Must-Have Activewear Essentials For Winter 2023

Beanie

You'll want to start at the top when considering which activewear to buy for winter. By that, we mean you should start by kitting out your head. A lot of heat from your body actually escapes through your head. So, a good beanie helps trap valuable body heat and stop it from escaping. It creates a microclimate of sorts. 

When buying a beanie for winter, try to pick a waterproof or quick-drying option. Especially if you’re outside in winter, this could come in handy. We have a wide variety of beanies at Rebel Sport. Choose from subtle colours, bright patterns and even options with pom poms.

Compression Tights

When people think about activewear, the first thing their minds will jump to is usually compression tights. Both womens tights and mens tights are so popular because they help circulate blood around your body. In effect, this can help to keep your muscles, and your body in general, warmer as you exercise.

Many compression tights available at Rebel Sport also feature thermo technology or are made from quick-drying material. For these reasons alone, no winter activewear fit would be complete without mens tights or womens tights. For more compression-tight advice, read our tights buying guide or guide that explores the benefits of wearing compression clothing. 

Fleece Long-Sleeve Top

Fleece is usually made from polyester. It’s specially designed to trap body heat and keep you warm. Whether you're working out or just relaxing in activewear during winter, this is great. When you’re out in the cold, you generally want the least amount of skin showing as possible to trap in heat. So, a fleece long sleep top is an essential activewear item during the colder months. Joggers like Nike tech fleece pants are also great, but more on that soon.

High Socks

When running and exercising during summer, ankle socks are a great option. But, when it’s a bit colder during winter, you’ll want to have high socks as part of your activewear fit. Especially if you’re running outside, chances are you’ll be running through long, wet grass and puddles occasionally. So, high running socks can be good, as less of your skin is showing, and your lower legs are protected from the water and mud. At Rebel Sport, we have various running socks and other socks to choose from. 

Running Vest

Motivating yourself to go for a run can be challenging at the best of times, especially during winter when it’s cold and raining outside. One way to help improve outdoor running is by wearing a running vest. 

A running vest is an excellent option for winter, as it can help to keep your upper body warm. Plus, many running vests have compartments and pouches for a water bladder and your smartphone. There are even running vests that are weighted to help with training. Rebel Sport is your home for running during winter, with a range of running equipment, including running shoes and running vests. 

Top tip: We have an extensive running shoe guide to help you pick the right option for your taste and foot shape. 

Fitness Hoodie

There are so many options for hoodies, including fitness hoodies. During winter, it’s a lot colder than the rest of the year. So, it can be difficult to warm up at the start of a workout. Fitness hoodies help keep your body warm and increase blood flow when starting your exercise session.

Fitness hoodies also look fantastic, hence why we think they’re an essential winter activewear item. At Rebel Sport, we offer hoodies for men, women and children. If you want advice on choosing a hoodie and fitting it with the rest of your winter outfit, read our ultimate guide to wearing and styling hoodies. 

Waterproof Running Jacket

When it rains, it pours. And, during a New Zealand winter, we can certainly experience our fair share of rainfall. Because of this, a good waterproof jacket that you can also wear for running is essential. 

It’s a no-brainer, but if you’re out running in the rain, a waterproof running jacket will keep the water off your skin, keeping you warmer. When you’re warmer, your morale will be higher when you exercise, and it’s miserable outside. When choosing a waterproof running jacket, try to pick one that is thin and lightweight. View our range of mens and womens running jackets online now. 

Gloves

Apart from your head, your hands are also where much heat will escape your body. So, gloves are also a must-have activewear essential for winter. Like a beanie, good winter exercise gloves trap heat around your hands, keeping them warm. Another side effect of the cold is how cold air can dry out your skin. Gloves help to prevent this. 

There are several different types of exercise gloves, depending on what you’re partaking in. Regarding activewear, you also want to choose gloves that you’d be comfortable wearing casually. We have a wide variety of gloves at Rebel Sport, including fingerless gloves and golf gloves. 

Track Pants Or Joggers

Sure, you can wear track pants or joggers all year round as activewear. But they’re especially useful when it’s cold during winter. And, if you choose a stylish pair, you can wear them out and about casually too. Some options, like certain Nike track pants, Nike joggers or adidas tracksuits, are made from fabric that absorbs sweat. 

Especially when it’s cold, your sweat will cool quickly after a workout. So, a high-quality pair of track pants will help absorb sweat, so you don’t feel as cold after working out. View our selection of mens and womens pants online. If you know you sweat a lot when working out, read our blog about the best workout clothes and products for heavy sweating.