Sweating normally comes hand in hand with exercise, and according to some of the meanest personal trainers, if you’re not sweating you’re probably not working hard enough.
Thats said, no one wants the embarrassment of sweat patches left on their activewear gear or to feel like a puddle of sweat post-workout.
So the introduction of sweat-wicking active gear was of course the next step for activewear brands - with over two-thirds of brands (67 per cent) now using sweat-wicking materials for their sports bra, leggings and other activewear pieces. Brands such as Lululemon, Brooks and Under Armour are just some of them, but smaller companies are also cottoning on to the trend.
What is sweat-wicking material?
Sweat-wicking activewear is made from high-tech polyester, which has been designed to absorb heat or sweat, allowing it to evaporate and keep the material dry, rather than leaving it damp. This is the result when you sweat on cotton - leaving you feeling a little bit icky and ready for a shower.
When we sweat whilst wearing the wrong clothes, especially activewear, chafing can be the biggest issue - leaving sores on the skin, which could mean your weekly gym schedule is interrupted as you heal.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new sports bra and don’t want the chafe or need leggings that will keep you fresh after a HIIT sessiom here’s our selection of the best sweat-wicking activewear.
Shop our selection below
Pocket Sport Plein Air Leggings
These stylish leggings with a striped block-colour look will draw attention to you for their design, rather than any sweat patches forming.
The activewear is made from a mix of polyester and spandex, giving you breathability, as well as the hold. The ‘squat proof’ leggings, which have matching colour block sports bras, made with breathable fabric, will wick away any perspiration as they stay put during your workout.
With a hidden pocket to store any valuables, the leggings also boast a high waistband, to keep you tucked in.
Buy now £48.00, Pocket Sport
Women’s UA Infinity High Sports Bra
This sports bra is perfect for high-intensity sports and fitness like running and HIIT classes, and has a sweat-wicking band, plus sweat-wicking material throughout.
Once your beads of perspiration have been mopped up by the HeatGear fabric, it further helps to cool you down and keep you dry. The bra, which is made with padding in a figure-8 pattern for a more aerodynamic fit, also has mesh panels, allowing the body to breathe while exercising.
Finished off with adjustable criss-cross straps you’ll feel supported throughout your spin, circuits or lunges, pleasingly sweat-free as you push ahead with your workout.
Buy now £50.00, Under Armour
Runderwear Women’s Running Briefs
A brief encounter when you’re running normally means chafing or sweat-induced injuries - rather than any hanky panky. Runderwear knickers, with their 360 seamless design, and moisture-wicking construction, have nailed it when it comes to sweat-wicking.
Thoroughly researched and tested over the years - particularly on keen runners - the briefs, which come in black and blue are super comfy to wear and will leave you chafe-free, even if you’re a regular marathon runner.
With a built-in four-way stretch you’ll barely feel them and will be recommending them to other runners in no time.
Buy now £18.00, Runderwear
Brooks Atmosphere sleeveless top
This selection of bright running tops, made with tissue-light fabric. won’t have you working up a sweat as you train for your next marathon.
The loose-fitting sleeveless top is designed for runners but can be worn to keep you cool through an outdoor class or during an intense spinning class.
The ultra-light material also has extra mesh ventilation and of course, sweat-wicking fabric, which makes the stretchy top a great choice for summer, or just for when you know they’re going to be working at their hardest.
Buy now £35.00, Brooks
CEP Women’s Run ultralight shirt short sleeve
Made with a super-lightweight stretch fabric the tight-fitting t-shirt is also available as a vest and long-sleeved version.
The integrated dotted design adds to the t-shirt’s aesthetics but also increases the surface area to allow for breathability - keeping you cool and fresh, even when you work up a sweat.
The seamless laminated fabric edges also make sure there’s no rubbing or chaffing - which is exactly what you need while working out. If you’re looking for visibility, while out pounding the pavements, the smart reflective elements will also get you noticed as soon as you step outside.
Buy now £59.95, Alpine Trek
Rab Women’s Talus Ultra Shorts
Fancy trademarked names for fabric normally mean you’re in good hands - and Rab’s shorts are no exception. The brand uses Matrix fabrics in the Talus shorts to protect your legs from the wind and allow for extra breathability. Next, its Flexile fabric gives your body protection as you break a sweat and keep on running or hiking. The fabric absorbs the moisture, meaning you’re chafe-free and ready for that next mile. The lightweight close-fitting liner shorts, which come in blue and red, are perfect for summer, or just those who love pounding the pavements sweat-free.
Buy now £50.00, Cotswold Outdoor
Natal Active Luxe maternity & Postnatal leggings
These colourful leggings won’t just hold your baby bump in place but help to wick away sweat as you do your downward dog, or even something a little more intense.
When you’re pregnant and grappling with a bump the last thing you want is sweat trickling down your body, so these moisture-wicking leggings, made from high-tech fabric will keep you feeling cool throughout your session.
Soft against the skin the fabric is also designed to stretch as you grow - with a non-slip bump panel at the front. They’re great to keep in your rotation post-baby too: the leggings have been designed to avoid C-section scars so you can concentrate on how to perfect that squat with no other distractions.
Buy now £55.00, John Lewis
Lucas Hugh Stealth leggings
Super soft and luxurious these Lucas Hugh leggings slide on like silk. They’re made with heat-sealed seams keeping them breathable and will also quickly absorb sweat as you huff and puff your way through a HIIT class.
Made from sustainable fabrics in Italy they have the brand’s signature svelte waistband, which offers support stays up for the duration of your workout. Available in four colours, as well as a stand-out red, the mesh triangle detail gives them a stylish edge.
Buy now £170.00, Lucas Hugh
Stronger Hero Sports bra
Sweating around the breast area normally means chafing, which we can all safely say is never a fun experience - during or after a workout.
The Stronger Hero Sports bra, available in seven colours, is made with recycled polyester, a functional fabric that is quick-drying and sweat-wicking - meaning chafing isn’t even on your radar when you slip into this medium support bra.
The pullover design, which has a criss-cross back design also has removable cups and comfortable elastic around under the bust, helping you feel fresh, but supported during and after your workout.
Buy now £39.00, Stronger
Ballet Fusion Allegro Butter-soft leggings
Ballet Fusions’ line of activewear has been designed by women, so of course, they know what we’re looking for when we’re working out.
Soft on the skin, the leggings and matching sports bras, feel like a second skin and are perfect for low impact workouts such as pilates or high impact activities like running.
Made with moisture-wicking, but supportive fabric they’ll keep you dry, however hard you’re working. Their super-high waistbands are pinch-free on the skin, while the seam-free gusset will make sure you don’t have any fashion disasters leaving you to focus on your PT.
Made for every type of movement - they’re squat, lunge and plie proof.
Buy now £58.00, Ballet Fusion
Verdict
Workout leggings that are stylish and can perform with us when we workout are far and few between but Pocket Sport Plein Air Leggings are easy on the eye and wick away sweat faster than we can do a burpee. A great staple for any gym junkie.
