Manufacturers design sport clothing to improve the performance of players while providing maximum comfort. If you plan to play in an organized league, consult the league manual or ask the staff to tell you which types of clothing are prohibited. Whatever sport you choose, ask experienced players for advice on how to select proper clothing.
Uniforms
Sports teams wear uniforms to make it easy to identify everyone. Opposing teams wear different colors. Individual team members often have their names and numbers on their backs and chests so it is easier for referees and coaches to determine player locations from a distance. If a sport requires safety equipment, its uniforms must be baggy enough to cover over whatever padding or shielding the players wear.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment varies among sports. Many sports have clothing that allows players to insert panels of protective material over areas prone to injury. For example, soccer players wear shin guards to minimize the risk of injuries due to other players kicking them. Other types of equipment include helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, chest protectors and athletic cups.
Function
People that participate in individual sports, such as marathon runners, must wear clothing that is loose enough to allow their bodies to move freely, but tight enough to keep out of the way. Bicyclists, for example, often wear tight, flexible pants that allow them to pedal vigorously without getting caught in the bike's mechanisms. Swimmers wear tight swimsuits that minimize friction. Some swimmers wear full bodysuits made of a special material that has less friction than their skin, allowing them to achieve greater speeds in the water.
Footgear
The type of shoes a sport requires depends on many factors. For example, the surface on which you play affects what type of shoe you need. Soccer and football players play on grass, so they wear cleats that provide greater traction. Runners wear shoes that are light and flexible but also are stiff enough to provide good ankle support. Tennis players need shoes that allow them to shift their weight quickly without slipping.
Considerations
Other than meeting regulations, the only thing that matters is whether the sport clothing works for you. Test purchases carefully to determine whether it is going to hamper or improve your performance. For example, try different types and brands of shoes to ensure they fit comfortably. For shirts and pants, move your arms and legs around to see if you have a full range of motion. If you plan to play in cold weather, dress in layers and choose clothes that wick away perspiration.
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