Sweat Sesh Style: A Woman’s Guide To Choosing The Right Workout Wear

PUBLISHED August 12th, 2020 05:00 am | UPDATED August 18th, 2020 11:04 am

Workout wear isn’t just about looking cool – the right activewear can have you feeling cool, comfy, and supported even when you’re dripping sweat. Ready to ditch the shorts-and-shirt routine and invest in your workout wardrobe? We’ve got your back with a handful of guidelines for picking the most functional, feel-good apparel, including pieces from Nike’s latest Infinalon collection.

Moisture Management

Cotton is an amazingly breathable fabric – that’s why it’s so comfy to lounge about in a cotton tee – but it’s too absorbent for comfort when the going gets sweaty. Instead, your ideal workout fabric should hit that sweet spot of breathable and moisture-wicking.

Fabrics to look out for include nylon, which is quick-drying; polypropylene, aka the more water-resistant, stain-resistant cousin of polyester; and spandex, which normally comes in a blend. Eco-conscious folks might want to opt for one sexy new textile that’s been taking the market by storm: Tencel, a cellulose fiber sustainably spun from wood pulp. This biodegradable fabric is silky soft on the skin and wicks away moisture efficiently – no wonder giants like Patagonia have been hopping aboard the Tencel train.

Stretch

There’s no one-size-stretch-all for leggings, compression shorts, and other form-fitting gear – it’s a matter of finding the fit that feels and looks right for you. The rule of thumb is four-way stretch – fabric that can stretch lengthwise and crosswise, giving you freedom of movement in all directions. Thinner, lightweight leggings have that deliciously airy feel (a godsend in humid Singapore), but they also tend to stretch into sheer oblivion when you bend over or squat. On the other hand, thicker blends offer more opacity and support, but might be a little too stretch-resistant for comfort.

To test the stretch of your activewear, nothing beats a good ol’ squat test while trying them on in the dressing room. Check for whether your apparel turns see-through, and whether it stays in place or is inching its way down your waist.

Support

Closely related to stretch is support – by hugging your muscles, compression wear can prevent over-strain and boost your blood flow. Some garments – Live The Process’ compression-waistband leggings, for instance – focus support on targeted areas like your stomach. Others are like a healthy squeeze for your whole body, such as LNDR’s SOLAR leggings. Experiment with different types to see which feels best for you, and don’t be afraid to play around with sizing as well – if you prefer higher compression, going a size down can give you the support you need.

Seams

Seam placement is one of those underrated but make-or-break things, especially for your form-fitting wear. When it comes to sports bras, for instance, rough or raised seams can cause chafing when you’re running. Protruding waistband seams can dig in and leave angry marks on the skin, while traditional center seams on leggings can create that dreaded camel toe look.

Seamlessness is definitely a good way to go, with so many cutting-edge options on the market these days. Under Armour’s seamless collection runs the gamut from sew-free tanks to sleek sports bras, made with soft knit fabric enhanced by mesh ventilation. If a seamed number catches your eye, just make sure all inside seams are flat; for leggings, a U-shaped inseam such as that in Lululemon’s All The Right Places does wonders to combat camel toe.

Colour

It’s tempting to stick to plain, safe black, we know, but don’t underestimate the power of colouring your workout world. Seeing red is proven to give our reactions a speed and strength boost, and it might just be the spur you need to power through your spin class.

Meanwhile, the colour green has been shown to sharpen your concentration – perfect for when you’re plotting your way up the bouldering wall. And hey, buying gear just ‘cause it looks good is totally valid too – with pretty prints like Singaporean label Yumi Active’s Eastern-themed apparel, who wouldn’t be inspired to work out?

Review: Nike Infinalon

We’ve already mentioned a couple of great activewear options, but if you’re looking for workout wear that ticks all the right boxes, Nike’s Infinalon offerings are worth checking out.

Launched just this April, Infinalon is Nike’s latest performance fabric for yogis, offering innovations in stretch, sculpting, and breathability. We got our hands on the Women’s Infinalon Cropped Tank (S$65) and Women’s Infinalon 7/8 Ribbed Leggings (S$119) to try out, and they’ve been our best workout buddies for the last couple of weeks.

Right out of the package, the first thing that’ll surprise you is the buttery soft feel – the second is probably how light the garments are. Despite this, we didn’t notice any uncomfortable riding up or slipping down during our 45-minute flow sesh. With smooth-seamed yarn woven into multiple layers and a stretch that supersedes spandex, the Infinalon material offers moderate compression all over, though it’s comfy enough to make movement effortless.

For someone as prone to sweating as us, we definitely appreciated the ventilation stripes running down the front and back of the tank, and on the sides of the leggings. These vents work well to prevent overheating in a non-aircon room, while adding a bit of flair to the garments. No worries about sweat stains despite the light colour, too – a striking light thistle that’ll have you working out in style.

Check out the Nike Infinalon collection here. 

Top Image: Nike, Diana Techachal Sanchez