Why do we still think about cotton as a training material?

The common belief about the superiority of cotton in everyday clothing is often transferred to the world of physical activity. This is due to years of habit and a deep-rooted perception of this material as a synonym for naturalness, comfort and safety for the skin.

Tradition and everyday convenience

Since childhood, we have been taught that cotton is the best choice. Its softness, airiness and hypoallergenic properties make it dominate our wardrobes in the form of T-shirts, underwear or bedding. It is natural that we also reach for it when we plan physical activity. It is a well-known, proven material and associated with comfort, which is the first, intuitive choice for many people, especially those starting their adventure with sports. This everyday comfort becomes a benchmark that is not always adequate to the specific requirements that intense physical exertion places on clothing.

The impact of marketing on the perception of naturalness

For years, marketing has been building the image of cotton as a clean, ecological and body-friendly material. Advertising campaigns often emphasize its natural origin, contrasting it with synthetic, "artificial" fabrics. Such a message perpetuates in the minds of consumers the image of cotton as the only right choice for health and well-being. In the context of sports, where taking care of the body is a priority, many people automatically assume that natural material will be better. They do not take into account that the properties valued during rest can become a serious disadvantage during intense physical exertion.

Cotton – get to know its natural power and... Sports weaknesses

Although cotton has many undeniable advantages that make it the queen of everyday wardrobe, its qualities in a sports context require a critical look. Understanding both sides of the coin allows you to make an informed choice of training outfit.

Advantages of cotton in everyday use

The main strength of cotton is its exceptional breathability and ability to breathe, which ensures thermal comfort at rest. It is extremely soft and pleasant to the touch, does not cause irritation and is safe for allergy sufferers. It is a durable and easy-care material, which makes clothes made of it last for years. These features make it an ideal choice for everyday wear, to wear at home, at work or during leisurely walks. Its natural structure makes us feel at ease and comfortable in it until we start sweating intensely.

Hygroscopicity as a key defect

The biggest weakness of cotton in the context of sports is its hygroscopicity, i.e. its ability to absorb moisture. Cotton fibers can absorb water in an amount equivalent to up to 27 times their own weight. This means that instead of wicking sweat to the outside, the material retains it inside. As a result, the T-shirt quickly becomes heavy, wet and unpleasant. This feature, although desirable in towels, for example, leads to significant discomfort during training and even to problems with the body's thermoregulation, which is its fundamental sports defect.

The main problem with cotton in training: what happens to sweat?

Understanding how cotton reacts to sweat is crucial for training comfort. In contact with moisture, it behaves in a very specific way, which has a direct impact on your feelings and performance.

How cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away

Cotton fibers have a structure that actively attracts and retains water molecules. When you start to sweat, the material acts like a sponge. Instead of transporting moisture from the surface of the skin to the outside of the fabric so that it can evaporate, it encloses it in its structure. As a result, the T-shirt becomes a wet, heavy compress. Synthetic technical fabrics such as polyester work in reverse. Their fibers are hydrophobic, which means they repel water, forcing it to move to the outer layer of the material, from where it can evaporate quickly, leaving the skin dry.

"Wet compress" effect on the skin

The wet cotton T-shirt sticks to the body, creating an unpleasant feeling of a cold compress. This limits freedom of movement, and the heavy material can cause abrasions and irritation of the skin, especially in places with increased sweating, such as armpits or back. This physical discomfort can negatively affect concentration and motivation during training. Instead of focusing on doing the exercises correctly, your attention is distracted by unpleasant sensations, which reduces the overall quality and effectiveness of the training session.

Polyester – a synthetic alternative created for active people

Polyester is a synthetic material that has revolutionized the sportswear market. Its properties have been designed specifically for the needs of physically active people, offering solutions to problems that natural fabrics cannot cope with.

Key Benefits of Polyester: Why Does It Dominate Sportswear?

Polyester has earned its position in the world of sports mainly due to its excellent moisture management properties. Its fibers do not absorb sweat, but transport it to the outside, which allows it to evaporate quickly and keep the skin dry. It is an extremely durable material, resistant to stretching and shrinkage, thanks to which the garment retains its shape even after many washes and intense workouts. In addition, it is light and flexible, which gives you complete freedom of movement. UV resistance and ease of care are further advantages that make it the dominant choice in the production of technical sportswear.

Cotton vs Polyester: A Head-to-Head Battle in the Gym

The choice of material for your workout outfit has a direct impact on your well-being and results. Let's compare the key aspects of both fabrics under intense exertion conditions to understand which one will work better for your visit to the gym.

Moisture wicking – a test that cotton usually loses

This is a fundamental difference. While polyester actively wicks sweat away from the surface of the skin, allowing you to feel dry and comfortable, cotton absorbs it. After a dozen or so minutes of intense exercise, a cardio cotton T-shirt will be heavy and wet, while a polyester T-shirt will remain light and your skin will remain relatively dry. In practice, this means that you can train longer and more comfortably in polyester without worrying about the feeling of cold and the material sticking to your body. This one feature makes polyester have a huge advantage in most sports.

Comfort and thermoregulation: what do you feel on your skin during exercise?

Soft cotton may seem more comfortable at first. However, as soon as it soaks up sweat, it becomes rough and cold. Wet material disrupts the body's natural thermoregulation process. Instead of helping to cool down by evaporating sweat, it traps moisture against the skin, which can lead to rapid cooling after exercise. Polyester, by keeping the skin dry, supports the body's natural cooling mechanisms. It allows sweat to evaporate effectively, which prevents both overheating during exercise and cooling down after it.

When is a cotton T-shirt a hit?

Despite its drawbacks in the context of intense effort, there are situations in which cotton can be a good or even better choice. The key is to match the material to the type and intensity of physical activity.

Low-intensity workouts

During calm forms of movement, where sweating is minimal, a cotton outfit will work perfectly. We are talking about activities such as yoga, pilates, stretching or light strength training with long breaks. In these conditions, its natural softness and breathability will ensure high comfort, and the problem of moisture absorption will not be felt. If your workout doesn't make you sweat intensely, the pleasure of wearing a natural, pleasant to the touch material can outweigh the technical properties of synthetics.

Post-workout and daily use

A cotton sweatshirt or T-shirt is the perfect choice to wear after a workout. As your body returns to its normal temperature, the soft and warm material will keep you comfortable and help you avoid getting cold. Comfortable cotton is also irreplaceable as an element of lifestyle sportswear, worn every day. Its aesthetics and comfort make it great for creating loose, sporty looks outside the gym, emphasizing an active lifestyle without having to sacrifice the comfort of natural fabrics.

How to take care of cotton and polyester sportswear to make it last longer?

Proper care of sportswear is crucial to preserve its properties and extend its lifespan. Both cotton and polyester require a slightly different approach to last as long as possible.

Care of cotton clothing

Cotton is relatively easy to care for, but it is worth remembering a few rules. Wash it at the temperature recommended on the label, usually 30-40°C, to avoid shrinkage. Use standard detergents, but avoid excess rinse aids, which can weaken the fibers. Cotton sportswear is best dried outdoors. If you are using a tumble dryer, select a low temperature program. Regular washing after each use will prevent the growth of bacteria and the fixation of unpleasant odors in wet material.

Care for polyester clothing

Polyester clothing requires special attention so that it does not lose its technical properties. Wash it at low temperatures, up to 30°C, on the inside side to protect the prints and the structure of the fabric. Never use fabric softeners as they clog micropores in the material, which permanently damages its ability to wick away moisture. Instead, you can add special liquids for sportswear to the laundry. Avoid tumble drying and ironing, as high heat can melt synthetic fibers. Polyester dries very quickly, so you just need to hang it in an airy place.