The tracksuit has become an iconic look among many different cultural groups, from the world of 80’s hip hop to the celebrity lifestyle, as well as for it’s traditional usage as workout clothing. Buying a tracksuit may sound like an easy decision, but if you want to both look good and get the best out of your new outfit as possible, there are a number of things you’ll want to consider before spending your cash. This article is intended to dive deep into the history and function of tracksuits, as well as offer you some tips to help you make your decision on what type to purchase.
History Of The Tracksuit
What was originally intended solely for sporting purposes, the tracksuit, aptly named because it is an entire suit intended to be worn while on a running track, was designed in the 1930s but became a popular clothing choice in the 1960s when Adidas designed their first piece. Over the years, this look was adopted into popular fashion, with designers creating new and eye-catching outfits which were seen across the world in music videos, as well as being adorned by notable figures from Fidel Castro to Elton John. Sadly, as time went on, the tracksuit developed a nefarious name for itself as it became synonymous with gang culture and organised crime.
Modern Day Uses
Today, the tracksuit has been brought back into the mainstream with it’s slightly sordid reputation being left in the past. Now, wearing a quality tracksuit has become a fashion statement again, with many different styles available. Not only this, but they’ve remained a staple choice for sports and exercise throughout the years, separate from them being used for fashion purposes. The chances are, if you’re wearing one for practical reasons, you’ll also want to look good at the same time. Plus, they can be worn for relaxation or casually when visiting friends.
Different Styles
There are many different styles of tracksuits, each with different uses. Most can be adapted into a relaxed outfit, separate from being workout clothing, although not all of them are ideal for every type of exercise. You wouldn’t necessarily want to wear a thick woolen tracksuit during a hot summers day when running for example. But in the cold weather, these are ideal for handling the lower temperatures. Primarily, the style of a tracksuit is dictated by the material that is used for them, but there are some that are made to fit a certain way, such as tighter fits for runners and cyclists, reducing wind resistance, as well as baggy ones, designed for comfort and style. Gym King provide the best men’s oversized tracksuits that are perfect for casual days out as well as being comfortable whether travelling or chilling at home.
What Is Your Tracksuit For?
When deciding to buy a new tracksuit, you’ll want to identify exactly what you’ll be using it for. Are you going to be wearing it when running? Do you want one as an outfit to be used for multiple things? Or perhaps you do want one for a chic new look. Whatever reasons you have, you should make sure you know exactly why you want one as this will help you to make a decision.
Running Tracksuit
A common use for tracksuits, as mentioned above, is for running. Not only are they ideal for cold weather running, but some people also actually wear these to increase body temperature during their exercise making the body work harder and possibly burn more calories. It’s recommended that you only attempt this as an experienced runner of course as overexerting yourself during exercise can be very dangerous. As well as this, you can also get high visibility tracksuits for nighttime running and this is especially important near roads. If your sole purpose for getting a tracksuit is for running and other exercise, then purchasing an athletic tracksuit is your best choice here. When considering buying this new tracksuit, however, think about the type of climate you’ll be running in. If you are indeed running almost entirely during cold and miserable weather, buying a thicker tracksuit, especially one that is waterproof might be right for you. There are lots of tips for running in the rain, but wearing the right gear tends to be at the top of the list of considerations. On the other hand, if you’re running in the blistering heat, a light and airy option will be better to avoid overheating.
Working Out
During exercise, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing clothing that allows good freedom of movement. Wearing a pair of jeans for example would feel incredibly restrictive and won’t allow a full range of movement when stretching or working out. Similarly, cardio activities require a comfortable and frictionless material so you can avoid chafing during excessive movement, and a tracksuit provides this. As with running in a tracksuit, any form of workout in this type of apparel is going to make you sweat more and will feel like a tougher challenge.
