Sweatpants were originally designed for athletes and have evolved with technology. They are typically loose to create an air gap between the skin and fabric, keeping the body warm or cool. New materials like spandex and wicking fabrics have improved sweatpants, and tear-off and pull-off options are available for easy removal.
The original tracksuit was a purely functional two-piece outerwear set designed to protect athletes participating in sports, such as track and field. Also called tracksuits, many modern versions use technologically advanced textile material. Some are made of thick material while others are thin. Sweatpants are often made with a two-layer construction or with wicking material designed to prevent perspiration. One type is called a tear-off sweatpants, specially designed for quick removal.
Classic sweatpants are still popular. Most are made of thick, absorbent cotton that is durable on the outside but soft on the inside. Waist has elastic band or drawstring tie closure; the ankles may or may not have a similar one. Most are baggy and baggy, to accommodate additional athletic clothing worn underneath and not hinder an athlete’s requirement for physical flexibility. Casual styles, perhaps made of thinner material, could be more fitted.
There’s a technical reason for the looseness of the pants: it creates an air gap between your sweaty skin and the protective fabric. This effectively keeps a body warm in cold temperatures and relatively cool in warmer temperatures. It also helps prevent the fabric from becoming saturated with sweat. Modern textiles are being used for sportswear to address some of these technical issues.
One of the most popular types of sweatpants features a two-layer construction. The outer shell is usually a synthetic polyester like nylon with good weatherproof attributes, and the inner lining is a cooling cotton or synthetic woven mesh. Most windbreaks are made this way; It is a good choice for outdoor sports, such as cross-country running, which can ignore bad weather.
Two fabric technologies have significantly changed traditional sweatpants. One is called “wicking,” the ability of one side of a specially processed synthetic fabric to draw in moisture and force it out the other side, leaving an active athlete’s skin relatively dry. The other is an elastic fiber commonly called spandex. Its tight, yet comfortable stretch conforms to all body contours. Many professional runners have ditched shorts, tank tops, pants, and pullovers for full-length, one-piece garments called speed suits.
One of the functional needs of sweatpants is the need, especially when worn over sports uniforms, for easy on and off. This is critically true for some team sports, such as basketball, where rapidly executed substitution player rotation is an important element of competition. Particularly suitable sweatpants for these players are the “pull-off” pants. The front and back halves of the pants are not sewn together; They are held together by snap fasteners. A quick, sharp pull will unzip the pants into two pieces for instant removal.
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