The Back of The Closet Isn’t Good Enough!

We love to watch feats of physical strength. We love to see the limits that we can push the human body to. Flexibility, endurance and stamina are all valued traits. We witness these feats each time we watch our Olympic athletes setting new world records.
One of the greatest and most loved pass times, for all humanity, has been watching sports. It started much before the gladiators of ancient Rome, who performed in the Coliseum. Sports have come a long way since then and so has sports wear. The gladiators of today don’t wear leather skirts and breastplates; they prefer shorts and a singlet.

The recent developments in technology have brought about a revolution in sports garments. We have learnt to work with newer and better fabrics. Cuts and designs have changed by leaps and bounds. No longer would you wear the same clothes for running that you would for soccer. Each sport has its own requirement and manufacturing companies have risen to the challenge of catering to these requirements.

Many designers like Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Mary Ping, Derek Lam, and Behnaz Sarafpour have contributed to the evoloution of womens sportswear. The Sports Bra is probably one of the greatest inventions of our time. The fact remains that you need to be properly outfitted when taking part in a physical activity. Just as you would always use the required tool for a particular job, you must wear the required clother for a particular activity. Breeches for horse riding, track pants for running or a swimming suit for swimming.

Unfortunately the development of women’s sports apparel has not come without controversy. Where as no one objects to men wearing revealing outfits while partaking in physical activities, women have always had to endure harsh criticism when they don apparel that is revealing or figure hugging. Beach volleyball at 2004 Olympics was host to a lot of controversy and criticism because female dancers performed in short skirts with a DJ played music clips between sets and because of the requirement that woman players need to be scantily dressed. This led to accusations that the sport was less respectful than other Olympic events, although on the other hand this controversy may have helped the sport become more popular. Social stigmas aside, women’s sports apparel has come a long way from the days when even pants were considered unseemly.

The modern woman has an array of choices when she decides to go out on the field, or to the park for a run. From inner and outer wear, to shoes and various other accessories, everything is designed to suits a woman’s need for comfort and practicality. From cuts and designs to the fabrics used, the development in woman’s sports apparel has been astounding. The next time you decide to step out of the house to go for a game of tennis, or a hike in the woods, don’t just throw on an old t-shirt and jeans from the back of your closet, consider visiting your local sports store and discover the array of female products that have been custom designed for your activity.