Women's sports gear

It's all about function, with fashion adding some fizz

Were you brought up by a mother with a near-pathological commitment to natural fibres? I was. When it came to day-to-day dressing, mother did know best, but it took several years, some blisters and the realisation that cotton holds water like a sponge to reprogramme my brainwashed mind into accepting that synthetic fibres are the only option for exercise gear, right down to butt-hugging sports knickers. This, however, does not include socks. Wool for socks rocks; its ability to wick away moisture and cushion the foot make it a saviour for long-distance running and hikes. Over short distances, nothing can part me from my beloved, anatomically snug, synthetic Asics running socks. Synthetic fibres can do extraordinary things now. Canterbury makes kit from ionising fabrics that adapt to body temperature and can actually energise the body's electrical circuits. In terms of performance, the difference is minute, but the added comfort and support go some way towards making physical activity far more pleasurable.