Sports are loved by all. Many people also like to show support for their favorite team or player by wearing jerseys. Sports uniforms have been in trend since the mid-19th century when the New York baseball team wore them for the first time. Besides the players, the coaches and support staff also wore the same uniforms. Sports fans have known the value of a team uniform since then. Today, these uniforms have become so popular that many fans even consider wearing their teams' jerseys as a lucky charm.
If you are a sports enthusiast, you would understand how crucial it is to choose the right uniform for a specific sport. Suppose you are a swimmer, and if you don't wear the designated uniform and wear the one made of cotton, it will weigh you down and impact your performance. Hence, it is important to know the basics about sports uniforms first and then make a choice.
Four Essential Features of Sports Uniforms
1. Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your sports uniform is fairly significant as the wrong fabric may hinder your performance. They may also not last long in the wrong environment or may cause discomfort and distractions. Selecting the suitable fabric for sportswear depends on the kind of sport you are playing.
High-quality sportswear fabrics possess essential characteristics such as sweat and water resistance, windproof, durable, lightweight, breathable, mildew-resistant, and stretchable fabrics.
Standard fabrics used in activewear include polypropylene, bamboo, spandex, cotton, wool, Gore-Tex, nylon, polyester, Tencel, and x-static. The materials can regulate body temperature, prevent odors due to bacterial growth, and more.
2. Design
It's not difficult to notice that a sports team's uniform changes every season. In the past, people used to dive into a field wearing old track pants and t-shirts. Today, one sees athletes wearing sleek, branded technical sportswear and stylish training outfits.
Good sportswear designs make athletes feel confident and stylish. They also help them show off their active lifestyle. Nowadays, there are ample options in sportswear for everyone – from cheap, premium-branded apparel to glow-in-the-dark gear. One can even get a customized jersey with their name on it .
3. Fit
Design involves many factors, but one of the most important is fit – the clothing must be able to sit on an athlete's body without being adjusted while on the field. The clothing design must be practical and well tested – there is nothing more annoying than needing to adjust your shirt and tracksuits while playing or training. A perfectly designed piece fits the wearer perfectly and stays in place throughout an activity.
4. Versatility
Versatility is what people look for in activewear these days. It's convenient if the clothes are multifunctional and multipurpose, so they can wear them for other activities, besides just playing sports or exercising. The popularity of athletic pieces has been increasing in the fashion industry recently. Most people who live and breathe sports also wear athletic clothing regularly as casual wear.
However, specific sports uniforms are designated for sports such as lacrosse, football, etc. They are made in a particular design to keep players comfortable and safe from any severe injuries.
Importance of Sportswear
Sports like football, baseball, cricket, basketball, etc., all require a level of camaraderie and team spirit to succeed. The team's uniforms promote unity and keep players more motivated to perform well on the field. In turn, this motivates the players to put their best effort forward.
Uniforms are also used for identifying teammates and distinguishing yourself from other teams. It is common for sports jerseys to have player names on the back, allowing players to be recognized by their names. Further, the contrasting uniforms of competing teams provide the players with a clearer view of who their teammates and rivals are. The uniforms also help fans keep track of the players' performance.
Conclusion
Sports uniforms play an important role in keeping up the team and the fans' spirit. When choosing a uniform for a specific sport, first of all, you should know what kind of uniform it demands. Then research about the fabric and design options. Make sure to choose the right fabric to avoid any complications later on.
