By Drew Maffett
Current Master’s Student, Sports and Health Sciences and 68W Army Veteran
Imagine athletes wanting to achieve peak athletic performance, only to be held back by something as simple as their clothing. Recent research published by the National Institutes of Health notes that ill-fitting garments can restrict respiratory capacity, directly impacting athletic performance.
The importance of athletic clothing extends far beyond aesthetics. For instance, the right materials and design, such as moisture-wicking fabrics and compression gear, can significantly enhance an athlete’s training or ability to perform well at sporting events.
Sports Garments: Their Function and Impact
It’s no secret that a fabric like Spandex® comes in handy for extreme endurance events. Spandex wicks away the moisture created by sweat and allows the skin to breathe.
Proper fit also makes a difference. Research has shown that wearing a tightly fitting sports bra decreases aerobic capacity in the lungs. Subsequently, that effect on the lungs decreases the rate of gas exchange needed to feed oxygen to the muscles and results in a lower exercise capacity.
Similarly, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the use of GPS vests for players during practice in 2015, which raised many questions by spectators due to the garments’ appearance. These research findings carry weight when considering the future of athletic uniforms and functional sacrifices worth taking for technological innovation in exercise science.
Different sports require specific types of clothing for optimal performance. This table notes some of the pros and cons of different athletic materials and clothing styles, as well as their impact on performance.
| Clothing Adaptation | Pros | Cons | Impact on Performance |
| Moisture-wicking fabric | – Sufficient air flow – Concealment of excessive perspiration – Athlete avoids heat injuries, dehydration and hypothermia | – Skin irritation – Gets waxy if laundered with fabric softener – Retains odor | – Prevents overheating – Maintains comfort for the athlete |
| Compression gear | – Proprioceptive muscle engagement, leading toward core tightness – Pulls body mass inward, increasing range of motion in some individuals – Improves blood circulation – Reduces muscle fatigue | – Is less breathable than other fabrics, promoting perspiration and can lead to acne – Can restrict movement if too tight | – Enhances endurance – Reduces injury risk |
| Lower-coverage uniforms | – Greater freedom of movement – Reduces overheating and chafing with sand | – Provokes uncomfortable objectification from spectators – May lead to athletes’ psychological discomfort due to skin exposure | – Enhances agility and speed – Can improve aerodynamics in water and gymnastics |
Some Fabrics Aggravate Skin Conditions
Some types of athletic clothing can aggravate skin conditions. This table shows some of the most common skin conditions, their prevalence in the U.S. population, and the fabrics that can help wearers to avoid flare-ups.
| Skin Condition | Prevalence (US Population) | Fabric Recommendations for Avoiding Flare-Ups |
| Acne | 50 million people | Wear breathable, non-comedogenic fabrics |
| Eczema | 31.6 million people | Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid polyester and nylon |
| Contact dermatitis | 31 million people | Use clothing made from hypoallergenic materials |
| Rosacea | 16 million people | Wear soft fabrics and avoid wool and synthetic fibers |
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology Association and National Eczema Association
The Importance of Comfort and Performance in Competitive Sports
In competitive sports, the phrase “look good, feel good” highlights the dual benefits of comfortable and well-fitted athletic clothing. At the recent 2024 Paris Olympics, for example, athletes showed how appropriate athletic clothing could significantly enhance their performance.
For instance, Adidas® designed a collection of training clothing tailored for paralympic athletes who competed in seated sports, such as wheelchair basketball and rowing. These outfits were optimized for comfort and performance, featuring smart seam placement, soft threading, and moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent discomfort and enhance mobility. This thoughtful design ensured that athletes remained focused and performed at their best without being hindered by their clothing.
Similarly, the Australian Olympic team wore uniforms made from lightweight European linen and Australian-grown cotton, reflecting Australia’s commitment to comfort and sustainability. These breathable fabrics helped athletes stay cool and comfortable, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance during intense competitions.
Athletic Performance Can Also Be Improved with Attractive, Aesthetically Pleasing Clothing
The psychological impact of well-fitted and aesthetically pleasing athletic clothing, known as “enclothed cognition,” was also evident at the Olympics this year. Athletes in stylish and well-designed uniforms often reported feeling more confident and motivated, which can positively influence their performance.
During the opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics, France’s team wore impeccably tailored tuxedo jackets by Berluti. For the athletes, this clothing blended national pride with Parisian elegance and boosted athletes’ morale as they entered the competition.
Similarly, American athletic clothing manufacturers created specially designed clothing for U.S. athletes for the 2024 Olympics. This clothing was pleasing to the eye, used themes reflective of American life to enable athletes to feel a sense of national pride, and enabled the athletes to perform at their best.
Many Factors Affect Athletic Performance
In the pursuit of elite performance, it is essential for individual athletes to take the time to understand what truly makes them feel good and perform well. That could be the fabric that works best for their skin, the level of support their body needs or the clothing that allows the greatest range of motion.
Examining these questions isn’t redundant; it’s the critical thinking required to achieve and sustain peak athletic performance. By tuning into their unique needs, athletes can make informed choices that enhance their abilities, proving that true innovation lies in the thoughtful, personalized adaptation to the demands of their sport.
Spandex is a registered trademark of Spandex World, Inc.
Adidas is a registered trademark of Adidas AG.
About the Author
Drew Maffett is a current student at the University, seeking a master’s degree in sports and health sciences with a concentration in human performance. She also holds a B.S. in exercise physiology from Ohio University and is a certified emergency medical technician.
As a combat medic veteran, Drew combines advanced exercise physiology topics with clear communication, making complex topics accessible to all readers. Her passion lies in reducing educational barriers and fostering personal growth through impactful content creation to encourage critical thought. Drew also aims to empower diverse audiences with actionable health information, showcasing her ability to simplify intricate biological concepts for broader understanding and application.
Comments are closed.