An apparel wear range for fitness enthusiasts by Hi-Tec.

When it comes to clothes to work out in, many fitness enthusiasts are caught between fashion or comfort.

They may splurge on a pair of compression leggings designed to wick sweat and aid recovery, but on top we’re wearing an old, oversized cotton t-shirt. The important question is, does it really matter what you wear in the gym?

Hi-Tec believes that there is a direct correlation between wearing the correct apparel and performance as well as motivation levels - read all about the benefits below:

● YOU WON’T FEEL RESTRICTED

Lightweight materials and well-designed activewear should feel like a second skin, ensuring you don’t feel restricted while working out. Exercising in total comfort will allow you to solely concentrate on the task at hand, and workout to the best of your ability. Choosing clothing that allows full range of movement is incredibly important, so when choosing fitness clothing, pay close attention to the design and tailoring, opting for seamless kit which won’t irritate your skin, or rub.

The Hi-Tec LEO Camo Biker Short for women is ready to ride. Or stretch, or play! This fully breathable, high-quality performance tight complements curves and gives firm support. The camo-inspired print is a bold, feminine design. And the shrink-resistant fabric has shape memory and dries quickly.

● IT REGULATES AND CONTROLS BODY TEMPERATURE

An intense session at the gym will leave you thankful that you didn’t wear that old cotton top, as cotton absorbs sweat easily and retains moisture, leaving you feeling damp and heavy. You should opt for light, breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics which will draw moisture away from the body, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable.

The Ladies LEO Active Hoody, Wrap up in this stylish hoodie, a femme but fierce style for your active wardrobe. Made from a quick-drying and breathable fabric and the perfect fit for gym, yoga, running or working from home. Go from strength to stretch!

● IT CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

High quality, intelligent fabrics work with the body to accelerate performance, withstanding the rigours of intense training to keep you performing at your best. When it comes to improved performance, comfort is again key. You should opt for fitness clothing which is really designed for your chosen activity. "If you’re likely to get sweaty, look for sweat-wicking fabrics which draw moisture away from the body and seek out FRESHFIT technology which incorporates silver ions, designed to resist bacterial build up and keep you feeling fresh.”

The Hi-Tec LEO Camo Tank for women goes from strength to stretch. This lightweight, super flexible design in a bold, feminine print is made for an active lifestyle. It’s breathable, quick-drying and has antibacterial and odour-resistant qualities. This tank won’t shrink, fade, fuss or pull and holds with shape memory.

● IT CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE

Clothing can be empowering in everyday life, and when it comes to working out, contributing to your confidence levels and raising self-esteem. Indeed, there’s even a psychological phenomenon called “enclothed cognition” which suggests that the clothing a person wears can trigger mental changes that positively affect their performance and confidence level. In the simplest terms, when you look good, you feel more confident, so investing in a gym kit which makes you feel the part can help you to feel better in the gym and truly conquer a workout.

The Hi-Tec LEO Camo Long Tight for women is our seasonal athleisure crush. This fully breathable, high-quality performance tight complements curves and gives firm support. The camo-inspired print is a bold, feminine design. And the shrink-resistant fabric has shape memory and dries quickly.

● IT CAN MOTIVATE YOU

Nothing motivates you to go to the gym more than a new kit. Not only will you feel good, but you’ll look good, and that’s something you want when surrounded by mirrors in the gym.

The Hi-Tec LEO Camo Crop Top for women is up for the challenge. Nothing quite says action like this super flexible, lightweight design. It’s breathable, quick-drying and has antibacterial and odour-resistant qualities.

The LEO Collection is a capsule ​​activewear collection which is produced locally in Cape Town, from imported Brazilian fabric. The design offers full mobility, functionality and support when doing exercise. This Leo Collection release and new range with different colours every day.

To shop the Leo Collection or other active apparel visit a Hi-Tec store near you or online at Hi-Tec.