What is the first thing we do when we decide to start a training routine? Indeed, we buy sportswear and what do we buy tight or loose clothing? Normally the clothes we see in stores, and which is usually the one we buy, tend to be tight-fitting garments. However, there are also those that are baggy and wide, so what is the best option?
There is a very simple and logical explanation for why tight and tight clothing is usually the most common, especially for women. With this we do not mean that looser clothing is a worse choice, it is simply different and serves other things.
Why is it good to wear tight clothing?
It has recently been shown that choosing between tight and loose clothing can make a difference. When choosing a compression garment, always respecting our size and allowing us to move freely without feeling uncomfortable, it helps the muscles to contain themselves and they do not dilate, allowing the exercise to be more effective.
Furthermore, wearing tight-fitting clothing promotes oxygen transport to the muscles. This results in better oxygenated muscle tissue, improved blood flow, and enhanced performance.
As if all this weren't enough, wearing compression garments during exercise helps us recover faster . How does this work? Well, when muscles are under compression clothing, inflammation and pain are significantly reduced, and flexibility is improved.
The good thing about tight clothing is that it can be used in all sports modalities if we want, but always respecting our size and our physical and medical needs.
In which sports is loose clothing worn?
Comfort is sometimes confused with sport and loose clothing does not always provide us with the flexibility that is required in each exercise or sport practice.
Loose-fit sportswear is aimed at low-intensity sports such as golf, light yoga or walking. It can also be used to play paddle tennis, tennis, basketball, muscle strengthening, etc.
However, in other sports like cardio, cycling, swimming, running, pilates and advanced yoga, etc. It is better to use compression clothing that allows us greater freedom of movement and offers us all the benefits that we have seen in the previous section.
Loose-fitting clothing benefits our circulatory system, especially in cases of circulation problems. Furthermore, loose clothing is thermoregulating , as moisture dries faster and our body can more effectively eliminate toxins and fluids through perspiration.
This is a double-edged sword. Wide clothes can make us cool down more quickly, causing colds when making very sudden changes in temperature. Suppose that inside the gym room it is 20 degrees and outside it is 15, that change in temperature can weaken our immune system.
That is why it is important to protect ourselves at all times and not leave sweaty clothes on after training. If we don't want to shower in the sports facilities, we should at least change our clothes or wrap up warm.
Tips to keep in mind about the clothes we buy
We have already seen that tight clothing takes the gold medal, but not any garment or brand is worth it. There are some tips to keep in mind that will help us in our day to day.
Buy in specialized stores
It seems something very obvious, but with the proliferation of online stores, any clothing and accessories store now has fitness tights and the like.
By visiting specialty stores, you can find all kinds of clothing in various sizes, colors, designs, and more. The collections are organized by sport, making your search quicker and more efficient.
Another thing of vital importance is to consult the doubts with the dependents. That is, if that garment is flexible and suitable for boxing, cycling or running, if that swimsuit is optimal for swimming or just for the beach, if that top supports the chest well or is excessively tight, etc.
nothing cotton
Cotton is comfortable, soft, hypoallergenic, washes super well, etc. But it is full of drawbacks when we use it in sports.
Cotton is not very breathable, it soaks up sweat becoming a breeding ground for bacteria (which is why it smells bad and leaves yellow stains), it sticks to the body and is heavy, hindering movement and making us feel uncomfortable, light colors show through when we sweat, etc.
antibacterial clothing
Does it really exist? Yes, and it's HIGHLY recommended . It's true that it tends to be a bit more expensive than regular clothing, but let's explain its advantages, whether you're looking for fitted or loose-fitting clothes.
The main reason why we have to opt for these garments is because they reduce odor, are highly breathable, do not stain, and do not accumulate bacteria.
Another of its benefits is that sweat does not adhere to the garment, therefore, it does not get soaked and it does not bother us when exercising.
They are easy to wash and disinfect without problems. However, other cotton garments and other organic materials can be washed, ok, but they don't disinfect as well as synthetic fabrics.
UV technology
We know that if we exercise outdoors, and especially in summer, we must use adequate sun protection. But… What about clothes? If we are going to be outdoors, the clothes we wear must also have UV thermology.
Clothing made with this technology, whether fitted or loose, acts as a protective layer between the sun's rays and our skin . These garments work similarly to sunscreens, preventing skin damage from prolonged sun exposure.
Using these garments is not synonymous with not using protective cream on parts of the body that are exposed such as the arms, calves, belly and back, etc.
Always wear a sports bra
Whether we have a large or small bust, wearing a sports bra is essential, even when doing light yoga. Why is it important? Because it helps us maintain an upright posture.
It is very important that we use the correct size, since if it is small, the result will be the opposite. That is to say, it will unconsciously force us to slouch, it will cause pain in the upper back, neck, shoulders and shoulder blades. Also, we will feel uncomfortable and we will not be able to breathe well.