Buying Athletic Gear

Buying athletic gear and have a few questions in mind? Here are some important things to consider and remember when shopping for athletic apparel, shoes, accessories, and any other type of equipment.

Purpose: Why are you Buying?

Shopping for an athletic activity is just like picking out the athletic activity itself: one must realize the purpose of engaging in that activity. While some sports have strict rules and measurements for the uniform and equipment that must be used, other activities need less-specialized athletic gear. So figure out what exactly should you get for your sport or exercise. If you're a newbie, better do your homework rather than have other people telling you what to do, other people that might be getting a run for your money. Of course, if you're a pro, then you'll know that experience is the best teacher, so play hard and learn well.

Are you going on a workout (low impact) or something extreme (high impact)? Do you play as a hobby or do you play professionally? Will you prioritize how the apparel or equipment will appeal aesthetically? How does your personal taste come into play in your shopping? Will you be using it for more than one activity? If so, how durable should the gear be?

You must also be willing to pay more for better quality, safety, and overall, a good time playing the game. However, throwing away more dough doesn't equal a better guarantee all the time. Be on the lookout for good deals over scams.

Fit and Comfort: How Should It Fit You?

Performing well in a sport has a lot to do with the equipment one uses, especially the apparel. Chafing occurs when there is friction applied to the skin due to uncomfortable clothing or other surfaces. This can be avoided by choosing the proper attire for the proper activity, a suitable lotion or powder to apply on the affected area (e.g., petroleum jelly, powder, or even typical skin lotion), or a more skin-friendly piece of equipment (e.g., better material for bicycle seats).

Make sure you pick out the appropriate size (and weight) for your body, whether it's a tracksuit or a baseball bat. Take into consideration the amount of support an athletic garment should give you. Again, if you've done your homework you'll be making better decisions and having less regrets about this one. Understanding how a garment or a shoe or a piece of equipment works as well as the factors affecting it helps you make those decisions.

Function should rule over form in this case; don't pressure yourself into picking out the "better-looking" one if know it's inappropriate and not advantageous anyway. If you're really image conscious, prepare to suffer the consequences if you can't find a good compromise between appearance and utility (some provide both, after all).

If you can help it, try before you buy. And try things out carefully: move around, and don't just stare at yourself in the mirror! Try walking around in those shoes. Try stretching your arms and legs. Inspect the stitching, as well as other nooks and crannies.

Where to Shop: Should You Go Offline or Online?

Shopping in an actual store gives you the previously mentioned advantage of trying out what you intend to buy. Sometimes this is the most important thing to consider when making a decision, so why would you want to go online?

For better deals, mostly. Check if the store you've been to has an online version, and see if it's more convenient for you to buy via the Internet in terms of overall value and convenience (not necessarily price). Also hop over to other shopping sites and make comparisons: see if you can get it cheaper or faster. Going online assures you of lots more choices, including sizes that might be out of stock when you walk into that store. Just make sure you're choosing the right size because not all measurements mean the same thing in different regions. If you choose to use the Internet in purchasing, be mindful of the guarantees and warranties you should be getting, such as shipping details and return policies. A wide variety of good choices may be available online, indeed, but be wary of the bad ones.