Why athletes prefer synthetic workout uniforms

Most of the specialized training uniforms (those positioned as functional) are made of synthetic materials. Why is this the case and why do some people still train in cotton clothes? Let’s find out with the professionals.

Why synthetics?

If for amateur sports the main advantage in choosing a sports uniform may be its appearance, then for professional athletes the main criterion is still functionality.

It is synthetics that meet most of the requirements. The main one is fast absorption and no less fast evaporation of moisture. During training, a natural thermoregulation process takes place: body temperature rises and sweat is released to cool the body. To keep this process going, it is important that the sweat evaporates quickly. Of the other advantages:

• durability – the material is able to survive more washings than cotton and not lose its appearance;
• ease of care – synthetic clothing does not need to be ironed, and it is quite easy to wash;
• adapts to the athlete’s body, which not only looks beautiful, but can also affect aerodynamics;
• the composition of the fabric allows to make things more colorful, and they burn out less under the influence of the external environment.

Of course, such fabric has its own disadvantages – it can cause allergies or irritation on the skin, and also will not suit environmentalists at all.

For the production of synthetic fabrics with such properties today use polyamide, elastin, lycra, polyester and nylon.

Who is cotton suitable for?

Natural fabrics have many fans. This is understandable: cotton is very comfortable for everyday wear, pleasant to the touch and quite environmentally friendly.

If your training does not involve a high level of load, and you are not prone to heavy sweating, cotton clothes will be a faithful assistant in the gym. In addition, cotton for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, eczema or psoriasis patients is simply a vital necessity.

The main disadvantage of cotton products for athletes is poor evaporation – the fabric becomes wet, heavy, sticky to the body and disrupts the process of thermoregulation. Also cotton things are capricious in care – faster washed and lose their original appearance, have the property to “shrink” and require ironing.

What do athletes choose?

We asked what amateur and professional athletes choose and asked them to justify their choice.

Anton Larsen

amateur athlete, has run 5 marathons

For running, cotton clothes are less preferable. When it gets wet, it becomes heavier, less fitting to the body, because of this it can chafe and increase “floatiness”. Modern synthetic fabrics have a special effect that helps to draw out moisture and quickly dry things outside, thus cooling the body. Of course, much of what manufacturers promise is a marketing ploy, you won’t run twice as fast, but it’s really working cool stuff. You can feel the difference.

Ekaterina Zhuravleva

fitness trainer, expert in the direction of group programs of X-Fit in Russia

Not everyone trains in synthetics. It’s just cheaper, it’s easier to wash, it doesn’t wear out, and synthetics have bright colors. There is an opinion that synthetics don’t chafe – it’s not true. Also, that synthetics don’t feel as hot or as cold – outdoors, maybe. Indoors, it certainly doesn’t matter.
Specifically for me, I choose synthetic or cotton bottoms and cotton tops. Synthetic t-shirts I don’t wear. From synthetics in the closet – compression garments, sleeves, gaiters, tights. That’s it.

Tamerlan Kaziev

Master of Sport in boxing, member of the Russian youth national team

I train mostly in synthetic clothes. They dry faster after washing, they are more elastic, more comfortable, and somehow look prettier on the body. Again – in my opinion.

Going to training, each of us in his own way decides what kind of clothes to choose for training – synthetic or natural. But don’t forget that the market today offers a lot of mixed fabrics that will exactly fit your requirements.