Activewear Terminology Explained for Irish Runners

When we talk about activewear, clothing designed for movement in everyday life, not just the gym. Also known as active wear, it’s what you pull on before walking the dog, commuting by bike, or hiking the Wicklow Way. It’s not about looking like you’re headed to a fitness competition—it’s about staying dry, warm, and comfortable while doing real things in Ireland’s wet, windy climate. You’ll find it in the form of moisture-wicking leggings, breathable hoodies, and stretchy joggers that survive puddles, sudden rain, and long walks on cobblestones.

sportswear, gear built for specific athletic performance like rugby, GAA, or competitive running. Also known as Irish sportswear, it’s tighter, more technical, and often includes padding, compression, or weather-specific features like windproof panels. You don’t wear sportswear to pick up groceries. You wear it when you’re training hard. And in Ireland, that distinction matters—because the line between everyday movement and organized sport is blurry. A hoodie? It’s activewear if you’re walking to the shop. It’s sportswear if you’re out training for a 10K. The same pair of leggings? Activewear for a Sunday stroll, sportswear for a track session. It’s all about context.

Then there’s gym clothes, a subset of activewear meant for indoor workouts, often lighter and more breathable. But here’s the catch: most Irish people don’t spend much time in climate-controlled gyms. So even gym clothes need to handle damp floors, sudden chills, and the walk home in the rain. That’s why breathable fabrics, quick-dry materials, and flat seams aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. And when you hear someone say "trainers" instead of "sneakers," you’re hearing the local version of activewear terminology in action. It’s not about slang—it’s about function. The right term tells you what the gear is meant for.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t a dictionary. It’s a real-world guide to how Irish people actually use, talk about, and buy their gear. You’ll learn why a "cheap suit" in Ireland isn’t about price—it’s about fit in a rainy climate. Why "UGG boots" became a winter staple. Why "D width" matters more than brand when your feet are tired from walking wet streets. And why calling something "sportswear" doesn’t always mean it’s for the field—it might just mean it’s built to survive the Irish weather.