Sweat The Fashion

How our favorite activewear fabrics absorb, wick, and diffuse the sweat and odor produced while exercising

- Cat Perry

EVER HEARD the saying, “If you’re not sweating, you’re not working hard enough”? This expression may be true—because if you’re constantly toweling off between sets you’re likely # crushingit. But sweaty, funky clothes may mean you’re wearing the wrong fabrics, too.

There are a dizzying number of materials to choose from and more active wear brands than we can fit in our closet. So how do you decide when to look past the perfect poppy pattern on those leggings and buy clothes based on performance? Here’s how to flex in fabrics you won’t have to hang out to dry— permanently.

PERFORMANCE

The power of polyester in athletic wear is clear. Since it’s more affordable for manufacturers than other performance fabrics such as bamboo or wool, polyester is ubiquitous. The durable, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and breathable material does it all. Most important, it won’t absorb your sweat—because it’s hydrophobic, meaning it actually repels water.

You’ll find polyester in everything from your favorite hoodie to tanks to leggings. Most brands love what this fabric can do. Those mesh leggings you adore: They’re likely a polyester blend of form and function. “Perforations and mesh are a big trend in women’s fashion; look for that to show itself in your fitness gear this summer. Not only will you look great, but polyester mesh helps provide more breathability and cooling during the summer heat,” says Mat Lemieux, senior product manager at Reebok.