There is a popular phrase that says: dress for success.

Now, we would like to reiterate this, and assert that this is applicable even in the field of sports. This means that the clothes that you choose to wear can actually impact your overall performance and experience.

Doesn’t make any sense?

Let us give you the top reasons why sports clothes are important, and how choosing the right athletic apparel can add value to your active lifestyle.

The right sports clothes can significantly boost your confidence.

The sports clothes that you wear will definitely make a difference and boost your confidence if you actually believe that you look great on your clothes and that these can help you give a better performance. If you know you are wearing the appropriate clothes, you will feel more confident and will certainly act it out too. Indeed, there is a noticeable difference in the levels of confidence of people dressed properly in their sports apparel than those who are not.

Wearing the right sports clothes can enhance your performance.

As mentioned earlier, sports clothes can help you perform better—but how?

Just take for example full-body swimsuits that are made out of polyurethane, which were prohibited in professional swimming in 2010. These outfits were banned because there have been complaints from leading athletes that these can provide the wearer with an unfair advantage. Because this specific type of apparel creates a more aerodynamic flow in the water, it can actually help reduce the wearer’s lap time.

Although these swimsuits may be banned in swimming competitions, they can improve your performance on your swim practices. Some men use their basketball shorts as swimming trunks. Doing so will slow you down because the pockets create a drag. In short, an appropriate swimsuit can make a significant difference when it comes to your swimming form and performance.

Okay, but not all of you swim—let’s make another example. A shirt that can wick away body moisture can enhance your performance when jogging or running because they provide a higher level of comfort and allow you to stay outside for an extended period of time.

Moreover, a top that is made of breathable material will allow you to release your body heat unlike those that aren’t. If you wrongly choose inappropriate clothes, you will find yourself extremely uncomfortable because of excessive heating and your performance will be adversely affected.

The appropriate sports clothes can prevent you from getting injured.

Just like in other fields, wearing the right gear can protect you and prevent injuries. In sports, one of the primary causes of sports-related injuries is using wrong or improperly fitted sports apparel.

For instance, when it gets really cold in your area, it is recommended to wear long sleeved sports clothes and pants to protect your whole body from icy cold winds. On the other hand, if you live in locations that can get really hot, a cap and long-sleeved top may also be advisable.

Moreover, depending on the sports that you play, you may also wear other athletic gear such as gloves to prevent calluses on the palms of your hands.

Of course, let’s not forget the right shoes for your activity. Footwear that is not of the correct size will lead to blisters and frequent cramps or slipping. If you’re playing basketball or other sports that require jumping and running, we would recommend sports shoes that will effectively cushion your feet from heavy landings and reduce that impact of your steps when you run. Furthermore, we would also advise high top shoes for protection, especially if you have weak ankles.

The proper sportswear can provide freedom of movement.

Freedom of movement is an important factor to consider when choosing your sportswear.

Aside from the appropriate type, you should also take note of the fitting of your athletic apparel. If your top is too tight for instance, it will restrict your movement and will make it hard for you to effectively spike, dunk, or make other kinds of movements. In addition, if you buy shorts or caps that don’t fit appropriately, you may get uncomfortable to move because they constantly slip down or may feel too tight.

In short, we would like to emphasize that focusing on movement is essential because you might end up doing things wrong even if you know how to do them properly just because your sports clothes are restrictive or do not provide sufficient support.

Focusing on movement is important especially when performing compound exercises. You might end up doing it wrong if your clothing is restrictive or doesn’t offer the right support.

The factors that we discussed in this article are just some of the reasons why using the appropriate sports clothes are important and should not just be regarded as merely a matter of vanity or fashion. Always remember that if you want to perform well, prevent yourself from injuries, and feel confident, you should be ready to invest in high quality sports clothes.