Were you brought up by a mother with a near-pathological commitment to natural fibres? I was. When it came to day-to-day dressing, mother did know best, but it took several years, some blisters and the realisation that cotton holds water like a sponge to reprogramme my brainwashed mind into accepting that synthetic fibres are the only option for exercise gear, right down to butt-hugging sports knickers.

This, however, does not include socks. Wool for socks rocks; its ability to wick away moisture and cushion the foot make it a saviour for long-distance running and hikes. Over short distances, nothing can part me from my beloved, anatomically snug, synthetic Asics running socks.

Synthetic fibres can do extraordinary things now. Canterbury makes kit from ionising fabrics that adapt to body temperature and can actually energise the body's electrical circuits. In terms of performance, the difference is minute, but the added comfort and support go some way towards making physical activity far more pleasurable.

As for fashion, when Stella McCartney started working with Adidas and Comme des Garçons with Speedo, I was one of the first in line. Sadly, despite the cool colourways and fly designs that fashion brings to sports kit, it's still the nerdy stuff that generally fits best. McCartney once did a fantastic line in crazily coloured old-school running shorts: her bright-orange ones hugged my bottom across the Sahara for a week. Of course, I wore performance-enhancing Nike compression shorts underneath for support.

When it comes to footwear, the Asics range of running shoes might look uncool - you could even say ugly - and no hoodlum would ever mug you for a pair of them. In terms of being fit for purpose, however, they are without parallel - to the point where their superior function has made their form a thing of beauty to my sporty eye. Occasionally, I wear them out, and am then reminded that only another runner would ever be able to appreciate them as I do. And there's the thing. Sometimes we want to shout about the absurd amounts of joy we get from our sporty highs and physical jerks - and the things that help us to get there.

Because love is blind, one glance at my Asics can still make my heart beat faster, but even I can admit the head-turning allure of fine aesthetics. So, by all means, mix up your technicals with a bit of Y-3 and Prada Linea Rossa for a more fashionable, less functional sports kit. That way, you can more easily convince the world that being sporty is just about the coolest thing there is. After all, none of us is going to the Olympics. Sport is really about having fun, keeping strong and looking good. Sometimes you need to throw a bit of fashion in to the mix, just to let everyone else know what an ace time you're having.

Times recommends

• The grim reality of life as an air stewardess
• 50 of the world's best design blogs
• Video: Georgia Jagger on fashion and her mum's clothes