When it comes to staying active, having the right gear makes all the difference. The types of sportswear you choose can affect not only how you feel during training but also how well you perform. Each category of sportswear is designed with specific movement patterns, weather conditions, and sports environments in mind.
At Team Spirit Sports, we know that no two athletes, or teams, are the same. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common sportswear categories, helping you choose the right apparel for your sport, training style, or school program.
7 Types of Sportswear Clothing
Choosing the right type of sportswear isn’t just about comfort, it can impact performance, safety, and even team spirit. Whether you're hitting the gym, gearing up for footy, or heading to yoga, there’s a specific type of activewear tailored to your needs. Below are the most common sportswear categories, each designed with purpose, performance, and functionality in mind.
1. Athletic Wear
Athletic wear is the everyday hero of sportswear. Perfect for gym sessions, boot camps, HIIT classes, or weekend runs, this category includes versatile essentials like:
- Breathable training tops
- Performance shorts and tights
- Sports bras and tanks
These garments are typically made from moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester-spandex blends or technical cotton, designed to keep you cool and dry during intense workouts. Whether you’re smashing your PB or simply going for a walk, athletic wear offers stretch, support, and airflow.
If you’re after durable team training gear or looking to outfit your fitness crew, athletic wear ticks all the boxes.
2. Team Sportswear
Team sportswear is all about unity, function, and pride. Whether you’re playing hockey, cricket, netball or basketball, your gear should reflect your identity and support peak performance.
This category includes:
- Custom team jerseys and polos
- Tracksuits and warm-up sets
- Game-day shorts, singlets, and socks
Team sportswear is usually made from quick-dry mesh or lightweight polyester, offering mobility and breathability on the field. At Team Spirit Sports, we also offer sublimated uniforms that feature your school or club colours, and logo, all without peeling or fading.
3. Yoga and Pilates Wear
For mindful movement and low-impact sessions, yoga and Pilates clothing provides comfort without restriction. Common features include:
- 4-way stretch leggings
- Seamless sports bras
- Fitted tanks and wraps
Made from soft-touch fabrics like bamboo viscose, organic cotton, or recycled nylon, these pieces are breathable and kind to the skin. They move with you, whether you’re flowing through vinyasa, holding a pose, or rolling out post-class.
With flattering fits and earth-friendly fabric choices, yoga and Pilates wear is also a go-to for casual, active daywear.
4. Outdoor and Adventure Wear
Australia’s great outdoors demand tough, adaptable activewear. From trail runs in the bush to sunrise hikes in the Blue Mountains, this gear is built for nature’s unpredictability.
Expect to find:
- Moisture-resistant hiking shirts
- Ripstop trekking pants
- Quick-dry windbreakers and thermal layers
Outdoor and adventure wear often includes UV protection, ventilation panels, and smart layering systems. Fabrics like ripstop nylon and recycled polyester ensure performance in all conditions, heat, wind, or rain.
5. Swimwear
Designed for performance in the water, swimwear must stand up to sun, salt, and chlorine. From casual beach swims to competitive squad training, this gear is engineered for flow.
Look out for:
- Streamlined swimsuits and jammers
- Rashies and UV tops
- Board shorts and swim trunks
Most pieces are made with chlorine-resistant polyester blends or Lycra®, offering shape retention and fast drying. School swim carnivals, surf lifesaving clubs, and aquatic centres often require branded or team-specific swimwear, something we can custom-create to suit your needs.
6. Cycling Wear
Cycling clothing goes far beyond looking pro. It’s designed to improve your aerodynamics, keep you dry, and support you over long distances. Essentials include:
- Form-fitting jerseys with rear pockets
- Padded bib shorts
- Lightweight gloves and shoe covers
Fabrics in cycling wear often include aero-textured polyester with mesh inserts for ventilation. The snug fit reduces wind resistance, while padded chamois shorts reduce discomfort on the saddle.
7. Winter Sportswear
Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from staying active. Winter sportswear includes layered, thermal gear designed for warmth, protection, and movement.
Must-haves include:
- Insulated ski jackets
- Base layers and compression tights
- Fleece-lined gloves and beanies
Look for water-resistant, windproof fabrics like Thermolite® and soft-shell polyester. Whether you're training outdoors in winter or heading to the slopes, this category keeps you warm without the bulk.
Other Specialised Sportswear Types
Beyond your everyday gym gear or team uniforms, there’s a growing demand for specialised sportswear that enhances performance, meets school or club requirements, and reflects personal or team identity. These categories bring unique benefits for athletes of all levels, from school kids to elite competitors.
1. Custom and Sublimated Sportswear
Custom sportswear has come a long way from basic screen printing. Today, sublimated uniforms allow for bold, fully customised designs that don’t crack, peel, or fade, no matter how intense the game.
We offer fully personalised apparel for:
- Sports clubs and school teams
- Representative squads
- Event merchandise
From choosing your colours and fonts to positioning your club logo or player numbers, every detail can be tailored. Sublimation is perfect for complex designs and gradient colours, while embroidery and heat press options give a premium, textured finish.
Custom sports apparel does more than make you look the part, it strengthens team identity, boosts morale, and reflects professionalism at any level.
2. School and High School Sportswear
School sportswear isn’t just about matching uniforms, it’s about creating a sense of belonging, pride, and function in physical education and inter-school sport.
Typical school sports kits include:
- PE t-shirts and polos
- School-branded tracksuits
- Sports shorts and skorts
- House colour singlets or hoodies
Made from easy-care, durable materials, school sportswear is built for repeat use and active movement, whether it's for a school athletics carnival or weekly sport class.
As trusted school sportswear suppliers in Australia, we know schools need uniforms that:
- Stand up to wear and tear
- Stay breathable in all weather
- Are easy for students to move in
3. Compression Wear
Compression wear has become a staple for athletes across a range of sports, from running and footy to strength training and post-game recovery. These garments are designed to fit snugly around key muscle groups, helping to support blood flow and reduce muscle vibration.
Common compression items include:
- Tights and leggings
- Long-sleeve tops
- Calf sleeves and base layers
Whether you’re training hard or recovering after a big match, compression clothing offers benefits like:
- Improved circulation and oxygen delivery
- Reduced muscle fatigue and soreness
- Enhanced joint support
Compression garments also double as excellent base layers for sport, especially during cooler months or winter training.
Choosing the Right Sportswear for Your Needs
The right sportswear depends on what you're doing, where you're training, and who you're playing with. Whether it’s netball, footy, running or hitting the gym, matching your gear to the activity ensures better comfort and performance.
For example:
- Netball and footy need durable, breathable uniforms with full mobility.
- Running benefits from compression clothing that supports muscles and reduces fatigue.
- Gym workouts call for lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics that move with your body.
It’s also important to factor in climate, especially in Australia’s varied weather. Quick-dry gear is great for heat, while base layers help in cooler months.
If you're outfitting a club or school, check uniform guidelines and go with a trusted supplier who can help you buy custom sportswear or order team uniforms online. Choosing Australian made sportswear, like Team Spirit Sports, also ensures quality and reliable turnaround times.
Choose Sportswear That Works as Hard as You Do
From school uniforms to high-performance gear, understanding the different types of sportswear helps you make confident, practical choices for any sport or activity. Whether you're looking for breathable fabrics, custom designs, or durable teamwear, the right apparel supports your goals on and off the field.
At Team Spirit Sports, we specialise in custom sportswear for Australian schools, clubs, and teams, made to perform, built to last, and designed to inspire. Ready to gear up? Explore our collections or request a quote today.