
skin that you expose the faster you will cool down, so crop tops
and shorts are perfect. Stay tight (with your clothes). Loose,
flapping clothing can irritate you or even get caught in machinery.
Wear proper trainers and a supportive bra. These are both essential to
protect your body from impact injuries like sore joints and saggy
boobs.
Go technical. Technical fabrics are a revelation! They don't get
soggy or wet like cotton and they even support your muscles.
Which fabrics are the
best?
The key thing to look for is wickable fabrics, which literally
"wick" the sweat away from your body. Look for Dri Fit,
Cool Max, Climalite, Dry Max or any sweat wicking details on the
garment. Lycra is also great because it gives the fabric stretch,
enabling more freedom of movement. It also helps garments to maintain
their shape after washing.
Brands to look out for:
sB
Hot Gym, sB Running Tech, USA Pro, adidas, Casall, Nike
YOGA
What happens to my body?
Yoga is all about stretching and breathing by putting your body
into unusual poses. Your muscles warm up slowly and you often
get hot. Your breathing deepens and becomes rhythmic.
What should I wear?
Loose and comfortable
clothing to allow freedom of movement. Avoid buckles, buttons
and zips as you want to be comfortable lying down. Look for seam
free underwear and avoid underwires and belts so that your movement
is unrestricted. You will need a mat, you are likely to be barefoot
and you may need blocks and straps. An additional layer is important
because there are times which are spent motionless and your body
will cool down quickly.
Which fabrics are the best?
Look for soft fabrics which feel good against the skin. Modal
is very soft and absorbent with an element of elasticity making
it perfect for those tricky stretches! Cotton absorbs moisture
easily and holds heat in. It is a natural fabric so it is good
for sensitive skins or those allergic to synthetic fabrics.
Brands to look out for:
sB
Yoga Lifestyle, sB Yoga Tech, Fuerteventura, Casall.
BEACH
What happens to my body?
First up - your body gets seen by everyone (UGGH or HURRAY depending).
Then it is going to get hit by chlorine in the pool or sun and
salt water in the sea.
What should I wear?
As much or as little
as you like, there are swimsuits and bikinis to suit every body.
On the beach you'll need a hat, a sarong/kikoy and flip flops.
Don't forget a light kaftan or voile top for a cover up. AND SUNSCREEN!!!!
Which fabrics are the best?
Look for Nylon/Lycra which is comfortable with lots of stretch.
It also holds shape after washing. Microfibre is also a great
fabric as it is quick drying and holds its colour well. Avoid
going in the water with cotton as no one wants a baggy bum. See
below for POOL and SURF recommendations
Brands to look out for:
sB
beach, Seafolly, Sunseeker, Speedo.
SNOW
What happens to my body?
You are in the most beautiful surroundings but with the most extreme
temperatures. You go from sitting on the snow at sub zero to basking
in the sun. Your body needs to be able to heat up and sweat to
cool down but also be protected from the cold and wind and damp.
The way to achieve this is through layering. This gives you the
flexibility to manage the different temperatures of the outdoors
and of your body.
What should I wear?
Base layer - next to
the skin. Should be comfortable and sweat wicking, including your
bra.
Mid layer - for insulation. Better to have several thin mid layers
than one chunky one
Outer layer - for protection. You want it to be water and wind
proof, breathable and it is good to have pockets for accessories
and vents for cooling off. Gloves, hat, socks and glasses/goggles
are all essential. Did you know you lose 25% of your body heat
through your head. DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN!!
Which fabrics are the best?
For the base layer look for merino wool or technical fabrics.
We recommend fleece for the mid layer and love warming up with
several 'micro' fleeces - Polartec is our favourite fleece. For
the outer layer you are looking for waterproof fabrics but you
also want it to be breathable so you don't 'boil in the bag'.
Goretex is the best known fabric but you will also find other
brands and fabric treatments which stop water coming in but allows
sweat to escape. We are also very excited about Windstopper.
Brands to look out for:
sB
snow, Campagnolo, Protest, Wild Roses
sweatyBetty deliver for £8
to the Republic, and for £4 (free over £75 order) to N.I.
