I didn’t know why everyone in the supermarket was staring – then I looked down
A mother told of a “humiliating” experience she had in a supermarket after a workout.
Personal trainer Alana Clarkson, 45, taught a HIIT class before doing some grocery shopping on her way home.
She told News.com.au: “Like many busy moms, I’m always short on time, so I decided to grab a few items after my workout and I wore a pair of dark gray workout leggings.
“As I was leaving, I dropped some groceries and noticed people in a nearby cafe staring at me.
“When I looked down I saw that my dark gray tights were covered in sweat around the crotch, making it look like I had wet myself. I was mortified.”
And it wasn’t the first time this issue had been raised.
She added: “I often heard women at the gym talking about avoiding certain colours because they were worried they would show too much sweat.
“Many would say that they sometimes felt distracted during their workouts, constantly wondering if the sweat patches around their groin were too obvious, making them feel insecure.”
Although the experience was embarrassing for Alana, it truly changed her life.
She decided to take action and do something about women’s sportswear that is not sweat-resistant.
Alana continues: “It became clear to me that despite the oversaturated fitness apparel market, there was a significant gap for activewear that prioritized practical solutions.
“Although I never intended to start my own brand, I felt compelled to create something that met this need – first for myself, and then for other women.”
This led to the launch of her activewear brand, Idea Athletics.
What sets it apart is the bamboo fiber lining placed in the crotch, inner thighs, buttocks and chest.
Alana said: “Bamboo is naturally porous and incredibly absorbent, making InvisiSweat very effective at preventing sweat stains from showing through the outer fabric.
“It took me two years of research, development and over 25 prototypes to perfect InvisiSweat, and I am incredibly proud of the result.
“This highly functional, solution-oriented design works effectively against annoying sweat stains and is not too bulky to wear.
“You only see InvisiSweat when you turn our clothes inside out. It is invisible on the outside.”
And it seems like it has been very well received by customers.
She said: “The response from our customers has been fantastic and that is what drives me the most. All my company decisions are made based on the feedback I receive.
“I am so grateful for the supportive and loyal community of Idea Athletic customers.
“I receive so many direct messages from women telling me how much they appreciate the InvisiSweat solution I developed because it allows them to focus on their workout without worrying about sweating.
“I never get tired of these messages because they really make my day. I make sure to personally respond to each customer to thank them for taking the time to contact me.”