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Parents can naturally fall down the school uniform rabbit hole when preparing to return to school. Ensuring that their child has enough shirts, the correct coloured school jumper and have picked out Clarks school shoes etc. Back to school is not all about school uniforms, especially if you have active kids who will be getting ready for practices, rehearsals and events to restart.
This is a guide to selecting sporty and comfortable activewear for active kids who participate in sports and PE classes or enjoy an active lifestyle.
Top Tips for Buying Activewear for Active Kids
As back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to gear up your active kids for a year of fun and activity. Here are some tips for choosing the right activewear:
- Consider Comfort and Fit: Ensure the clothes are comfortable and fit well. They should allow for a full range of motion without being too tight or loose.
- Opt for Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Look for materials that can wick away sweat, keeping your kids cool and dry during physical activities.
- Choose Durable Materials: Activewear should be able to withstand regular wear and tear. Opt for durable fabrics that can last through multiple washes.
- Consider the Climate: The climate where you live will influence your choices. For warmer weather, lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal, while colder weather may require more insulating options.
- Look for Versatility: Consider buying pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This can save you money and time.
- Involve Your Kids: Let your kids choose the clothes they like. This will make them more excited to wear them.
- Check for Safety Features: If your kids are participating in sports, look for activewear with safety features like reflective strips for visibility.
By following these tips, you can help your kids stay comfortable, confident, and ready for action this back-to-school season.
Selecting activewear for Active Kids
Selecting Comfortable Activewear for Active Kids
Nobody likes to wear uncomfortable clothing, especially children and more especially if they need to wear it to complete sports activities. It is important to ensure that the activewear you purchase for your active kids is not only suitable for the activity they are participating in but also comfortable and easy to wash.
Comfortable Activewear Fabrics Considerations
Comfortable activewear fabrics often incorporate:
- Moisture-wicking materials: These fabrics draw sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable during workouts. Examples include polyester, nylon, and merino wool.
- Breathable fabrics: These allow air to circulate, preventing overheating and discomfort. Bamboo, cotton, and linen are popular choices.
- Stretch fabrics: These offer flexibility and a full range of motion, making them ideal for activewear. Lycra, spandex, and elastane are common stretch materials.
- Soft fabrics: These feel pleasant against the skin and reduce irritation. Modal, Rayon, and Tencel are known for their softness.
When choosing activewear fabrics, consider factors like:
- Your personal preferences: Some children prefer natural fibres, while others are happy to wear synthetic blends.
- The type of activity: Different activities may require different fabric properties. For example, a moisture-wicking fabric might be ideal for running, while a breathable fabric might be better for yoga.
- Your climate: The climate where you live can influence your fabric choices. For example, a lightweight, breathable fabric might be ideal for warm weather, while a thicker, insulating fabric might be better for cold weather.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select activewear fabrics that provide optimal comfort and performance.
School PE Lessons
There are parts of the school PE kit that your child might have no say in, such as the style, colour and design of the PE top – something we have all had to endure throughout school PE lessons. Thankfully, the restrictions usually only adhere to having the correct PE top so children can select the style of shorts or tracksuit bottoms that they prefer to wear.
When outfitting your child for an active lifestyle, consider these essential clothing options:
Tops:
- T-shirts and Tank Tops: Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials are ideal for everyday workouts.
- Hoodies and Sweatshirts: For cooler weather or layering, opt for comfortable and warm options.
- Jackets and Vests: Depending on the climate, jackets and vests can provide extra warmth and protection.
Bottoms:
- Shorts: For warmer weather, choose shorts made from breathable fabrics like cotton or nylon.
- Leggings and Pants: For cooler weather or sports that require more coverage, leggings or pants made from moisture-wicking materials are a good choice.
- Tracksuits: For complete outfits, tracksuits can offer comfort and warmth.
Choosing Sports Footwear for Active Kids
Choosing the right sports footwear for active kids is crucial for their comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Consider the specific sport your child plays, as different activities have varying demands on footwear. Look for shoes with good support, especially in the ankle and arch areas, to prevent injuries. Ensure the trainers fit correctly, with enough room for toes to wiggle but not too loose. Opt for breathable materials to keep feet cool and dry during intense activity.
Lastly, consider the terrain your child will be playing on. Shoes designed for indoor or outdoor surfaces will have different features to provide optimal traction and durability.
Footwear types you may need to consider:
- Trainers—Each school will have its own requirements as to colour (generally, black or white are acceptable), but trainers need to be sturdy, have a good grip and be easy for your child to get on and off.
- Plimsoles—These used to be a common addition to primary school uniform lists to help save the school hall floor from trainer marks. Most schools have moved away from these
- Football Boots—Check with your child’s school or team to see if they need studs, blades or astroturf boots.
- Jazz Shoes—If you have a budding performer on your hands, a pair of jazz shoes will allow them to rehearse and practice until their heart’s content. Depending on whether they have shows and events to complete, you may need to look into different styles of dance shoes, but jazz shoes should be a good starting point.
Accessories for Active Kids
Whilst clothing, footwear and sports/activity-specific equipment can be at the forefront of our minds when considering all the things active kids need, we should also remember about the accessories.
- Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is essential for athletes of all ages.
- Sports Towels: For wiping sweat and keeping cool.
- First Aid Kit: A small kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief can be handy for minor injuries.
- Sports Bags: To carry equipment and essentials, you’ll be surprised at just how much they need to carry around. Consider looking into sports duffle bags for when they have full kit days, backpacks to make things easier to hold and boot bags for keeping messy boots away from the rest of their kit.
There you have it, a guide to everything your active kids may need as they return to school and kick-start their activities and after-school sports.
