I had the opportunity to speak with Lila Plus about athletic clothes for women 14/16+, because (to be honest) it's not the most popular subject. For all the plus women out there looking for styles that hold up to vigorous activity or substantially different seasons, here are some basics on choosing the right athletic gear, and in the right fabric.
Q: We have all been confused before when trying to understand these new performance fabrics. What should we be looking for when we shop for workout gear?
A: Fitness clothes have come a long way since drawstring sweats and the basic cotton tee. New high-tech fabrics have been developed for a wide range of active sports. Usually made from polyester fibers, these technical fabrics are designed to make us more comfortable when working out compared to natural fibers like cotton.
Simply put, high performance fabrics breathe, unlike traditional textiles, allowing you to stay cool and dry. Various combinations of polyester, spandex, nylon and cotton make up most of the fitness clothing we buy today.
Lila Plus also sent a guide to some of their favorite workout fabrics and blends. You can use this exclusive interview addendum to help choose the right combination for you.
Polyester and Spandex/Lycra
Most fitness tops are made of this combination. It provides excellent stretch. and allows moisture to be moved away from the skin, keeping the body cool when you get your heart rate going. Super durable and soft, this fabric looks great after years of wear.
Nylon with Spandex/Lycra
Nylon with Spandex is a durable lightweight, soft fabric. It is light enough for running yet durable enough for outdoor adventures.
Poly/Cotton and Spandex/Lycra
This is a soft blend and appropriate for various weather conditions. Four-way stretch makes this fabric a favorite for comfort and a popular choice for Yoga.
Wicking
Look for this when you want to keep your skin as cool and dry as possible. Wicking fabrics are made from high-tech polyester, which, unlike cotton, absorbs very little water. They provide great moisture control by moving perspiration away from the body to the fabric's outer surface where it can evaporate. They are soft, lightweight, and breathable. Wicking fabrics do have some stretch and are great for running and cycling jerseys.
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial fabrics offer a great solution to a common side effect of athletics; they fight odor and harmful bacteria associated with perspiration. For athletic apparel, this means that clothing items won't smell as bad before and after washing.
Sun Protective
Most sun protective fabrics (also called SPF fabric) are tightly woven/knit and may (or may not) be chemically treated with UV inhibitors, providing sun protection during outdoor activities. Nylon, cotton and polyester are used.
Wind Blocking
Wind-blocking technology is designed to provide enhanced climate protection and comfort. An ultra-light, breathable membrane is applied to linings or placed between layers of fabric to resist wind and keep you comfortable. With fewer layers and less bulk this technology is ideal for many outdoor activities.
Fleece/ Micro Fleece
Microfleece, usually referred to as "fleece", is a soft synthetic wool like fabric made from recycled plastic bottles or other synthetic fibers. Because it is made from polyester, it doesn't retain any water. Fleece is a great fabric for providing warmth and wicking away moisture. It is spun so that its fibers trap air and hold heat in. Fleece is soft, lightweight, and designed to insulate without making you feel too heavy or bulky; it is quick drying and water-resistant. Wear a fleece jacket underneath a jacket and you can go virtually anywhere in any cold weather. Polartec was the original fleece fabric manufacturer. Now there are many fleece fabrics on the market. Be careful when choosing fleece to avoid pilling and fading during washings.
Eco-Friendly
* Organic cotton is grown without pesticides. Organic cotton is a popular choice for yoga and palates. Pants that are made of smooth polyester fabric can make it difficult to assume some yoga positions. A pair of loose cotton pants may be better suited to yoga because there is a little more texture to the fabric.
* Recycled Polyester: Polyester created from used polyester garments and sometimes post-consumer plastic bottles. The ?eco-friendliness? of recycled polyester depends on the recycling process, and the original polyester itself.
* Bamboo Fiber: Bamboo fabric is very comfortable and 100% biodegradable. Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. It has been increasing in popularity because it is light and strong, has excellent wicking properties, and is somewhat antibacterial.
Most apparel manufacturers work with the textile industry to develop their own exclusive technical fabrics so don?t be overwhelmed by the many different names on the clothing you are considering purchasing. COOLMAX®, DRI-FIT ® , CoolLite?, Captivate, ClimaLite, and QuickWick are just a few.
Q: So are performance fabrics really worth it?
A: With all the great performance fabrics available, there has never been a better time to find the right apparel for your individual sport. The most important thing to remember is that when you purchase high performance workout clothing, you are going to remain dry and comfortable during your workout, making it more fun and enjoyable. When you are comfortable, you are motivated.
