The KYDRA Club

5 Common Mistakes Singaporeans Make When Buying Activewear

Activewear and athleisure have grown from being a purely functional attire worn for sporty activities to being an essential attire for our daily lives. And for good reasons too: well-chosen activewear is comfortable, versatile, and can be dressed up when necessary.

This popularity also means there are many people buying activewear for the first time and might not be aware of some common pitfalls, which leads them to make costly mistakes.

Fret not. Here’s a guide to help you shop for the right apparel every single time, no matter who you are or what activities you do.

1. Evaluating Cost Using The Listed Price Alone

Today, consumers are spoilt for choice, with a large and ever-growing list of activewear brands to choose from. Besides comparing the fabrics, designs, and features, the cost is undoubtedly a key factor that has an outsized influence on purchasing decisions.

However, many make the mistake of only looking at the listed price of an item when thinking about whether a purchase is worth it.

For example, an ill-fitting or uncomfortable piece of apparel that costs only $40 might seem cheap, but if you only wore it (grudgingly) a handful of times before relegating it to the abyss of your wardrobe, then the cost-per-wear would be a few dollars at least.

Contrast it with a comfortable, flattering, and durable piece of apparel that you absolutely love. While you might need to pay a little more upfront, say $80, if you wore it once a week over a year, the cost-per-wear would be slightly over $1.

Using cost-per-wear helps make this clear and allows you to more accurately evaluate whether something is of good value.

2. Getting The Wrong Cut For Your Body Type

We’ve all been there – while browsing through look books and catalogue photos, we see something we like and immediately proceed to checkout our cart.

Well, not so fast.

Before you conclude that something that looks fantastic on a model is going to work for you too, be sure to double-check the measurements and compare those measurements with apparel you already have.

Some websites also provide the model’s height and weight, so that you have a point of reference to better gauge how well the apparel’s cutting and proportions would fit on you.

3. Accidentally Buying Fakes Or Replicas From Shady Sellers

Everyone hopes to save a buck or two, and if we can get the exact item for a lower price, we would undoubtedly leap at that opportunity.

Unfortunately, that’s also how many scams happen. Shady sellers take advantage of our desire for a good deal, which would override good sense. But doing so would be penny wise but pound foolish.

The seller might disappear after payment is made. We might receive defective or used goods. Or perhaps be left stranded without warranty or recourse if the apparel has been ring-fenced for sale in another region.

If we see a deal that is too good to be true, we should take a pause and assess the risks of proceeding. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and only buy from official stores and authorised distributors.

4. Not Trying On Apparel Before Cutting The Tag Or Placing The Clothes In Storage

It is common practice for stores to accept returns within a stipulated time period, so long as the product still has all its original tags intact.

Thus, we highly recommend you make it a habit to immediately try on your new apparel as soon as you receive it to check if it fits you as well as you like, as well as check it for any manufacturing defects.

If you cut the tags right away or chuck your new clothes away for the time being, when you need to use them, then you might have unknowingly passed up on the opportunity to make exchanges or request for refunds.

As a 100% homegrown brand, Kydra has a comprehensive refund and exchange policy so you can buy with confidence. As with all shops, you should familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions when purchasing.

5. Buying Based On Aspirational Rather Than Actual Use-cases

As tempting as it might seem, it is unwise to splurge on an entire set of clothes before starting a new sport or series of classes. If you do so, you would be making your purchase decision based on what you think you need.

Instead, just give it a go with what you have in your wardrobe, so long as it meets safety or etiquette requirements. After a session or two, you’ll be in a better position to know exactly what shortcomings your existing gear have – and what you hope will be addressed in your subsequent apparel upgrades.

You could also seek the advice of people who have been in your sport for longer and benefit from their firsthand experiences.

Kydra puts all of our new apparel through a ‘sweat and wear’ test before they are approved for production and placed on sale. This way, customers have the assurance that every piece they bring home is of the highest quality and able to handle the rigours of what it is designed for – and then some.

Avoid costly mistakes by educating yourself

We hope that this article helps you make a more informed purchase decision so that you can find the right apparel for your needs as quickly and fuss-free as possible.

Do check out the Kydra blog for the latest gear purchase guides and other specially-written content to help you be a more savvy consumer and stretch every dollar.

If you have any questions about selecting clothes or accessories, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to assist you as a trusted aide on your fitness journey.

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.