Finding the best breathable athletic wear involves considering factors such as fabric technology, brand reputation, and specific product features. Here's a summary of the most recommended options based on user discussions.
Breathable Athletic Apparel
When it comes to breathable shirts and bottoms for running in hot weather, several brands stand out. Soar offers a line specifically designed for hot weather with UPF protection, although availability may vary [1:1]. Tracksmith's Strata Collection and Arc’teryx are also mentioned for their high-quality materials and design
[1:5]. However, it's important to note that achieving both breathability and sun protection can be challenging, as tighter weaves typically offer better sun protection but less breathability
[1:3].
Footwear Recommendations
For those seeking breathable sneakers, several options were highlighted. The Nike Vomero 5s, Ultraboost, and Adizeros are noted for their comfort and breathability [2:2]. Salomon ACS Pro is recommended for summer hiking due to its lightweight and quick-drying properties, though it might not be ideal for everyday use due to its structured design
[2:5]. Hoka Hopara 2 and Asics or Saucony models with mesh are also worth considering for their breathability
[2:7],
[2:6].
Fabric Considerations
In terms of fabric selection for the most breathable and cooling sports shirts, Arctic Cool was suggested for its innovative cooling technology [3:2]. While cotton is often avoided due to moisture retention, some users still recommend supima cotton for its softness and breathability
[3:3].
Breathable Pants
For breathable pants, Kinetic pants are frequently praised for their comfort and ability to breathe well in high temperatures [4:1],
[4:8]. Dyzana V3 joggers are another option, known for their lightweight design and ventilation features
[4:3]. Additionally, scrubs from brands like Cherokee are surprisingly durable and light, making them a viable option for breathable wear
[4:6].
Additional Tips
For those concerned about sun exposure, using sunscreen with Tinosorb (Bemotrizinol) as an active ingredient is recommended, as it provides effective UVA and UVB protection without feeling greasy [1:7]. This can be a good complement to breathable clothing that may not offer full sun protection.
Overall, when selecting breathable athletic wear, consider the balance between sun protection, comfort, and the specific activity you plan to engage in. Each brand and product offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
What are your favorite shirts and bottoms that do all or some of the following:
Notes: I’m on meds that increase photosensitivity and I’m trying to prep for summer. Reapplying sunscreen and carrying it can be a bit cumbersome depending on the length of my run. I prefer to run outside.
I ride horses and we all wear sun shirts in the heat. Most riding shirts have a mesh under the arm and breath well. I wish a running brand would do the same. comhttps://search.app/g6D8GidkkR23R8Fa6
This actually might be the best thing I’ve seen by far. Thanks for the recommendation.
Unfortunately, UPF clothing and "lightweight"/breathable are competing preferences. Tighter weaves, darker colors, and heavier-weight fabric provide better sun protection than lightweight/perforated stuff. Chemically coated lightweight and light-color synthetic fabrics split the difference, offering less heat absorption from the sun and less sweat absorption from the body. I have a Brooks Cabonite long-sleeve in white/yellow that looks good and is UPF 30, which is quite good for a white shirt, but I find that once I'm sweating, I hate long sleeves, so I prefer a short sleeve and apply a good sweatproof sunscreen on my arms/face/neck. Most brands have UPF tops now. UPF shorts aren't important to me since I'm shaded there mostly.
Think Soar might be up there.
I have cold gear from Soar and LOVE IT but it doesn’t seem that they’ve released their heat gear for the year yet (or if it will even return). I do remember they had a hot weather line that explicitly provided upf 50 protection.
Their US site doesn’t have anything like that at the moment or maybe I’m missing it. The current lineups don’t offer upf but have all the other perks of well engineers sports wear.
They’ll release it I’m sure. Have to stay competitive. But yeah, their Hot Weather T despite fragile was awesome.
If only they made something other than ugly basketball jerseys in their summer fabrics.
Tracksmith Strata Collection
Soar
Arc’teryx
Not clothing related, but if you are in the U.S. and use chemical sunscreen you should look into getting some from Japan or the EU that uses Tinosorb (Bemotrizinol is the other name it goes by) as an active ingredient.
The FDA has been very slow to approve new sunscreen ingredients and Tinosorb is one of the newer ones that is much more effective at blocking UVA and B. Plus, it allows for the sunscreen to be less greasy feeling.
Otherwise, mineral sunscreen works well and keeps your skin feeling slightly cooler because of the way it creates a physical barrier.
Hi! I'm looking for the most breathable cool looking sneakers. I am not a fan of sandals/mules, but live in a place with hot and humid weather in the summer. Trying to find the coolest most breathable shoes. My top 2 options rn are:
Nike Vomero 5s are really comfy and breathable. Ultraboost or Adizeros also super breathable.
Hoka Hopara 2 are worth considering. Will be a lot comfier, especially compared to the ACS Pro
That makes sense. I appreciate the recommendation!
I absolutely love Hoka (have Bondis and Ora slides for a few years) for the comfort, while my XT slates and XT 6s are just alright when it comes to comfort. That said, for my current search I'd like something that looks more like a normal sneaker like how the ACS breathable mesh is not obvious. The hopara and the uneeks look too much like a sandal/clog for what I'm currently hoping for due to the amount of open spaces.
If you can find some Nike Equalon 4’s those gotta be the comfiest and most breathable sneakers I at least have. I have the brain dead hoporas and as other person said I can highly recommend the hopora 2 they are very breathable
Nike ACG Watercat+ if you don't mind some skin showing through the mesh.
Bonus points: you can easily walk at the water's edge at the beach
I have the Salomon acs pro and it’s great for summer hiking! They’re light, breathable, and dry quickly. But I don’t think they’re good everyday shoes. They’re pretty structured with the hard exterior, and not too much cushioning. And I’d imagine the traction would wear out quick on sidewalk.
I wear my OG to gym and it is so rekt now haha
Damn I was hoping they would work, but that makes total sense. Would definitely prefer a more comfortable option for everyday use
Asics or Saucony with all the mesh
Assume money is no option and you are tasked with manufacturing a shirt for sports that is the most breathable and most cooling, which fabric(s) would you use?
Any other tips besides fabric selection for the manufacturing of the shirt?
Thanks
Maybe try Arctic Cool?
I'd try supima cotton
Won’t the cotton get extra moist from sweat?
Making the shirt heavy and water logged?
I used the search bar and found nothing. What's your guys input on the most breathable pants. I have a pair of HK's and a pair of Carbon pants. Both are nice, but they just don't breathe at all. Was looking to pick up some thinner joggers but looking for input. Thanks in advance.
My kinetic pants are super comfy and breath well in 100 plus degrees. But I’m stationed in Colorado. Your miles may vary.
Gonna throw in Dyzana into the ring here. I have 2 pairs of their V3 joggers and they are amazing. Lightweight and thin, with reinforced sections over the knees. Baggy enough to fit knee pads and slider pants, with noticeable vent holes in the rear of the shin. If anything, these are a bit too breathable in the mud or rain.
They now have a V4/Shift design that I haven't tried out yet, but hoping to once the economy stops it's freefall.
Oh and the price point is great - V3's go for less than 80 bucks.
Kinetic
Love my Kinetics, but they don’t breathe as well as the CRBNs.
I also have the CBRNs and it's a swamp in there after a 80* day. That's why I switched to Kinetic. They're able to breathe more and are a lot more comfy imo.
My kinetic pants are super comfy and breath well in 100 plus degrees. But I’m stationed in Colorado. Your miles may vary.
Scrubs. No joke. Cherokee brand. I wear either cargo or joggers. Knee pads underneath. Very light. Surprisingly durable.
Kinetic is the answer!!
I tend to buy mesh "tennis" shoes that eventually become discing shoes but they let my feet get so dirty. Not crazy about giving up the breathability but interested in other options. Thanks in advance for sharing!
I use the Merell Moab. Have a standard waterproof pair for most days and a goretex pair for the rainy days here in the NW. Though they both run kind of hot. Been looking into the shoes Drew Gibson wears (Vans UltraRange EXO) for a lighter, more breathable show during the summer.
I like Merell’s too. Have a few pair for disc and a couple for camping.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll check those out
I wear New Balance Fresh Foam Cruzv1 shoes and have had no issues. Breathability of mesh, but no dirt. I also have wide feet and found a reasonable size.
Altra lone peaks, a pretty breathable mesh while still being fine enough to keep dirt out. They are zero drop and that may not be for you tho
Brooks Cascadia, Saucony Peregrine
I will check those out. Thanks
I'm a fan of trail runners and have been pleasantly surprised at how durable and comfortable they are. I need mesh uppers unless there's snow.
I'd try one of the Nike Trail options. I have the Juniper Trail, and they've been great so far. Decent mix of grip on hard surfaces and tread for soft surfaces, while still breathing and keeping out dirt fairly well.
Great recommendation. Thanks
Any suggestions? Most of the manufacturers have claims about moisture wicking and breathability - does anyone have experience? Thanks.
Your best bet is likely to look for the budget options from bigger brands, the $15 pairs from brands like Nike, Adidas, or Under Armor are likely going to be thinner and more breathable than the more expensive and higher-quality options.
My son has a few pairs of the Adidas budget pants (I think they were a Dick's Sporting Goods exclusive) and they are great for summer, but I think that they have discontinued them.
IMO its the socks that matter more than the pants. Make sure your kid has thinner, more breathable socks. Thats the second layer and that's the part taking in the most moisture.
For the pants, buy the knock offs or the cheapies. They are thinner. They will rip easier, but just remember you bought the cheaper pair so having to go get another pair isn't terrible.
Knickers!
Been coaching in the southeast for years—heat and humidity are no joke 😅
For my players, the Champro Triple Crown Open Bottoms have been solid. Lightweight, don’t trap as much heat, and they hold up better than some pricier ones.
Also like the Easton Pro Plus for breathability. Avoid the super thick Mizuno ones—they’re tanks.
Pro tip: tell the kids to wear compression shorts or sliding shorts underneath that actually wick sweat. The pants can only do so much if they’re sitting in soaked cotton boxers lol.
What are the best-wicking underwear, the ideal socks, the most-comfortable shirts and pants, for those humid 95f days, where you're just drenched with sweat all day long?
Call me old fashioned but cotton pocket tees are my go to shirt. I've tried technical fabrics and poly cotton blends and while they generally perform better at keeping me dry, they have a way of turning sweat into really funky odors. Cotton, not so much. if you haven't tried wool socks, buy a few pairs. They might cost a little bit more, but when you take off your boots at the end of a long day and your feet are dry, you'll know where that extra money went.
I've been wearing Darn Tough socks for several years now inside my waterproof farm boots, but my feet scoot around in them just enough that I wear through eight pairs of socks a year. So far, DT has had no issue giving me store credit for the worn out socks, but I feel kinda' bad shipping a large batch of socks back to them every year.
Those DT socks are harder to put on than cheap cotton socks from Walmart. But I agree, that the smells are a lot less, and they're comfortable. I've been buying the Paul Bunyan sock, which are over-the-calf heavyweight socks.
I've been using button-down short-sleeve shirts from Redkap; typically 65% polyester, 35% cotton. They're new, but sold on Ebay for $15-20 with slight irregularities that I don't even notice. They aren't ideal for summertime usage, since they do bind up a bit when they get damp; but they work well for the rest of the year, and last a very long time.
My pants have all been $8/pair used uniform pants from Ebay. Cintas, Redkap, Unifirst -- whatever the seller grabs in that size from the bales they buy at wholesale prices. I'm extremely satisfied with these; both with the price, the comfort, the quick drying, and the lack of binding when damp.
The main issue I'm facing now is finding a good replacement for my old Wrangler mesh boxer briefs. Those worked very well, but seem to be discontinued.
I just discovered an underwear brand called Krakatoa. Marketing all over FB. It's the most comfortable boxer briefs I've ever felt. Literally disappears on your skin, no thigh sticking. A little pricey.
Linen is the best for outer clothes, like shirts, shorts, or pants. I have a knit linen blend short sleeve shirt that feels like I'm wearing nothing. I wear that on the hottest days.
Stay inside with ac. lol
I've had great success with "32 Degrees Cool" "unmentionables".
For shirts, quick-dry anything is great. "Amazon Basics" sweat wicking shirts are great.
Additionally I have a lot of them and, if expecting to sweat a lot, carry one or two with me for backup/change.
If you need to wear a business suit, definitely try an Underarmor compression undershirt.
What is your favorite brand of athletic clothing and why? Bonus points if it’s affordable! 💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻
Joylab I find it in thrift stores. It’s pretty phenomenal. https://www.wearecollins.com/work/joylab/ they are size inclusive https://shopjoylab.com/joylab-sports-bra/
This brand is sold at Target btw!
I like fabletics!!
Darc sport
Yum
Vuori is really good for shorts but I'm not a fan of their tops
It’s summer in my country and I’m training for my first half marathon in mid September. I noticed on my 15k on Saturday how hot I was getting round the top half. I wear a sports top for workouts and a small running vest for the pockets which is entirely mesh and totally breathable (it’s a Nike trail running vest). However I think my sports bra is wayyyy too thick and not breathable, and I’ve noticed this amongst most of them I’ve currently got when I’ve had a look. Any good breathable ones?? I hate being too hot!
Your local running store. I get mine whenever they do their big sale. Don't cut corners on a quality running bra. Brooks Running have been my favorite. I can't remember the model name but it has several pockets, I can put my phone behind my shoulder blades. REI sells them online
Lululemon’s energy bras are my go-to’s!
I love Sweaty Betty stamina bras (provided you have a smaller chest) so comfy, no chafing, and breathable.
Panache if you are full chested.
The Brooks Dare is my go to. Comfortable but keeps my ladies strapped down well. I sweat a ton so my bra is usually soaked at the end of a run but I never feel it's too warm or anything like that
Been looking at the AiM, rapid vent as well as built to move, but have no idea which to get. Its mainly for daily use but i sweat ALOT everyday, cause i live in a warm and humid country. Which would be better?
Get Under Armour, will last longer. Very good in hot conditions.
I am partial to the rapid vent, but I live in Chicago
AIM
Manny Pacquiao , Canelo, Mayweather
I may have chuckled but i do not appreciate your humor, my family line, my family heirloom, my jewels are at stake here. It is not a joke.
I thought my reply would win by unanimous decision.
I have AiM 10 pairs, been using and washing them daily. Still feels like new! Material is thin and so soft, I would totally recommend it for warmer humid weathers!
Best breathable athletic wear
Key Considerations for Breathable Athletic Wear:
Fabric Material: Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or blends that include spandex. These materials help pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly.
Breathability: Choose fabrics with mesh panels or ventilation zones to enhance airflow and keep you cool during workouts.
Fit and Comfort: Ensure the clothing fits well without being too tight or restrictive. Look for options with four-way stretch for better movement.
Seam Construction: Flatlock seams can reduce chafing and irritation, making them ideal for long workouts.
UV Protection: If you exercise outdoors, consider clothing with built-in UV protection to shield your skin from harmful rays.
Recommendations:
Lululemon: Known for high-quality, breathable fabrics, their "Swiftly Tech" line offers excellent moisture-wicking properties and comfort.
Nike Dri-FIT: This line features lightweight, breathable materials designed to keep you dry and comfortable during intense workouts.
Under Armour: Their "HeatGear" collection is specifically designed for hot weather, providing excellent breathability and moisture management.
Adidas: Look for their "Climacool" technology, which enhances ventilation and moisture management, perfect for outdoor activities.
Choosing any of these brands will ensure you have breathable athletic wear that performs well during your workouts.
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