School Sportswear Guide: What PE Kit to wear in summer and winter

Whether it’s a PE lesson on the school field or an indoor session in the sports hall, having the right school sportswear for students can make all the difference to their enjoyment and performance. As the seasons change, so do the demands on sportswear, with pupils needing to stay cool and comfortable in hotter temperatures while remaining warm and protected in colder months.

From lightweight t-shirts and shorts to track pants, sweat tops and jackets, having a versatile selection of sportswear allows pupils to adapt their kit to the activity and weather conditions. Choosing clothing that is made from breathable fabrics can help prevent overheating during high-intensity exercise, while layering provides extra warmth when temperatures drop.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to wear for school sports in summer and winter, looking at the best options for both indoor and outdoor activities and how the right combination of clothing can help pupils stay comfortable all year round.

What should be included in a school sports kit?

A well-rounded school sports kit should give pupils the flexibility to take part in a range of different sports and activities comfortably, whatever the season. While the exact sportswear requirements will vary between schools and sports, a versatile kit will typically include:

Having a selection of adaptable sportswear means pupils can add or remove layers as temperatures change, helping them stay comfortable without overheating or getting too cold. At Avec Sport, we understand that schools need sportswear that is comfortable, practical and built to perform which is where our Avec for education scheme comes in, allowing us to provide schools across the UK with high quality sportswear that can be fully customised, with discounts on bulk orders.

What should students wear for PE in Summer?

When temperatures rise, the focus of school sportswear should be on keeping pupils cool, comfortable and free to move. Lightweight, breathable clothing is particularly important during the summer as it helps students manage sweat and avoid overheating as they exercise.

For most summer PE sessions, a lightweight sports top and comfortable shorts will be the most practical choice that provides great airflow and flexibility. These items should be made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to move sweat away from the skin, and offer a comfortable fit that gives pupils the freedom to run, jump and stretch without feeling restricted.

Some of our recommendations are the Focus 2 classic jersey, which is made from quick-dry fabrics and features mesh side panels to help with ventilation and temperature regulation. The matching Focus 2 classic shorts are also made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to ensure pupils are kept cool, dry, and comfortable when playing sports.

FOCUS 2 CLASSIC JERSEY and FOCUS 2 CLASSIC SHORT

Keep in mind where the activity is taking place, if your students are taking part in outdoor sports it’s vital that they also have appropriate sun protection like sports caps, and SPF, as well as regular access to water to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is vital, especially in summer, so having a good water bottle to hand is another necessary bit of kit. Our blog on ‘How to tackle hydration in young footballers’ goes into more detail about why this is important.

The key is to avoid unnecessary layers and choose sportswear that allows heat and moisture to escape. Having a selection of lightweight t-shirts and shorts for the summer will help pupils stay comfortable and focused throughout their activity, making taking part in sports more enjoyable.

What should students wear for PE in winter?

As temperatures drop, school sportswear needs to provide enough warmth without restricting movement. This is particularly important for outdoor PE, where cold temperatures, wind and rain can make it difficult for pupils to stay comfortable. The key is to choose practical layers that can be added or removed depending on the weather and intensity of the activity. Layering is especially useful because, instead of relying on one heavy garment, they have multiple options to adjust their clothing as their temperature changes once they start exercising.

For outdoor sports in winter, a base layer underneath a sports t-shirt can provide an extra level of warmth while remaining lightweight and still allowing for freedom of movement. Track pants can also be worn in place of shorts, along with a training jacket for additional protection from the cold. Our Focus 2 sweat top and track pants are a great option for winter sports in school as they provide an extra layer of warmth without added bulk, and use all the same lightweight, quick-dry fabrics to regulate body temperatures and keep things comfortable. An outer layer like a wind-resistant jacket can also be particularly useful before and after activity, when the body is cooler and pupils are more exposed to the elements.

FOCUS 2 OVERLAY and FOCUS 2 TECH PANT

Indoor activities in the winter may require a different approach, as they will be naturally warmer than the outdoors, meaning pupils may only need a lightweight sports t-shirt and shorts once they begin exercising. Warmer layers can then be added before and after the session or when moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. Our blog on ‘How to stay warm when playing football in winter’ provides further tips on how to manage taking part in sporting events in colder weather.

What is the best material for school sportswear?

The best material for school sportswear should be comfortable, breathable and durable enough to handle regular activity and washing. For school sports, lightweight performance fabrics are the most popular choice as they allow pupils to move freely while helping to manage sweat during exercise.

Moisture-wicking materials help draw sweat away from the skin, making them particularly useful for high-intensity activities and warmer weather. Breathable fabrics can also help regulate body temperature, helping pupils stay comfortable without overheating. Our junior sportswear is made from the highest quality performance materials, designed to help kids stay dry and comfortable when taking part in sport.

Choose the right school sportswear for every season

By choosing breathable, practical and versatile sportswear that work across both indoor and outdoor activities, in all weathers, schools can help pupils feel confident and ready to take part all year round.

At Avec Sport, we provide high-quality, fully customisable sportswear designed to meet the needs of schools across the UK. Whether you're looking to refresh your PE kit, introduce seasonal layers or create a complete sportswear collection, our Avec for Education scheme makes it easy to find the right kit for your school.