The Activewear Knowledge Centre
OD's Designer Clothing · St Helens since 2015
The Activewear Knowledge Centre
Eleven plain-English guides to the kit you train, run and hike in -- the fabrics, the fits, the brands and how to keep it all performing. Written by people who sell and wear performance kit, not copy-pasted spec sheets.
Whether you are matching kit to your sport, decoding "wicking", "four-way stretch" or "squat-proof", or just want your activewear to last longer, start anywhere below. Every guide is grounded in the brands we actually stock -- On Running, Salomon, The North Face, Berghaus, Peak Performance, PE Nation, Sweaty Betty and Red Run -- and links through to the relevant brand guides where a topic goes deeper.
Activewear Types
Running, training, outdoor, leggings, base layers and jackets -- the flagship tour of the whole activewear world.
Activewear Brands
On Running, Salomon, The North Face, Berghaus, Peak Performance, PE Nation and Sweaty Betty -- who makes what and how to choose.
Performance Fabrics
Wicking, four-way stretch, waterproof membranes and insulation -- the technical cloth that makes activewear work.
Running Kit
Tops, shorts, tights and jackets for the road and trail -- how to dress for every run and every season.
Training & Gym Wear
Gym tops, shorts, joggers and tights built to move and last through lifting, classes and circuits.
Performance Jackets
Waterproof shells, windbreakers, softshells and insulated jackets -- which does what and when to wear it.
Leggings & Tights
Squat-proof opacity, waistbands and fabric -- how to choose leggings that support and stay put.
Base Layers
Synthetic versus merino, summer tees to winter thermals -- the first layer that manages sweat and warmth.
Fit & Sizing
Compression, athletic and relaxed fits -- how to size technical kit and get the support you need.
Activewear Care
Washing, drying, beating odour and reproofing -- keeping performance kit performing for years.
Choosing Activewear
Match kit to your activity, judge quality and value, and build a versatile active wardrobe.
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