Most of us are familiar with activewear, the items we purchase to workout in or to do summer outdoor events. Running, jogging, weight lifting, yoga, and various other activities require the high performance activewear to keep us from sopping with sweat and chafing our thighs. Performance outerwear is now coming to the forefront of marketing for many specialized shops and websites. What is it? Who would use it? Keep reading to explore this amazing world of performance outerwear.
What Exactly Is It?
Performance outerwear is best described as clothing that is designed to help the athlete or employee meet the demands of their sport or profession (or both), often with a lot of gear. It’s meant to be lightweight, sweat-wicking, and avoids getting in the way of the duties that one is required to fulfill. Sounds like a lot like activewear doesn’t it? The biggest difference is who is going to require these types of items.
First Responders are the First in Need
Some of the most important and challenging jobs in society fall on the shoulders of our EMT’s, police officers, and firefighters. They wear a lot of gear to protect themselves while helping others. This means that they have a profound need for performance outerwear that is tough but does not wear them down. Men’s tactical pants, holsters, and tactical boots are a must-have, and they must be designed with performance in mind.
Mail People Need Protection
Another vital person we rely on is the postal service worker, especially those that are out delivering our mail. Many people think that the postal service industry is dying but the reality is there are a ton of men and women walking neighborhoods each day to bring your mail to you (and there are a select few that still send letters and cards in the mail). Walking in all sorts of weather and encountering all sorts of animals along the way means they need lightweight clothing that keeps them warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and gives them the ability to run if necessary.
Exploration Done Right
Dora the Explorer may have worn a tee shirt, shorts, and a backpack but a true explorer needs a lot more than that. The person who has dreamed of climbing Mt. Everest is going to need all the performance outerwear they can buy to keep them protected from the extreme conditions of the mountain. Likewise, for the person who chooses to train and race the Iditarod dog sled race. On the flipside, Death Valley hosts an annual half marathon and 10k. Despite its incredibly hot temperatures, people come out in droves to take on the challenge. Because of the extreme heat, regular active wear may not be the most suitable option for the runner who will be attracted to the high-tech nature of performance outerwear. Let’s not also forget the triathlon competitors. They must endure three different grueling competitions that require different elements out of the athlete. Activewear will not assist them with their goals and performance outerwear is more desirable.
There are plenty of people, for enjoyment or employment, who are going to need the performance outerwear. As it becomes more well-known, we expect to see big changes to the items that are currently available. It’s a product that works well and can only get better as our tech improves.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
