Dressing for success isn’t something that is restricted to the office environment. It’s also important when it comes to sports and fitness. The clothes you choose for your sporting activities will have a great influence on your performance whether you’re in the gym or on the pitch.
Why dressing right for sports is important
What’s the point of investing in sports apparel? After all, you’ll get sweaty and dirty in it? Wouldn’t it be best to simply wear an old t-shirt and a pair of shorts for whatever activity it is?
There are several reasons you should invest in good quality gear for sports activities. These include:
- Wearing the right clothing will boost your confidence
Confidence is everything in sports. If you believe you can do something, there is a great chance you will achieve it. If you believe you can win or perform better at your sports activity, then you’re likely to do so.
Studies indicate that what you wear impacts your level of confidence. Wearing the right clothes will help to boost your confidence. This is not only true in the work place but also in sports. If you look great, chances are that you will act great too. If you like what you’re wearing, there’s a good chance you will want to perform well while wearing it.
- The right apparel will improve your performance
The gear you wear when performing sports activities has a great impact on your performance. The right apparel will help you perform your activities more easily. For example, wearing running shoes when training for a marathon will help to absorb the impact of running on a hard surface and protect your knees. However, this footwear will not help you move as fast on a football field. You’ll need football cleats that have spikes that dig into the ground to provide traction.
- The right gear will protect you from injury
Wearing the right clothes will help protect your body from injury e.g. wearing shoes designed for running will help to protect your knees from the impact of running.
- Your clothes can help to aid recovery
Some gear is designed to help enhance recovery after engaging in a sports activity. Compression clothing for example helps stimulate circulation as a result of its massaging effect. This helps to remove lactic acid produced during sporting activities and therefore boosts recovery and reduces the chances of developing sore or stiff muscles.
Choosing sports apparel
Sports apparel is worn not only for sports activities but also as a fashions statement. While finding sports gear is easy, it can be a challenge to choose the right gear. The following tips will help you come to an informed choice.
- Choose gear that is right for the sports activity
Everyone knows that you shouldn’t wear a swimsuit to a basketball game. It doesn’t matter how great the swimsuit is. It just isn’t designed for the sport of basketball. Similarly, wearing a basketball short and jersey will hinder you in the pool.
Research the sport activity you plan to take part in. What sports apparel do the athletes wear? Get familiar with the rules of the game concerning apparel. If you want results, you should wear the right gear.
- Choose apparel that allows you to move freely
Sports activities involve a lot of movement. You want to be able to jump, lunge, walk and squat. You want to be able to perform the movements in your sport freely.
You should consider the fit of the gear. It should be comfortable. Choose the right size to allow movement without interfering.
- Choose gear that lets your body breathe
Sports activities often result in a lot of sweating. This can be very uncomfortable if you’re wearing a fabric that absorbs the moisture and does nothing with it. You’re likely to feel restricted as a result.
Choose a fabric that wicks the moisture away. This will help you feel dry and enhance your performance. You can train without distractions.
- Choose gear that provides support
You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible while taking part in your sports activities. You should therefore choose gear that will provide you with the right kind of support. Compression wear for example provides your muscles with support. This helps you move comfortably. The right sports bra provides support and helps you focus on your tasks.
- Choose your clothing according to your needs
Consider your needs and purchase gear to meet them. For example, if you will be playing soccer on an open field on a cold morning, you should dress to keep warm. You will need a sweatshirt on top of the regular soccer gear.
- Invest in the right footwear
Footwear is especially important if your sports activity involves running, jumping or moving on your feet. The feet and the legs will be exposed to high impact as a result of your activities. The right shoes will not only help to boost your performance but also provide support and protection for your feet, ankles and knees. They will also ensure that you’re comfortable while running.
- Ensure safety while choosing gear
Consider safety when choosing your gear. Don’t choose gear that could pose as a safety hazard while performing your sporting activities. For example, avoid wearing clothes with hard metal objects if you will be taking part in a full contact sport. These objects can easily injure you, your teammates or your opponent.
- Choose something you feel confident in
Your level of confidence is important while taking part in sports. If you feel strong and capable, you will most likely perform wonderfully.
Choosing gear that you feel comfortable in will not only ensure that you look good but will help boost your confidence. You will not only look great but also feel great.
While your gear doesn’t guarantee your success, it will help to boost your performance. Take your time when choosing how to dress when going for sports activities. You will look good, feel good and perform better with the right gear.
