A tracksuit is a casual, comfortable, and versatile garment that’s good any time of day or night. It’s designed to keep you warm during chilly weather and cool during the summer months. But while it may sound like they’re all alike, quality tracksuits can have some distinct differences. Here are five characteristics to look for in a quality tracksuit jacket:
1. A tight-knit, fine-gauge fabric.
Tracksuits are made of knitted fabrics that keep you warm. The tight weave means the threads are closely grouped together. This is good for both warmth and durability. Good tracksuits have a fine gauge or thin thread, plus they’re soft and luxurious to the touch. These fabrics are often high quality and made from materials like cashmere or wool, which are expensive to buy but long lasting and worth the price over time. Low quality fabrics can make your skin itch, stretch out of shape easily, or wear out after just a few wears.
2. A half-zipper on the jacket that evenly divides it into two sections.
Tracksuits usually come with a half zipper right down the center of the front so you can easily take off that section to go for a run or do some arm-warmers. Half zippers are ideal for keeping your tracksuit in shape, and being able to easily take your jacket off is great when you start sweating from working out. However, quality tracksuits come with a half-zip that evenly divides the front of the jacket into two equal parts. This makes getting rid of that sweaty material much easier.
3. Maximum breathability so you’ll stay cool and dry during intense workouts.
Depending on what you’re doing, a good quality tracksuit jacket can help keep you warm during intense workouts or cool during the summer months. Good quality tracksuits are made with wicking fabrics and have ventilation panels to help keep you dry. There are also some panels or vents sewn into the jacket that should be able to let in a moderate amount of air but let it out slowly while you’re doing those tough moves. You’ll want to make sure your sweatshirt or sweatpants cover these areas so they don’t get too hot, but they can also be left open for a fresh breeze.
4. The ideal length for all activities.
A good quality tracksuit jacket is fitted well in the arms and legs for maximum comfort. It shouldn’t feel like you’re struggling to move your arms or legs, but you should still be able to stay comfortable throughout that intense workout. Quality tracksuits are a little longer in the sleeves and legs so they’re made to be worn over pants or shorts. If they’re too short, they’ll make your pants bunch up when you bend down or sit down. Additionally, the fabric should be long enough that you can tuck it into your pants without exposing your lower leg when you sit down.
5. It looks like something a pro athlete would wear on a daily basis.
A quality tracksuit should be made from high-quality materials and look like something a pro athlete would wear on a daily basis. It shouldn’t look shabby or cheap, but it should also be durable enough to last for at least a few years and still look good. You don’t want your jacket to have holes in it after just one season of use, so make sure you take good care of it. Quality tracksuits are built to stand up to frequent wear, while others come with price tags that may not be worth the used price tag they’re listed at.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure how to choose a good quality tracksuit, keep these five characteristics in mind. You’ll be able to find a great suit that’s ideally suited to your workout and everything else you’ll be doing day-to-day.