Effects of motivation and performance on comfort perception of sportswear

Abstract

This study examined the effect of university students’ perceptions of comfort in sportswear on motivation and performance. In addition, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different headbands during exercise using a repeated measurement method. The sample group of the study consisted of 10 male futsal students enrolled at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Bitlis Eren University in the 2024–2025 academic year in Bitlis Province, who wore headbands made of different fabric types for five days and reported their perceptions of comfort before, during (10–30 min), and after training. This study employed a quantitative experimental research approach and was designed as a single-group, within-subjects repeated measures experiment. The analysis revealed that, in order of significance, the use of H1 and H2 headbands significantly increased overall motivation levels. Numerical differences were observed between brands, and there were clear numerical differences in perceived protection levels. Individuals prioritizing functionality or sweat absorption in accessory expectation categories scored higher in approach-oriented sub-dimensions such as approach to success or self-expression through effort. In conclusion, sportswear may affect both physical and psychological performance. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the headband fabric material may have a potential effect on participants’ physical performance and perceived motivation.

Introduction

Sportswear is considered to be one of the basic elements that directly affects the physical performance of individuals. In particular, the perception of comfort can positively affect motivation and, therefore, the performance of athletes by making them feel comfortable, both physically and psychologically¹. Comfort refers to the harmony of a person with the environment in which they are dressed. The physical components of this harmony are weight, thickness, heat transfer, air permeability, moisture absorption, moisture transfer, tactility, and ease of movement. The aesthetic features include color, brightness, fashion, and size. In addition to these, personal subjective features also affect comfort. The most important factor in clothing comfort is the movement of heat and moisture (in vapor and liquid form) within the clothing to ensure a thermal balance between the human body and its environment; as a result, excess heat and moisture can be discharged into the external environment. In this context, factors such as the ergonomic design of sportswear, fabric properties, and moisture management can shape an individual’s level of participation in sports and desire for success. Comfortable sportswear supports not only physical comfort, but also self-confidence and intrinsic motivation, paving the way for more efficient training and competitive processes². Sportswear plays a crucial role in optimizing athletic performance, as it affects thermoregulation, movement efficiency, psychological comfort, and injury prevention. Multiple studies have demonstrated that clothing comfort parameters such as fabric breathability, moisture management, fit, and thermal insulation can directly influence an athlete’s physical performance and perceived exertion levels³. For example, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics in jerseys and training shirts have been shown to improve thermal comfort and sustain exercise capacity during prolonged activity in warm conditions⁴. Similarly, protective sportswear designed with ergonomic considerations can reduce fatigue and improve movement economy⁵.

Futsal, which is becoming increasingly widespread, is a branch of team sports in which both individual performance and team coordination are highly important. While futsal requires players to exert maximum effort due to its short-term and intense tempo structure, the comfort level of sportswear can directly affect this performance⁶. In addition, the short-term, intense effort structure of futsal matches has been detailed, and the speed, agility, and endurance requirements of players have been emphasized⁷. Factors such as players’ sweating levels, body temperature, and freedom of movement are thought to be directly related to the suitability of the sports equipment.

Sportswear and perception of comfort are considered important environmental factors that affect the motivational resources of an individual. In particular, the subjective perception of comfort contributes to the athlete feeling sufficient and ready, supporting self-efficacy beliefs and psychological resilience⁸. Accordingly, athletes who feel comfortable participating in training willingly experience less stress in a competitive environment. This situation increases the level of motivation in sports and optimizes performance⁹. One of the most important ways to measure clothing comfort under dynamic conditions is through wear trials. During the wear trials, a selected group of subjects was exposed to controlled environmental conditions, and asked to follow a predetermined activity program. The subjects were asked to rate their comfort features using scales used¹⁰.

In addition to main apparel items, sportswear accessories represent a significant field of research due to their functional importance. Sportswear accessories can have notable effects on performance, comfort, safety, and health. For example, headbands and wristbands can prevent sweat from reaching the eyes or hand contact areas, thereby enhancing visual clarity and grip performance. Compression sleeves and similar accessories can delay fatigue by regulating blood circulation and reducing muscle vibration¹¹. Protective gloves improve grip strength in sports such as cycling, rowing, and weightlifting¹². Sports goggles and facial protectors play an important role in protecting against ultraviolet rays, wind, and impact risks, particularly in outdoor sports¹³. The literature indicates that these accessories can have positive effects on performance and comfort. However, existing research has largely focused on jerseys, T-shirts, protective sportswear, and garments that measure thermal comfort characteristics, while highlighting that sportswear accessories may play a critical role in maintaining thermal comfort and sustaining performance, especially in hot and humid environments. In particular, accessories such as headbands can provide functions including sweat management, skin temperature regulation, and reduction of heat-related performance decline. Indeed, Desroches et al., (2024) reported that the use of a cooling headband during a 70-minute sub-maximal run followed by a 5-km time trial in hot and humid conditions improved thermal comfort perception and limited performance decline¹⁴. This finding suggests that headbands, which are often overlooked in the sportswear literature, have the potential to fill an important gap, thereby positioning the current study as a meaningful contribution to the field.

This study aimed to examine the effects of sportswear comfort perception on motivation and performance, specifically in individuals interested in futsal sports. The data obtained are expected to create awareness of athletes’ clothing-accessory preferences and guide them in terms of performance development.

Materials and methods

Research model

This study employed a quantitative experimental research approach and was designed as a single-group, within-subjects repeated measures experiment. The same group of participants was exposed to all predetermined fabric types in a fixed sequence, and measurements were repeated under each fabric condition. Comparative analytical techniques were applied to evaluate the differences in exercise-related outcomes across the various fabric types¹⁵. This study emphasizes that repeated measures designs, in addition to their advantage in detecting within-subject variation, offer greater statistical power compared to cross-sectional designs, and enable the attainment of statistically significant results with fewer participants¹⁶. This method was developed to understand research problems comprehensively and in depth. This study demonstrates that, in survey experiments, the repeated measures design maximizes statistical power by enabling participants’ responses to be compared with their own, and substantially enhances measurement precision¹⁷. Furthermore, this academic source theoretically explains that the repeated-measures (within-subjects) design reduces error by partitioning between-subject variance from statistical error, thereby enhancing statistical power¹⁸. The use of small sample sizes in experimental research is a methodologically accepted approach, particularly in pilot studies or when examining homogeneous groups. The literature emphasizes that small sample sizes allow for more controlled observation of research variables and increase the precision of experimental processes^19,20.

The properties of the fabrics measured using standard methods are listed in Table 1. H1 and H2 coded samples were purchased from the internet. The H3, H4, and H5 coded samples were sewn using the same measurements and designs as the H1 and H2 samples.

Table 1.

Fabric properties used for production of headbands.

Fabric code	Composition (%)	Weave	Mass/unit area (g/m2)
H1	92% Cotton 8% Elastane	Single Jersey	220
H2	92% Polyester 8% Elastane	Single Jersey	160
H3	86% Moisture transfer polyester 14% Elastane	Single Jersey	120
H4	94% Modal 6% Elastane	Single Jersey	160
H5	86% Moisture transfer polyester 14% Elastane	Single Jersey	150

Experiments

This study was conducted with ten male futsal students studying at Bitlis Eren University, Faculty of Sports Sciences. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different headband types during exercise by using a repeated measurement method. Participants participated in five exercise sessions, each on a different day, using headbands made of five fabric types. Each session lasted 50 min in total, consisting of 10 min of warm-up, 30 min of exercise, and 10 min of cool-down. These data were used to analyze the effects of different fabric types on motivation and performance in sports. The findings obtained are presented in Table 3, and it is believed that they can provide important information for the selection of fabrics used in sportswear. Among the limitations of this study, the fact that the sample group consisted solely of male futsal players holds particular significance. This choice was made based on the consideration that varying training intensities, technical requirements, and performance dynamics of different sports branches could influence the research findings. Furthermore, it is well-documented in sports science research that the lack of female participants prevents the identification of gender differences; in addition, it may lead to the neglect of potential effects arising from physical and psychological differences, and for this reason, it is regarded as one of the study’s limitations²¹. The limitations of this research are also supported by the literature, which emphasizes that the training intensity, technical requirements, and physiological adaptation processes of different sports branches can vary considerably from one another^22–24.

Table 3.

Descriptive analysis of the scales.

Scale and its sub-dimensions	n		Min.	Max.	X̄	Ss	Median	Skewness	Kurtosis
Power display motive sub-dimension	10		1.17	4.25	2.86	0.90	3.00	− 0.270	− 0.693
Motivation to approach success sub-dimension	10		1.59	4.24	2.81	0.69	2.76	0.097	− 0.785
Failure avoidance motive sub-dimension	10		1.45	4.18	2.87	0.76	3.00	− 0.228	− 0.933
Total scales	10		1.58	4.15	2.84	0.70	2.86	− 0.886	− 0.990

When the averages obtained from the sport-specific motivation scale for futsal students of the Faculty of Sport Sciences were examined, the mean value is (X̄ = 2.81±0.69).

Data collection

The data collection form used in this study consists of two sections. The first section was a Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher. The second section includes the “Sports-Specific Achievement Motivations Scale,” the validity and reliability of which have been tested. The reliability coefficients of these scales are presented in Table 3.

Personal information form

A headband consisting of five different fabric types used by ten male students studying at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Bitlis Eren University in Bitlis province for five days was used in the wear trials. Variables such as the brand of clothing you prefer during training, how much protection the clothing provides against heat and sweating, the moisture collection status of the clothing, and the expectations of these accessories if they were used were prepared by the researcher to determine the demographic characteristics of the subjects.

Sport-specific motivation scale

In this study, the “Sport-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (SSMAM)” developed by Willis (1982) and adapted to Turkish by Tiryaki and Gödelek (1997) was used²⁵. The scale consists of 40 items and includes three subdimensions: (a) motivation to show power (r = 0.81), (b) motivation to approach success (r = 0.82), and (c) motivation to avoid failure (r = 0.80). Items are rated on a 5-point Likert-type rating scale and are scored between “1 = Never” and “5 = Always”²⁵. Chronbach’s alpha values ​​for this study are given in Table 2.

Table 2.

Chronbach alpha values.

Scales	Chronbach’s alpha (α)	Number of items
Power display motive sub-dimension	0.87	12
Motivation to approach success sub-dimension	0.88	17
Failure avoidance motive sub-dimension	0.91	11
Total scales	0.96	40

Futsal training program (Total duration: 50 min)

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different fabric types during exercise using a repeated-measures design. Participants wore headgear made from five different fabric types and completed a total of five exercise sessions, each on a separate day. Each session lasted 50 min, consisting of 10 min of warm-up, 30 min of exercise, and 10 min of cool-down.

1. Warm-up (10 min)

Purpose: Prepare the muscles for activity, increase circulation, and reduce the risk of injury.

General Warm-up (5 min):

• Light jogging (2 min).

• Dynamic stretching (hips, knees, ankles).

• Skipping, high knees, heel flicks (30 s each).

Specific Warm-up (5 min):

• Passing and control drills (paired, stationary).

• Low-intensity 2v1 play (low defensive pressure).

• 2.Main Exercise Section (30 Min)

Purpose: Develop technical, tactical, and conditioning skills.

Exercise 1 (10 min):

• 3v1 passing drill (small area, quick decision-making, and accurate passing).

Exercise 2 (10 min):

• Dribbling with direction changes + shooting (station-based system).

• Players work in rotation, time-based (30 s work, 30 s rest).

Exercise 3 (10 min):

• 4v4 small-sided game (maximum touches, emphasis on transition play).

• 3.Cool-down (10 min)

Purpose: Lower heart rate, relax muscles, and support recovery.

• Light jogging and walking (3 min).

• Static stretching (7 min): Focus on hamstrings, hips, quadriceps, lower back, and shoulders.

According to the reliability assessments determined by Özdamar in the literature, α (Cronbach’s Alpha) values ​​are classified as follows: 0.00 < α < 0.40 is considered “not reliable,” 0.41 < α < 0.60 is considered “low reliability,” 0.61 < α < 0.80 is considered “moderately reliable,” and 0.81 < α < 1.00 is considered “highly reliable”²⁶. Table 2 shows that Cronbach’s alpha (α) values ​​are sufficient at a high level for reliability.

Data analysis

Before starting the research analyses, the suitability of assumptions, such as normality, homogeneity, linearity, and stationarity, was evaluated by the researcher, and statistical information was provided on which statistical analyses were preferred. To select the tests to be used in the data analysis, the skewness and kurtosis values ​​were examined. Because the skewness and kurtosis values ​​in Table 3 are between − 1 and + 1, which are the limits determined by Tabachnick and Fidel (2013), it was assumed that the data set showed a normal distribution; therefore, parametric tests were used²⁷. First, descriptive statistics were applied to determine the demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistical methods, such as frequency (f), percentage (%), mean (X̄), and standard deviation (ss) were used to determine the demographic characteristics of the students in the research group. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical program. “One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)” was used for data with more than two groups. “Tukey HSD” multiple comparison test was applied to determine the source of the difference. Python coding was used to create graphical interpretations of the data.

Result

In this study, which was conducted to examine the effect of university students’ perception of comfort in sportswear on motivation and performance, the findings of the research conducted using certain variables were presented and explained in the form of tables.

When Table 4 is examined, 100% of the participants were male; the headband type was attempted by ten participants, H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5, from five different fabric types. It was concluded that sportswear brand 1 was preferred by 40%, brand 2 by 38%, and brand 3 by 22%, whereas the other brands and options were not preferred. The protection of the garment against heat and sweating was 10,0% good, 52,0% moderate and 38,0% poor; the moisture collection of the garment was 30,0% dry, 58,0% slightly damp, 8% moderately damp, and 4% very damp; and the expectation from these accessories used was 22,2% sweat absorption, 12,0% warmth, 26,0% fashion-aesthetics and 40,0% functionality.

Table 4.

Frequency table of demographic variables.

Variable		f	%
Gender	Men	50	100,0
Type of heading	H1	10	20.0
	H2	10	20.0
	H3	10	20.0
	H4	10	20.0
	H5	10	20.0
Preferred sportswear brand	Brand 1	20	40.0
	Brand 2	19	38.0
	Brand 3	11	22.0
How much protection your garment provides against heat and perspiration	Good	5	10.0
	Medium	26	52.0
	Little	19	38.0
Moisture collection of your garment	Dry	15	30.0
	Slightly wet	29	58.0
	Medium wet	4	8.0
	Very wet	2	4.0
Your expectations from accessories used	Moisture management	11	22.2
	Heating	6	12.0
	Fashion- aesthetics	13	26.0
	Functionality	20	40.0
Total		50	100.0

The effects of the five headband types (H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5) on the subdimensions and total score of the motivation scale were analyzed based on applications conducted on different days (Fig. 1). The relevant data were visualized using mean ± standard deviation and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Overall, headband type caused statistically significant differences in certain subdimensions. For instance, in the “approach to success” subdimension, the H1 and H2 headband yielded higher mean scores compared to other fabrics, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (e.g., F = 4.35, p = 0.019). Notably, the approach to success assigned by the participants was higher for the headbands with H1 containing cotton elastane and H2 containing polyester elastane, both of which were purchased from the Internet. Similarly, significant differences were also observed among headband types in avoidance-oriented motivation subdimensions such as “avoidance of failure,” with H5 headband particularly standing out by producing lower scores in this dimension.

Fig. 1.

Type of heading anayses.

In terms of the total scale score, it was observed that on certain days, the use of H1 coded cotton/elastane and H2 coded polyester/elastane headbands significantly increased the overall motivation level, and this finding was statistically significant (e.g., F = 3.92, p = 0.027). Notably, headbands containing the cotton/elastane and polyester/elastane blends highly preferred on the market also had a positive effect on the overall motivation level. This result is noteworthy, because it indicates the potential influence of headband +material on participants’ physical performance and perceived motivation. However, although intergroup differences were observed in some subdimensions, they did not always reach statistical significance. This can be attributed to the sample size and individual variation among the participants.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that headband type may have a certain degree of impact on motivational factors, particularly in terms of goal-oriented driving and avoidance behaviors. This highlights the importance of fabric material selection in the design of sportswear products and implementation of performance tests.

In this analysis, the effects of five different clothing brands on participants’ motivational tendencies were examined across multiple subscales and the total score of the motivation scale (Fig. 2). Data distributions for each brand were visualized as bar graphs representing mean ± standard deviation, and statistical differences were tested using one-way ANOVA.

Fig. 2.

Sportswear brand analysis results.

The visual and statistical analysis revealed that, while several subscales showed numerical variation across brands, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed only in a limited number of variables, as indicated by an asterisk (*) on the graph. Specifically, the “approach to success” subscale (two_approach_success_subscale, F = 3.720, p = 0.027) and the “avoidance of failure” subscale (three_avoid_failure_subscale, F = 3.040, p = 0.040) displayed significant F values. These results indicate that certain brands may be more effective at enhancing approach-oriented motivation or reducing avoidance-related anxiety.

These findings align with previous research in sports psychology and exercise motivation, which highlights the role of apparel comfort, ergonomic fit, and brand identity in influencing effort, focus, and emotional regulation during performance. For most subscales, no statistically significant difference was found, suggesting a relatively uniform motivational response across brands or the presence of confounding factors such as personal preference or brand familiarity.

The presence of moderate F values (F ≈ 2–4) in some non-significant subscales suggests possible trends that may not have reached significance due to sample size limitations or within-group variance.

It was observed that clothing brand appears to have a selective impact on certain dimensions of exercise motivation, particularly those associated with goal orientation and emotional response to performance pressure. This has practical implications for sportswear designers, marketing specialists, and sports psychologists, emphasizing that branding can influence not only aesthetic appeal but also psychological and behavioral outcomes.

This study examined whether individuals’ perceptions of how well their sportswear protects against heat and perspiration—categorized as very much (1), good (2), moderate (3), little (4), or none (5) had a statistically significant influence on motivation subscales and total motivation scores (Fig. 3). Using a one-way ANOVA, differences among these five perceived protection levels were evaluated across various motivational dimensions, with the results visualized through bar graphs indicating the mean ± standard deviation. Statistically significant results are denoted by asterisks (*) above bars.

Fig. 3.

Protection against heat and perspiration analysis results.

The findings revealed that while several motivational subscales showed visible numerical differences across perceived protection levels, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) emerged only in select dimensions. Specifically, participants who rated their sportswear as providing “very much” or “good” protection tended to exhibit higher scores in approach-based motivational constructs, such as approach to success or confidence in performance, suggesting a possible facilitative effect of thermal comfort on motivational engagement. In contrast, those reporting “little” or “no protection” against heat and sweat demonstrated relatively lower motivation scores in certain subscales. This pattern is consistent with thermophysiological theories suggesting that discomfort and overheating can act as psychological deterrents, reducing perceived competence, focus, and task persistence. However, not all differences reached statistical significance, implying that the impact of perceived thermal and moisture protection may be moderate and domain-specific, and possibly moderated by factors such as individual heat tolerance, exercise intensity, and clothing fit or material.

It was concluded that the perceived heat and sweat protection offered by sportswear play a measurable, albeit partial, role in shaping motivational orientation, especially in domains related to goal pursuit and performance persistence. These findings highlight the psychological relevance of thermal comfort in physical performance settings and the potential of optimized clothing design (e.g., breathable and sweat-wicking materials) to enhance not only physiological but also motivational readiness. Such considerations are important for sportswear developers, coaches, and performance psychologists seeking to create environments that support both comfort and driving.

This study examined whether varying levels of moisture accumulation in sportswear categorized as dry (1), slightly moist (2), moderately moist (3), and very moist (4) had a statistically significant impact on participants’ motivation-related subscale scores and total motivation levels (Fig. 4). Group differences were tested across all scale dimensions using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the results were visualized using bar charts with mean ± standard deviation.

Fig. 4.

Moisture collection condition analysis results.

The overall analysis indicated that while several subscales showed visible numerical differences across moisture conditions, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were only observed for a limited number of variables. These significant findings are highlighted with an asterisk (*) in the chart for a clearer visual interpretation. For example, in some cases, higher moisture levels (e.g., “very moist”) were associated with decreased scores on subscales related to approach-oriented motivation or self-perceived power, suggesting that increased physical discomfort or thermal load may suppress motivational engagement. In contrast, dry or slightly moist conditions tended to yield higher averages, indicating a more favorable motivational climate under thermally comfortable conditions. However, the majority of the dimensions did not reach statistical significance, implying that the perceived moisture level of clothing has a limited or conditional influence on motivation. Other moderating factors, such as individual sweat tolerance, fabric type, and activity intensity may play a role in buffering the effects of moisture on psychological outcomes.

These findings suggest that moisture accumulation in sportswear can affect specific motivational parameters, particularly the dimensions associated with discomfort avoidance and task engagement. Although the effect was not widespread across all motivational subscales, the observed patterns warrant further investigation, especially in performance-oriented settings, where thermal regulation and comfort perception may mediate psychological readiness. These results may inform the development of performance wear in sports and occupational fields where moisture management is critical for maintaining both physical and psychological performance.

This analysis investigated whether participants’ accessory-related expectations namely, sweat absorption (1), heat retention (2), fashion aesthetic appeal (3), and functional utility (4) influenced their scores on various motivation subscales and the total motivation score (Fig. 5). The data were examined using one-way ANOVA, and differences were visualized using bar graphs displaying the mean ± standard deviation, with statistically significant effects marked by asterisks (*).

Fig. 5.

Expectation from the accessories analysis results.

The results revealed that certain subscales differed significantly across the accessory expectation categories, as evidenced by p-values less than 0.05. Notably, individuals who prioritized functionality or sweat absorption exhibited higher scores on approach-related subscales, such as approach to success or self-expression through effort, suggesting that more pragmatic expectations may enhance task-directed motivation. Conversely, those emphasizing fashion or aesthetic considerations tended to show lower scores in specific subdimensions, possibly because of a focus on appearance over performance, which aligns with previous findings in exercise psychology that aesthetic motivation may not always correspond to high task engagement. While not all subscales reached statistical significance, the general pattern indicated that accessory expectation was a meaningful psychological variable that could subtly shape motivation profiles. The presence of moderate F values (F ≈ 2–4) in many dimensions suggests that further exploration using larger and more balanced sample groups may provide additional insights.

These findings suggest that individuals’ expectations of accessories can influence their motivational orientation during physical activity or performance tasks. Specifically, function-driven expectations (e.g., sweat management or functional efficiency) appear to support goal-oriented motivation, whereas aesthetic-driven expectations may be more aligned with identity expressions or external validation. These insights could be valuable to designers, trainers, and consumer behavior researchers by highlighting the psychological dimensions of apparel and gear selection in sports and health contexts.

Discussion

The findings of this study, in order to examine the effect of the perception of comfort in the sportswear of university students on motivation and performance, provide strong evidence that the different headband types used by 10 male students for five days, the sportswear brand preferred during training, how much protection the sportswear provides against heat and sweat, the moisture retention status of the sportswear, and the expectations from these accessories if they use accessories can have measurable effects on the motivational tendencies of individuals during physical activity. Although not all differences were statistically significant, the patterns observed in the various motivation sub-dimensions revealed a complex interaction between clothing features and psychological readiness.

First, the significant effects of headband type on the achievement motivation and failure avoidance subscales are consistent with previous research emphasizing the role of comfort and tactile sensation in increasing task engagement. For example, Li et al. (2014) found that individuals who perceived their clothing as comfortable reported higher intrinsic motivation and were able to sustain exercise efforts for longer periods of time²⁸. The association of H1 and H2 headbands with higher motivation scores in this study suggests that these fabrics may support performance orientation through factors such as fit, breathability, or visual perception (e.g., dark colors evoke a sense of power or control)²⁹.

Similarly, differences in motivation depending on brand parallel the literature on self-presentation and identity expression in the context of exercise. Brands associated with performance can create a psychological placebo effect by increasing users’ beliefs about their own competence³⁰. The fact that certain brands in this study produced higher scores on motivational sub-dimensions such as “approaching success” is consistent with the findings of Tiggemann and Lacey (2009), who found that branded sportswear products can serve as external cues for the internalization of effort and competence standards³¹.

The findings obtained from the protection against heat and sweating variables revealed that the participants’ perceptions of the level of protection provided by their sportswear against heat and sweating created significant differences, especially in approach-based motivation sub-dimensions, such as approaching success and confidence in performance. The fact that individuals who perceived their clothing as “very” or “good” protective had significantly higher motivation scores is consistent with previous literature emphasizing the effect of physical comfort on psychological processes. A study conducted by Hassan et al. (2012) examined the effects of different sportswear fabrics on the physiological responses and performance of athletes. In this study, sportswear made of 100% cotton, a 65/35% polyester/cotton blend, and 100% polyester fabrics was tested, and it was found that 100% polyester fabrics positively affected athletes’ performance because of better moisture management and lower thermal conductivity. The significantly lower motivation scores of individuals with low levels of protection perception in our study can be evaluated within the scope of the thermophysiological discomfort theory³². Cheung (2010) stated that overheating can cause cognitive functions to slow down, perceived effort to increase, and thus task commitment to decrease. This situation shows that the inadequacy of clothing in regulating temperature and humidity creates not only physical, but also cognitive and emotional loads³³. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in all motivation sub-dimensions in the analysis results. This suggests the potential effects of variables such as individual heat tolerance, physical suitability of clothing, and intensity of activity on motivational responses. Therefore, the physical characteristics, perceptions, and contextual factors of the individual should be considered, as well as the thermal properties of clothing.

Moisture accumulation is a critical determinant of motivation, especially in sub-dimensions, such as physical comfort and avoidance of failure. Thermoregulatory studies have shown that heat stress and sweating-related discomfort can impair cognitive function and negatively affect exercise continuity³⁴. The observation that motivation scores decreased in clothing conditions defined as “very humid” in this study provides empirical support that environmental and clothing-related discomfort can weaken task commitment. In addition, Tiggemann and Zaccardo (2018) suggested that clothing that provides physical comfort during exercise indirectly affects motivation by increasing self-perception and body satisfaction. This is particularly related to clothing’s conformity to the body and does not restrict mobility³⁵. Kumar et al. (2020) discussed the moisture management properties of fabrics used in sportswear and the effects of these properties on user comfort. Synthetic fabrics, especially polyesters, provide better moisture management than natural fabrics, such as cotton and viscose³⁶.

Finally, the findings regarding accessory expectations also indicate a significant effect on motivational outcomes. In particular, individuals with pragmatic expectations such as functionality or sweat absorbency scored higher on task-oriented motivation dimensions such as “approaching success” and “self-expression through effort”, which is consistent with the findings of Kim (2013)³⁷. This study examined individuals’ highly functional sportswear needs and purchase intentions according to their sports participation motivations. This study reveals how functional features, such as practicality, comfort, body protection, and skin health are related to sports participation motivations. In particular, individuals in the multi-purpose motivation group were found to have a strong need for highly functional sportswear. These studies have shown that task-related equipment can increase participation continuity by strengthening individuals’ perceptions of behavioral control. In contrast, the association of aesthetic or fashion-oriented expectations with lower scores on some sub-dimensions is consistent with previous findings that external approval and appearance-based motivation can deviate from task-oriented motivation⁸.

When these findings are evaluated together, it is understood that clothing can affect both physical and psychological performance. These results have important practical implications for sportswear designers, coaches, marketing experts, and performance psychologists. Such data are of great importance both in terms of providing comfortable conditions that support motivation and in terms of a more conscious design of the psychological effects of clothing products. In future studies, the causal effects of sportswear features on motivational structures could be revealed in more detail by using larger samples and experimental methods.

Conclusion

According to the results of the study, sports clothing with various characteristics such as sportswear-fabric type, brand, moisture accumulation, accessory expectations, and perception of protection against heat/sweating can have significant effects on individuals’ motivational tendencies in sports. In particular, the differences observed in sub-dimensions such as achievement-oriented motivation, task commitment, and failure avoidance indicate that clothing comfort and perceptual factors are directly related to psychological readiness and performance orientation. Although not all variables produced statistically significant effects, the observed trends suggest that sportswear has an impact not only on physical, but also on cognitive and emotional processes. Clothing-related elements such as functionality, thermal comfort, brand perception, and personal expectations play a decisive role in how individuals feel and approach a task. These findings have practical implications in a wide range of fields, from sportswear design to training planning, performance psychology, and consumer behavior. In future studies, the causal dimension of these relationships should be examined in greater depth using larger samples and experimental designs. In addition, individual differences (e.g., gender, body image, brand loyalty) can be considered when examining multilayered clothing factors affecting motivation in more detail.

In conclusion, sportswear is not just an outer covering, it is an important environmental factor that can contribute to an individual’s psychological performance. Therefore, functional and psychological factors should be considered in a holistic approach to the production and selection of sportswear.

Author contributions

E.T.Ö. and T.M.B wrote the manuscript and made the analysis together.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.