ForMotion is a new method of designing active wear developed by adidas.  The theory is to view the body and garment in three dimensions.  By taking this view, it is easier to build the airflow characteristic into the garment.  This should allow for a simpler design and fewer seams.

In general, the idea is simple and a variety of fluid dynamic computer modeling programs exist in the manufacturing, marine and aircraft industries.  It is only logical that the same techniques would be applied to high end athletic gear.  In fact, it has been part of the professional levels for years.

We have been testing four different garments (reviews to follow) that were designed with the ForMotion philosophy including a pair of training shorts, a short sleeve training top and two long sleeve training tops.  The garments are made up of a variety of materials.

All of the garments we are testing are designated for soccer, so some of our testing may appear unrealistic.  However, when a shirt costs $45 dollars, we would expect to wear it off the pitch.  The collection of materials includes mesh panels, breathable panels and non-breathable panels.  The mesh allows air in, the non-breathable panels channel the air and the breathable panels help defuse the air and moisture.

We tested the garments on the pitch, running on the street and working in the gym.  On the pitch, all worked well.  The Garments funneled air from front to back cooling the entire body.  Sweat was generally wicked away and they were all very comfortable.  On the street, we experienced the same results. 

It is a very different story in the gym.  Sweat is generally worse in a gym with higher humidity and stagnant air.  There was little airflow on the treadmill and none at the weight machines.  Moisture caused the garments to stick to the body in some cases.  At the end of the workout, certain panels took a long time to dry.  The same would be true for futsal or small-sided indoor games.