Why Running Fabric Material Matters

Let’s try a little science experiment. Go grab a cotton t-shirt. Run it under the faucet for about 30 seconds. Now put it on and go out for a run.

Not so much fun, right?

You hear us constantly harping on the fact that cotton is no good when it comes to running and working out. Cotton absorbs. So when you head out for a run on a 90* summer day, all that sweating that you’re doing is just going to stay with you. We want it to go away.

So how do we do that?

Moisture-wicking clothing in lightweight, airy materials. Your summer running gear should be made of synthetic materials. Take a look at the tag and if there is any cotton in there, ditch it!

Synthetic materials do the opposite of absorb. They wick. As you sweat, the material will grab that moisture off of your skin and pull it to the surface of the garment where it can evaporate, keeping you relatively comfy.

So to summarize, here’s why technical apparel is just as important in the summer as it is in the winter:

• LESS CHAFE – because it does a much better job at wicking moisture and staying dry, there is less of a chance of a wet seam rubbing against your skin. Less chafe is always a good thing!
• QUICK DRYING – the synthetic materials that these garments are thinner, lighter, and absorb less moisture than cotton, which means they will dry much more quickly.
• LIGHTWEIGHT – the weave and stitching in technical apparel makes it stronger and lighter than cotton, particularly when wet.
• TEMPERATURE REGULATING – because it moves moisture better, it’s easier for your body to regulate its temperature, even in hot weather.

Stop by your local Marathon Sports to check out our selection of lightweight summer gear for men and women and get yourself geared up!