What is Sportswear Also Known As? The Irish Guide to Activewear and Gym Gear

Let’s be real—you can literally spot sportswear anywhere in Ireland these days, from the rush-hour Luas into Dublin City Centre to families rambling up Bray Head. Here, tracksuits and "activewear" have moved far past GAA training sessions in Tymon Park. On a brisk morning walk along the Grand Canal, you’re just as likely to see yoga leggings as you are rain jackets. So, what is sportswear also known as in Ireland? Turns out, we have loads of different names for it—activewear, gym gear, training kit, leisurewear, athleisure, kit—the list goes on. Each term means something slightly different depending on where you are, what you’re doing, and even the weather (because let’s be honest, it changes by the hour). Irish brands and big international players have all thrown their hats in the ring, and now, picking between gym leggings, a half-zip, or a classic O’Neill’s top is almost a cultural dilemma.

Sportswear in Ireland: The Names, Styles, and Brands Locals Love

Ask someone on Grafton Street what they’re wearing and you’ll get different answers: "tracksuit," "gym gear," "loungewear." In Ireland, these terms overlap like puddles in November, but each has its own identity. Sportswear Ireland enthusiasts might tell you that “activewear” means anything you could get sweaty in—a pair of Penneys leggings for spinning at FlyeFit, or an old club jersey from your U12s hurling final. But there’s more to it than just what you throw on for PE class. "Athleisure" is everywhere, especially among college students at UCD or NUIG, and basically means sportswear so good-looking you could grab brunch in it at Avoca and not get a second glance.

The major sporting codes in Ireland shape the styles and brands we associate with gym gear. Head to any SuperValu near match day and you’ll probably spot people in O’Neills tracksuits—these have been an Irish tradition for years, not just for GAA clubs but for coaches, students, and casual wearers. For running, Under Armour, ASICS, and Nike often pop up, but did you know Gym+Coffee, an Irish brand since 2017, now sells in outlets as far as New York? They mix performance tech—think sweat-wicking zips and durable stitching—with stylish cuts that don’t look out of place at a coffee meet in Clontarf.

And let’s talk stats. Pinpointing the Irish sportswear market is tricky, but Bord Bia’s 2024 consumer trends report mentioned a 22% rise in activewear spending since 2019. Irish people love clothes ready for a hike on the Wicklow Way one weekend and the Five Lamps the next. The most popular items? Leggings, half-zips, moisture-wicking tees, GAA shorts, fleece tops, and even padded gilets (yes, we wear them year-round). The go-to places locals buy these? Penneys remains king for basics and bargains, but JD Sports, Lifestyle Sports, Intersport Elverys, and O’Neill’s official shops are mainstays. There’s also a growing eco-conscious movement; brands like Gym+Coffee and Peachylean are using recycled materials and joining the “Made Local” initiative to support Irish jobs.

If you’re new to Ireland or just confused by the lingo, here’s a quick translation guide:

• Sportswear: The umbrella term - anything used for sport, mainly designed for comfort and function.
• Activewear: More modern, technical fabrics—think gym, yoga, running.
• Gym gear: Sometimes interchangeable with activewear, but specifically for the gym.
• Tracksuits: Classic Irish staple, often matching top and bottoms, worn for training or chilling.
• Athleisure: The "look good going nowhere" side—pieces you'd wear straight from a workout to your local café.
• Leisurewear or loungewear: Often worn at home, but overlaps with sportswear in the Irish 'grand weather for it' culture.
• Kit: Usually meant for sports teams, but often just means clothes for physical activity.

Sports clubs have made a business of selling official teamwear, so don’t be shocked to see people wearing their old parish’s jersey shopping in Dunnes or over a pint at the back bar in Coppers. The sense of local pride runs deep, and for good reason.

Sportswear’s Role Beyond the Gym—From Daily Life to Irish Traditions

For some, sportswear is about what you do in it: running south along Sandymount Strand, playing five-a-side in Ballymun, or sweating through a HIIT class at F45 Cork. For others, it’s how you feel—comfortable, put-together, and able to chase the dog around Marley Park in the rain. The difference between activewear and regular gear? It’s all about those clever fabrics. Fast-drying polyester, four-way stretch spandex, sweat-resistant cotton—these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re lifesavers in unpredictable Irish weather. Ever forget your rain jacket at a Galway parkrun? Lesson learned.

Being active is part of Irish culture, but the ways we show it have shifted over the years. Remember when PE class in school meant oversized shorts and cotton tees? Now, Leaving Cert students stroll down O’Connell Street in matching gym leggings and branded half-zip jumpers, sipping iced vanilla lattes no matter the drizzle. The trend towards "athleisure" exploded during the pandemic, and it’s never really faded. A 2023 study by Sport Ireland found that 70% of adults tried some form of home exercise or walking during lockdown, and most said they invested in new activewear to stay motivated. Anyone who’s braved a sunrise swim at the Forty Foot knows there’s wisdom (and style points) in layering a loose hoodie over a swimsuit and quick-dry shorts.

But it isn’t all about personal comfort. Look at the GAA’s influence—kids and adults alike don camogie shorts, county zip-ups, or retro jerseys for everything from mass to festivals like Electric Picnic. Brand loyalty often gets passed down with teams—Mayo fans famously wear their green and red long after September. You’re likely to find as many O’Neills track bottoms on the Cliffs of Moher as in any GAA training ground. Plus, Ireland’s climate means light layers are de rigeur. Three degrees and sideways rain at Malin Head? Throw on a quarter-zip, waterproof gilet, and hat—problem solved.

There’s also the social side. After a yoga class at YogaHub or a parkrun in St. Anne's Park, people hang out for chats in their gym gear. It’s convenient, but it’s also become a signal—"I’m health-conscious, I’m busy, I value my downtime." Sportswear is woven into the fabric of Irish daily life, and it shifts as you move: Westport is all hiking fleeces and windbreakers, while Cork city is mad for bright runners and layered hoodies. The point is, it’s about adapting the gear to Irish realities—and traditions—without losing your own style.

It’s not all about one-size-fits-all. Sportswear in Ireland bends to the person wearing it. Whether you’re cycling the Wild Atlantic Way, playing indoor soccer in Salthill, or power-walking through Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, there’s a style and brand suited for every moment—and it’s become an unspoken language all its own.

Shopping, Styling, and Caring for Sportswear in the Irish Climate

The Irish climate is a true shapeshifter, and anyone who’s spent May in Donegal knows that “summer” can mean sideways rain or blazing sun—sometimes in the same day. That’s why choosing sportswear isn’t just about colour or brand. Key features to look for? Breathability, water resistance, stretch, and layerability. Leggings with a side pocket are perfect for storing the Leap Card or phone on the go around Dublin. A lightweight windbreaker can save the day if you’re caught out on the Kilmashogue trails. O’Neills half-zips and Regatta fleeces double up as both workout tops and wind barriers on TK Maxx runs.

Want your gear to last through Irish weather? Here’s something most people don’t think about: washing sportswear with harsh detergents or fabric softener can break down the very tech that keeps you comfortable. Always use a gentle, cold wash and hang items inside out to dry—they’ll last way longer, and colours will stay bright, so you won’t be turning up to your next tag rugby game in faded shorts. Check sizing before you buy—Irish brands tend to fit differently than US ones, and a Gym+Coffee medium might not match a Nike one, for example.

Tips for shopping sportswear in Ireland:

• Look for local brands first: Gym+Coffee, Peachylean, O’Neills for GAA-focused kit, and even Irish rugby suppliers like Canterbury.
• For bargain hunters, Dunnes, Penneys, and Lidl cycle specials carry staples that won’t wreck your wallet. Stock up on layering basics—vests, tees, zip hoodies.
• If you’re about that eco life, check for labels using recycled materials or supporting local jobs—look for “Made Local” stickers or Bord Bia’s Origin Green logo.
• Remember: light layers work better than bulky jumpers. Ireland’s rain and wind call for quick-dry fabrics, water-repellent shells, and breathable bases, rather than heavy cottons.
• Don’t skimp on shoes. Fields, Lifestyle Sports, or specialized running shops like Amphibian King can fit you in runners that suit both flat Dublin city pavements and the mucky hills of Carrauntoohil.

If you’re gifting sportswear—say, for a birthday or to a new club player—Irish shops often offer club crests embroidery, free click-and-collect, and loads of GAA, rugby, and football league colours. Online shopping is massive now, but don’t discount small, family-run sports shops in Mullingar or Drogheda. They usually have the local inside info on sizing, must-haves, and what’s actually trendy versus just “grand.”

Storing your gear the right way helps too. Hang damp clothes near an open window, avoid leaving trainers in a soggy boot, and keep that rain jacket handy by the front door. If you’re in student housing or a crowded city flat, use soft baskets for storage rather than overstuffing drawers—you’ll thank yourself when you’re late for your next yoga class.

The bottom line? Sportswear, gym gear, and activewear in Ireland have changed with the times, shifting from single-purpose kit to part of everyday life. Whether you’re into big brands or love backing local, the sportswear scene here is as varied as the Irish weather—and just as hard to predict. Next time you’re out, have a look at the gear around you. Odds are, you’ll spot pieces called by every name in the book, each with a story of its own. Now, what are you wearing?