Outdoor Clothing: How to Choose and What to Wear

Exercising in any environment has a positive effect on your physical and mental health. The main thing is to decide on the type of activity and choose the appropriate sports equipment. And here is where many beginners make a big mistake, believing that any clothes that are appropriate for the weather and do not restrict movement will do for outdoor training in spring, summer and autumn. This is not entirely true.

You shouldn't treat your sports wardrobe as something secondary and less important than the training itself. Because the quality of the training process and its results are influenced not only by the technique of performing exercises, but also by the selection of sports equipment. Only carefully thought-out clothing sets will provide you with convenience, safety, comfort and a good mood during active sports. To understand how to choose and what to wear, consider the following:

• Outdoor activities and clothing requirements.
• Features of clothing for different types of sports and training.
• Recommendations for choosing materials and styles.
• Tips for caring for clothing for outdoor activities.

Outdoor activities and clothing requirements.

There are many outdoor activities you can do in the spring, summer, and fall. Using four of the most popular workouts as examples, we'll show you what to wear for each season.

Cardio workout - running.

Running outside the gym is one of the most popular forms of exercise. It is a simple and effective way to "pump up" the cardiovascular system, burn calories and strengthen the lower body. You can vary the intensity and distance to achieve different goals.

The basic requirements for a runner's gear are lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and UV protection. If you plan to run in a variety of weather conditions, make sure your clothing provides protection from rain, wind, and cold.

Bike ride.

Another great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system, improve your endurance, burn extra pounds and increase leg strength. According to most, this is the most popular outdoor workout. Long walks, intervals, climbs, individual or group cycling, intense sprints or cross-country - choose the option that suits you best and dress accordingly.

Basic requirements for equipment for cycling training:

• Breathable. Clothing should provide good ventilation and wick moisture away from the body.
• Comfortable. Clothing should provide freedom of movement. Have an anatomical cut and a tight silhouette to minimize air resistance and prevent snagging on bicycle parts.
• Protecting from the sun. It is preferable to choose clothes with different degrees of protection from ultraviolet radiation (UPF) or use sunscreens on exposed areas of the body.
• Bright and highly visible. It is recommended to choose bright equipment or reflective elements to increase visibility and ensure safety.

Functional training.

This could be crossfit - a set of exercises that includes: running, push-ups, pull-ups, jumping and much more. Or just strength training using your own weight or external weights. It could also be functional training using the exercise machines available on the sports ground: rings, parallel bars, horizontal bars, abdominal exercise machines, rowing machines and others.

Clothing for strength training and crossfit should be comfortable, functional and provide freedom of movement. Basic requirements:

• Elastic to allow freedom of movement without restriction for a variety of exercises including squats, sit-ups, push-ups, etc.
• Breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry.
• Comfortable and practical. Provide optimal fit and comfort, and if necessary, store small items and a mobile phone.
• Durable and wear-resistant. Should withstand intense training, resist wear and tear, and retain its shape and quality even after multiple washes.
• Supportive (compression). For high-intensity and strength training, use compression clothing or items with compression inserts. This provides better muscle support, helps blood vessels withstand heavy loads, and reduces muscle pain after training.

Yoga and Pilates.

Stretching exercises improve flexibility, relieve tension and pain in the body, improve joint and muscle health, relax and enjoy the environment. They can also be done outdoors. Moreover, yoga and pilates can be practiced on the lawn (in front of the house), in the park, on the beach.

Clothing should provide comfort and freedom of movement, and also be functional and breathable. Basic requirements:

• Close-fitting, elastic. It is advisable to choose a tight-fitting style that does not restrict movement. At the same time, the clothes should stretch well. All this will allow you to better control your poses and exercises, and prevent snagging on mats or other equipment.
• Breathable and moisture-wicking. Clothing should ventilate well to prevent excessive heating of the body. And quickly remove sweat from the skin surface.
• Comfortable. The wide elastic waistband and comfortable fit at the waist help prevent rolling and provide extra support as you move.
• Minimum seams and only flat seams to prevent irritation or chafing.
• Practical. Small pockets on clothes for storing napkins can be useful.
• Stylish and beautiful to give a mood and motivate you to train.

Features of clothing for different types of sports and training.

For running. In spring and autumn, when the temperature is a little cooler, it is recommended to wear a breathable T-shirt or top, lightweight sports pants or leggings, and a sports sweater or a thin windproof jacket in case of cool wind or rain. In summer, it is preferable to wear light and airy clothes, such as a breathable T-shirt and shorts. Don't forget about socks and sports sneakers with good cushioning.

For a bike ride. For a cool spring or autumn day, light sweatpants or leggings, a windproof jacket or sweatshirt, and gloves and a hat to protect against the cold are suitable. On a hot summer day, you can wear light shorts and a T-shirt, as well as sun protection - sunglasses and a cap. Be sure to wear a helmet for safety.

For functional and strength training. In all these activities, comfortable and appropriate clothing is also an important aspect. Wear sweatpants or leggings, a t-shirt or top, and a well-supported sports bra. Depending on the weather, add a layer of clothing to protect against wind and cold.

For Yoga and Pilates: For clothing, we recommend comfortable, stretchy sweatpants or leggings, a top or t-shirt, and a sports bra for support. On a cool day, add a layer for warmth.

Recommendations for choosing materials and styles.

When it comes to choosing materials and styles of clothing for outdoor workouts, it is important to consider several factors, such as the weather, the type of workout, and your personal preferences. Here are some recommendations for materials and styles that can help you make the right choice.

Materials:

• Breathable and moisture-wicking materials. Sportswear made of polyester, nylon, elastane, lycra with Dri-FIT technology will help you stay dry and comfortable during very intense workouts.
• Materials with thermoregulating properties. If you train in changeable weather conditions (spring/fall), choose clothes made of materials that can regulate heat exchange between the body and the environment to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
• Wind and moisture protection. For rainy and windy weather, choose windbreakers with water-repellent properties, softshell jackets or membrane jackets.

Styles:

• Comfortable fit. Choose clothing that allows freedom of movement and does not restrict during exercise. Elastic materials and ergonomic cuts help achieve comfort.
• Layering. Depending on the weather and the intensity of your workout, you may need to layer your gear. By taking off or putting on clothing as needed, you can quickly and easily adjust your comfortable temperature inside.

Other factors - seasonality.

• For warm and hot weather outdoor activities, wear light clothing to avoid heat stroke. Avoid regular knitwear and pure cotton items - these materials quickly absorb moisture and dry slowly.
• For outdoor sports on cold spring or autumn days, choose Windstopper tracksuits, which will simultaneously keep you warm and not restrict your movements, allow air to pass through, and protect you from wind and light rain.

Tips for caring for outdoor clothing.

Following these tips will help you keep your outdoor workout clothes in good condition and extend their lifespan.

1. Follow the care instructions. Always check the care label - it provides information about washing temperature, drying mode and other recommendations. Follow these instructions to avoid damage to the item.
2. Pre-treat stains. If your clothes are stained, pre-treat them before washing. Use stain removers or gentle detergents appropriate for the fabric type.
3. Avoid excessive friction. When washing and drying clothes, avoid vigorous friction - this will cause wear and tear and color loss. If necessary, use a delicate washing and drying cycle or prefer hand washing.
4. Before washing, fasten the fittings - all zippers, buttons, Velcro. This will help to avoid damage to other parts of the garment during washing and drying.
5. When drying clothes, avoid direct sunlight. Especially for bright and colored items. Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight causes the fabric to fade.
6. Check the condition of your sportswear regularly. Timely minor repairs will help avoid major damage.

Conclusion.

For outdoor training, choose sports kits and accessories that match the type of training, your size, weather conditions and personal preferences. Don't forget about the right shoes, accessories, hydration and sun protection. Take care of things in a timely manner and store them properly. Then you will feel confident, comfortable and safe during training.