Field Revolution: The Rise of Sports Apparel Technology

There has always been some truth to the idea that looking good means feeling good, but in recent history, sports apparel has taken that maxim to the next level. It’s no secret that fashion design has played an increasingly larger role in sports. Alternate uniforms and jerseys have become frequent, and with the advancements in sports apparel technology, the expectations to keep up (namely, with sports apparel giants Nike and NewEra) have never been higher.

It’s hard to believe there was a point in time when most Major League Baseball clubs wore just one cap from the beginning of spring training straight through the end of the World Series. NewEra, the exclusive provider of on-field caps for the MLB, has been unveiling new alternate batting practice caps. The Diamond Era 59FIFTY® is infused with materials to keep players cool and comfortable on the field. Made with a new state-of-the-art diamond-patterned fabric, these hats are light and breathable. The caps feature SOLARERA, a UPF 50+ protection that helps reflect the sun’s rays, and COOLERA technology, which wicks away sweat to keep players comfortable.

In the NFL, the Nike Elite 51 Uniforms that are worn on the field focus on creating a system where the base layer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert. Lightweight padding is also integrated directly into the crucial “hit zones” in the base layer. New innovations include integrating Flywire technology into the neckline to reduce weight and provide lock down fit over pads, increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion, and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit. The super lightweight Flywire technology also made its debut at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Both the men’s and women’s Canadian ice hockey teams wore Nike’s newest jerseys on their way to gold medals.

Alright, now let’s take a breather for a few seconds. COOLERA? Flywire technology? It mind-boggling to say the least. Pretty overwhelming, too. Awesome nonetheless! I remember going to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and seeing old jerseys made of wool. You read that right: WOOL! And now Flywire technology and ventilated hats with UPF Protection? It’s pretty amazing how far sports apparel has come over the years.