Sport apparel must also fit appropriately. Loose, baggy clothing is not appropriate for every type of sport, and at best should fit comfortably and close to your body. This is especially true for shoes. When selecting shoes, getting a proper fit can prevent injuries while exercising. The shoe should also be made for the sport, as certain kinds should be worn for certain activities. For example, skateboarding shoes have thick support in a flat sole, which is designed to absorb the shock to the knees. These are not appropriate for running sports, where the shoe requires a lighter weight, arch support and different design.
Contact activities, such as football, require sport apparel that is breathable, can stretch and is extremely sturdy. The pants and shirt will be pulled and rubbed along the ground and with other players, so quality is a must. The fabric must also be easy to clean as stains will be a daily occurrence. Socks as a part of sport apparel are often overlooked, but have an important function. Socks provide support and sweat absorption for the foot, no matter which sport is played. They should be the right length and the appropriate material for that specific activity. For example, using cheap socks to run in can be a disaster to the feet. These may roll up inside, rubbing the foot and causing blisters. Also, many of the cheaper socks do not adequately absorb moisture away from the foot, leaving a breeding ground for fungus.