Functional clothing for every type of sport
How do you find the correct functional clothing for your favourite type of sport?
Each type of sport comes with its own challenges, which means you need to find the right functional clothing. Have you just discovered a new outdoor activity and are looking for the right gear? In this article we will show you how to find the right items of clothing for different types of sports. You can find everything from the right clothing for hiking and jogging to the perfect outfit for going skiing.
Synthetic fibres such as polyamide and polyester have proven themselves as great fabrics for functional clothing. They are not only hard-wearing, but also breathable and wick moisture away. Natural fibres such as cotton are also popular for lightweight sportswear as they are breathable and skin friendly. At low temperatures, on the other hand, merino wool sports shirts are an ideal choice as they are soft, warm and they have a natural resistance against bad odours.
Clothes for jogging
The right clothing for jogging should be breathable and quick drying to provide you with optimum support during intense training or changing temperatures. Whether you opt for long or short, close or loose-fitting functional clothing depends mainly on the time of year and your personal preferences.
The advantage of loose-fitting clothing for joggers is that it is more windproof and keeps you cool whilst running. However, the disadvantage is if you become sweaty, the clothes may start to chafe whilst you are running. Close-fitting functional clothes, on the other hand, are particularly good at absorbing sweat and wicking it away so that your clothes dry quickly.
Which clothes will you need for jogging?
Breathable, moisture wicking running shirts
Running shorts or running trousers
A wind and waterproof jacket
A sports bra, if needed
Functional underwear and running socks, if needed
A pair of running shoes
Browse our collection of running clothes
Running tips for beginners
Have you set yourself a goal to go jogging more often? Or are you thinking of taking up running? In our beginners guide on running you will find everything you need to know for getting started with either jogging or running. In the guide there is also an article on Nordic walking for beginners. As an experienced runner, you will find further training tips and advice on the right running clothing for running in every weather:
Stretchy clothing for cycling
You should wear close-fitting clothes for going cycling. This will help the fabrics to wick away any sweat, and it should also prevent clothing from getting caught in the chain or pedals. Furthermore, functional clothing for cycling should also be stretchy so that you feel comfortable.
What type of clothes do you need for cycling?
Breathable, quick drying functional shirt
Close-fitting, elasticated cycling shorts
Windproof and waterproof functional jacket/raincoat
Supportive sports bra, if necessary
Functional underwear, if necessary
Appropriate footwear
Bicycle helmet
Cycling gloves, if necessary
It is recommended to wear clothes in layers when practicing sports outside. This involves wearing several thin and breathable layers on top of each other, which you can put on or take off depending on the temperature and weather. In autumn and winter, you often need an additional insulating layer, for example, a fleece jacket depending on the outside temperature. Regardless of the season, you should always make sure you protect yourself against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Hard-wearing clothing for hiking
When you go hiking you will often hike on varied terrains and, depending on the region and altitude you may have to deal with challenging weather conditions. The ideal outfit for going on a hike should be breathable, but it should also protect you from the wind and bad weather. It is important to wear clothes that are comfortable yet not too loose-fitting.
A combination of several layers of thin but hard-wearing functional clothing is recommended. Long clothing will protect you from insect bites whilst hiking, but you may become too warm in high temperatures. A pair of zip off walking trousers are therefore particularly practical so you can turn your long trousers into Bermuda shorts when you're out and about.
What should you wear if you are going on a hike?
A breathable functional shirt
A thin fleece jacket
Windproof and waterproof functional jacket/raincoat
A pair of hiking trousers or possibly a pair of zip off walking trousers
Functional underwear and hiking socks if necessary
A pair of hiking boots
Stylish, weatherproof outdoor jackets
Stylish and hard-wearing hiking trousers
Hiking guide for beginners
Do you enjoy being out and about in the countryside and the fresh air? If so, hiking may be the perfect thing for you. Hiking can help to reduce stress and it is also a great way to discover new places. If you are planning a longer hike or a hiking holiday for the first time, you will find everything you need to know in our hiking guide for beginners. In this guide you will also find a practical list with everything you will need for going on your first hike.
Warm clothing for skiing
Whether you are looking for clothing for skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, it is important that your functional clothing keeps you warm, but also that you don't feel too hot. Clothes for winter sports must protect you from the cold, wind and from the damp air. In addition, they should also ideally be breathable and very comfortable.
Your ski jacket and/or ski trousers need to also be waterproof. To ensure that you are immediately visible in the snow or even in poor visibility, your winter sports clothing should ideally be colourful and/or reflective.
What should you wear when going skiing?
Windproof, waterproof and snow proof, breathable ski jacket and ski trousers
Breathable thermal underwear
A hat
A pair of ski gloves
Ski goggles
Ski helmet
What you will need for water sports
You will only need a pair of swimming goggles and a swimming cap in addition to swimwear for going swimming, but special protective clothing is also required for other types of water sports:
When you go diving and surfing it is recommended to wear a wetsuit to keep you warm and reduce the risk of getting hypothermia.
Depending on the water temperature, a rash guard can also be worn when surfing, snorkelling, stand-up paddling or canoeing. This shirt will protect you against skin abrasions, for example, from sand on a surfboard and it also offers UV protection for various water sports.
For sailing you will need weatherproof functional clothing such as a warm fleece jacket and waterproof softshell jacket that keep you dry even in wet and windy conditions.
There are so many different types of water sports to choose from such as swimming, diving, surfing or paddling. As diverse as these sports are, it is also important to make sure you have the right sports gear before you get started.
Conclusion: how to find the perfect functional clothing for every type of sport
Choosing the right functional clothing will not only help you to achieve your sporting goals, but it will also help protect you from hypothermia, overheating, sunburn or other injuries that may happen if you don’t have the right sports gear. For many sports such as hiking, cycling or jogging, comfortable and airy clothing is sufficient. However, if you love new challenges and there are certain sports you would like to practise long-term, it may be worth investing in the necessary functional clothing. It is always a good idea to seek advice from a specialist shop or an experienced trainer before practicing a new type of sport.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/Anchiy
1. – 5. images are from C&A