An Evolving, Innovative Market
Developments in uniform design are accelerating with each passing decade. Companies such as Nike, adidas, Puma, Joma, Admiral, High Five, and Teamwork are continually introducing new high tech materials and innovations. Their goal is to develop the optimum soccer uniform that is light, comfortable, helps regulate body temperature, and resists odors and mildew.
Soccer Jerseys and Shorts
It’s plain and simple; the correct selection of soccer jerseys and soccer shorts enhances a team’s ability to perform better. Nike and adidas have led the way in the development of moisture management. Moisture management fabrics grab sweat and move it away from the skin to help regulate body temperature. Jerseys, shorts and socks made with moisture management fabrics keep the player comfortable and dry.
In the old days, everyone wore cotton. But, when cotton gets wet, it stays wet. So, on hot days, you'd feel the heat and your skin would chafe. On cold days, the water stayed near your skin and turned to a chill when the wind blew. New micro fibers like Nike Dri-FIT or adidas ClimaCool are designed to grab water molecules and actually move them away from your skin. The moisture is transported to the surface of the fabric where it evaporates. Most moisture management fabrics also resist odors and mildew and won't shrink. The soccer uniforms are soft and flexible. Many of the seams have been hidden, making the clothes even more comfortable and reduces chafing.
Cotton Blends: These are a little better than all cotton. The percentage of nylon, acrylic or rayon in a soccer uniform will help keep the uniform dryer; but, the cotton fibers tend to hold water.
Nylon: An exceptionally strong, elastic fabric that is low in moisture absorbency and is easily pre-colored or dyed. It's easy to care for.
Polyester: A lighter more breathable, durable fabric. It is low in moisture absorbency and easy to care for.
CoolMax: Made and patented by DuPont, CoolMax is a four-channel spun polyester fiber engineered to move moisture and quickly evaporate perspiration. It's light and dries quickly.
ClimaLite, ClimaCool and Dri-Fit Technologies
ClimaLite, ClimaCool and Dri-Fit technologies regulate your body's microclimate. The front liner has CoolMax built in to wick sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Nike popularized moisture management with Dri-FIT technology. It was one of the first patented moisture management systems on the market. Now that it has been around for years, more athletes benefit from staying sweat free. By providing the ultimate in moisture management, Dri-FIT can help you perform better. Nike is proud to introduce the new Centenario Game Uniform, Brasilia Pro Vent Uniform and the Rio Game Uniform to this year’s Dri-Fit lineup.
The history of adidas is one of consistently meeting the evolving needs of the athlete. By focusing on function, adidas strives to provide athletes with clothes that can make a tangible difference in their performance. ClimaCool was introduced by adidas to provide soccer jerseys and soccer shorts with moisture management and ventilation. It is a highly breathable fabric that ventilates and wicks moisture quickly away from skin. ClimaCool keeps athletes cool, dry and comfortable. It ventilates in critical heat zones.
What about Socks?
The right soccer socks will make the most of the design features in your shoes. For example, a bulky, ill-fitting sock could counter the stability you're getting from a motion control soccer shoe. Good socks will also keep your feet dry, warm and free of blisters.
Feet sweat. On tough all-day hikes or while running a marathon, your feet can produce up to two cups of sweat, as much as a big glass of water. The same moisture management rule applies to socks. Cotton soaks up water. So cotton socks will get wet and stay wet. Wet feet get blisters! A hi-tech synthetic material will wick moisture away from your skin.
Here again, Nike and adidas have led the way in soccer sock technologies. Adidas’s Elite sock, Montreal sock, and Copa Edge sock are renowned for their reinforced heels, mesh construction, half-cushion foot and ribbed arch support. Nike’s Total 90 sock and Classic sock offer smooth toe seams and finer gauge for additional lateral stretch. Both Nike socks also offer extra cushioning to enhance the comfort of your shoe and give your foot added protection from the repeated impact of running.