The invention of elastic was probably the most important step in the evolution of sportswear. First it was just used to hold athlete's shorts up, but now whole garments are made of elasticated materials like lycra. It is also important in injury treatments like compression bandages. Working Up a Sweat Much of the new innovation in sportswear design has been to improve wicking properties of fabrics. These draw moisture away from the skin so that it doesn't become clammy.
Football shirts are a good example.
They use a yarn called sport wool which is a mixture of real wool and polyester. The natural fibre is next to the skin to wick away the sweat, the polyester is on the outside where it can be used to create colourful designs and logos. Down to Your Socks Fabric technologists have spent much time re-inventing the humble sock. Not only are socks now high wicking, but they also have anti-odour finishes. An anti-microbial finish can also be added to guard against the fungus that causes athletes foot.