A MUM has shared how she had a “mortifying” experience in a supermarket following a workout.
Personal trainer Alana Clarkson, 45, had been teaching a HIIT class before popping to get some groceries on the way home.
She told News.com.au: “Like many busy mums, I’m always short on time, so I decided to grab a few items post-workout and I was wearing dark grey activewear tights.
“As I was leaving, I dropped some groceries and noticed people at a nearby cafe staring at me.
“When I looked down, I realised that my dark grey tights were covered in sweat around the crotch area, making it look like I’d wet myself. I was absolutely mortified.”
And it wasn’t the first time the issue had come up.
She added: “I’d often hear women in the gym talk about avoiding certain colours because they were worried it would show too much sweat.
“Many would say that at times they felt distracted during their workouts, constantly wondering if the sweat marks around their crotch were too obvious, which made them feel self-conscious.”
While the experience had been embarrassing for Alana, it actually helped to change her life.
She decided to take action and do something about women’s activewear that isn’t sweat proof.
Alana continued: “It became clear to me that, despite the over-saturated fitness apparel market, there was a significant gap for activewear that prioritised practical solutions.
“Although I’d never planned on starting my own brand, I felt compelled to create something to meet this need – first for myself, and then for other women.”
This led to the launch of her activewear brand, Idea Athletic.
What sets it apart is the bamboo fibre lining which is placed in the crotch, inner thigh, buttock and bust areas of the clothing.
Alana said: “Bamboo is naturally porous and incredibly absorbent, making InvisiSweat highly effective at working to prevent sweat marks from showing through to the outside fabric.
“It took me two years of research, development, and over 25 prototypes to perfect InvisiSweat, and I’m incredibly proud of the result.
“This highly functional, solution-focused design effectively works to combat awkward sweat marks while being non bulky to wear.
“You can only see InvisiSweat when you flip our garments inside out – on the outside, it’s invisible.”
And it seems to have gone down very well with customers.
She said: “The response from our customers has been fantastic, and it’s what drives me the most. All of my business decisions are guided by the feedback that I receive.
“The supportive and loyal community of Idea Athletic customers is something that I am so grateful for.
“I receive so many direct messages from women letting me know how much they value the InvisiSweat solution that I’ve created as it’s allowed them to focus on the workout without the worry of sweat.
“I’ll never tire of reading these messages as they really do make my day and I like to ensure that I personally respond to every customer to thank them for taking the time to reach out.”
