When it comes to working out and exercising, equipping your body with the right gear is necessary to feel comfortable and cool.  Plus, you do want to look a bit athletic when you sport your snazzy new workout attire…right?

Sometimes with all the new technology that companies put into designing a shirt for exercise performance and comfort it may seem a little bit daunting as to which type clothing you should pick up.  Should you get a regular yet comfortable cotton shirt, or a sleek, thin, Dri-Fit type top?

Is there any difference between a $10 cotton shirt and a $50 Dri-Fit shirt?

Lets find out shall we?

Cotton

Cotton is by far one of the most comfortable pieces of fabric there is.  The fabric itself has limitations in terms of recreational performance, and is not looked upon as a “high tech” fibre, even though it’s one of the most chemically reactive and versatile fibres.

Here are some issues in respect to cotton:

• Too heavy when wet
• When wet, it sags due to extra weight
• Takes too long to dry 
• Sticks on to your skin, resulting in a decrease of range of motion
• You may feel cold after your workout is finished

You also have to understand that when you work out you want to stay dry.  As your body temperature increases and you begin to sweat, the moisture needs to go somewhere.  Cotton fabrics tend to act as a buffer when you sweat so it simply absorbs onto the fabric.

 

Dri-Fit

Dri-Fit fabric is basically made from polyester.  But when looking at the pros and cons it does hold a bunch of advantages when compared to the regular cotton fabric.  For starters the Dri-Fit weighs less (about 2 oz less), it absorbs less moisture, and the drying rate is about half the time when compared to cotton.

Another benefit of going with a Dri-Fit type of fabric is that it’s designed specifically for an active lifestyle.  It targets places where you would sweat (arm pits, back) with extra ventilation to allow the moisture from your body to evaporate away from your body to keep you dry.

Here are some issues in respect to Dri-Fit:

• May cling to your body when wet
• A little pricey

 

Uhhh I think that’s it…

So not much cons to say about the Dri-Fit brands.  Ultimately they do a great job keeping your body cool and the extra ventilation in specific parts of the garment are thought out well.

But at end of the day it totally comes down to your preference, if you take pride in having a sweaty and soaking wet shirt at the end of your workouts – then cotton might be the way to go.

If you want to stay cool and give your body a bit more breath-ability then Dri–Fit will do you justice.

My advice would be to try them out both and see which one you like better to do your workouts in.  You be the judge for your body.  Let me know what you prefer and why by posting your thoughts below.

So what do I prefer?

 

DRI–FIT BABY!!!

Grudge Match: Margarine Vs. Butter

How Gwyneth Paltrow Got Her Body Back

How To Have Proper Gym Etiquette