Sportswear
Sportswear is clothing designed for athletic activity, with features such as freedom of movement, comfort, durability, or performance support.
Moisture-wicking fabric: Fabric engineered to move liquid sweat away from the skin and spread it across a larger surface for evaporation. It helps sportswear manage sweat during sustained activity.
Running apparel: Clothing designed for running, typically balancing low weight, mobility, and sweat management. It shows how sportswear adapts to repetitive movement and prolonged exertion.
Victorian dress reform: A nineteenth-century movement advocating less restrictive clothing, especially for women. Its arguments for mobility challenged dress conventions that constrained physical activity.
Sports fashion: Fashion influenced by athletic clothing, sporting styles, and sports culture. Sportswear has repeatedly supplied silhouettes and materials to mainstream fashion.
Casual wear: Informal clothing intended for everyday use rather than formal occasions. Sportswear prioritizes activity-specific function; casual wear need not.
Compression garment: A close-fitting garment designed to apply pressure to part or all of the body. It is a sportswear type whose fit is intended to provide support or pressure.
Swimwear: Clothing designed for swimming and other activities in water. Its close fit and water-resistant construction address drag and movement in water.
Bloomers: A nineteenth-century women's garment consisting of loose trousers gathered at the ankles, worn beneath a skirt or alone. They became a visible alternative to restrictive clothing for exercise and cycling.
Logo: A graphic mark or symbol used to identify an organization, product, or brand. Visible logos turn sportswear into a prominent medium for brand identity.
Formal wear: Clothing designed for ceremonial, professional, or other formal occasions. Its conventions usually emphasize appearance and occasion rather than athletic movement.