What are the Different Types of Fitness Apparel?

Fitness apparel has changed in many ways in recent years. For many people a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt may be the ideal attire, but there are many more options. Women can now choose from shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses. Men and women alike are not necessarily strapped to heavy cotton fitness apparel. Athletic attire is now made of light weight fabric that breathes, wicks moisture and does not chafe the body.

Shorts for men and women are available in a variety of colors, fabrics, and lengths. Sometimes a longer, more modest short is preferred, while other times a short with less length is beneficial. Shorter shorts are great for running, while longer shorts may be better for other outdoor activities, such as hiking.

With biking fitness apparel, there is almost always padding in the seat area. The padding may have minimal thickness or it may be quite thick. The traditional bike short is form-fitting. Usually, the bike short ends along the thigh, but there are longer bike pants available for cool weather rides. In addition, women have the option of buying bike shorts covered with a skirt, called a skort, for an extra feminine flair.

The fitness apparel for running is quite diverse. Many people run in shorts during the summer months and longer running tights during the cold winter months. If the weather is mild during the winter, some people may run in mid-length tights called capris. The tights and capris are most commonly form-fitting. Running shorts are typically looser in style, although they may be form-fitting as well.

Many women opt to run in running skirts, skorts, or dresses. Runners are typically expected to wear running shorts under their skirts for modesty, but the skorts and dresses usually have shorts attached. The skorts and dresses are commonly used by women in tennis as well. The skirts, skorts, and dresses are usually short and come in a variety of colors and styles.

Although fitness apparel made of cotton may look fashionable, it may not be the best choice for an athletic endeavor. For example, cotton will become wet when a person perspires. It does not breathe well and may cause the person to become chilled or overheated, depending on the outside temperature. In addition, if the attire has stitching or seams, it may cause the athlete to chafe, if it rubs against her skin. Many fitness fabrics are light-weight, breathable, and made without internal stitching or seams.