Cotton and sport: allies or enemies?

Cotton, an essential natural fiber

Cotton is one of the most well-known and widely used materials in the world. Soft, comfortable to wear, and easy to care for, it is associated with everyday comfort.

But when it comes to sports, opinions are divided: some love it for its simplicity and softness, others shy away from it because it retains sweat and quickly becomes uncomfortable. So, is cotton really an ally or an enemy for athletes?

The benefits of cotton in sports

Comfort and softness

Cotton is known for its pleasant feel and ability to limit irritation. For sensitive skin, this is a real plus.

Hypoallergenic and natural

As a natural fiber, cotton is rarely irritating and is well suited to people who have trouble tolerating certain synthetics.

Ideal for gentle sport and recovery

Yoga, stretching, Pilates, or even for moments after exercise: cotton retains heat and provides a cocooning sensation.

πŸ‘‰ Concrete example: a cotton hoodie after a workout helps you stay warm and transition smoothly from the gym to everyday life.

The limits of cotton during exercise

It absorbs a lot of water

When you sweat, cotton acts like a sponge: it retains the sweat instead of letting it evaporate.

It dries slowly

Unlike technical fabrics, cotton stays damp for a long time. This creates an unpleasant sensation, increases the risk of chafing, and can make you feel cold after exercise.

πŸ‘‰ Concrete example: a cotton t-shirt worn for a 45-minute run can stay wet until you get home.

Less suitable for intense efforts

For running, HIIT or team sports, cotton can quickly become a hindrance to comfort and performance.

When to choose technical textiles over cotton

  • Intense and long efforts : running, cross-training, team sports.

  • Outdoor sports in high heat : better sweat management with breathable fabrics.

  • Sessions with repeated friction : technical textiles limit irritation.

πŸ‘‰ Polyester or polyamide clothing specially designed for sports dries faster and wicks away moisture better.

Cotton and sport: finding the right balance

Cotton is not to be banned, but to be used intelligently.

  • For warming up and cooling down β†’ perfect as a hoodie or sweatshirt.

  • For gentle sports β†’ ideal thanks to its comfort.

  • For performance and intensity β†’ it is better to choose technical textiles.

πŸ‘‰ The secret is not to choose between cotton or technical, but to adapt the material to the time and type of sport.

Practical advice for choosing the right one

1 - Look at the intensity of your session : the more you sweat, the more suitable a technical fabric is.

2 - Keep a cotton hoodie for before/after : it will bring you comfort and warmth.

3 - Opt for cotton/synthetic blends : they combine softness and faster drying.

4 - Try and compare : nothing better than testing it yourself in real life.

Conclusion

Cotton is neither a universal enemy nor a universal ally: it all depends on the sport you practice.

  • For comfort, softness and recovery, this is an excellent choice.

  • For intensity and performance, it is better to turn to technical textiles.

πŸ‘‰ Understanding these differences is the key to optimizing your comfort and getting the most out of each session.

Back to blog