ColdPruf, Marc New York, Headsweats, 2XU, tasc Performance, OnTip® Gloves=ENDURANCE SPORTS
At the most recent Outdoor Retailer---we saw several brands with performance wear and base layers that are available now...
Single layer engineering for active adventures |
Wearing 4-6 layers of clothes when biking in the cold---yes, means a slower mph...so we started thinking --- its time for an upgrade of our base layers .
Thermal warmth is one thing---but moisture management is really important...and older born base layers aren't up to the task. The first two hours are okay---then the wet layers make us cold. Not nice.
WHAT IS NICE-ColdPruf®-makers of affordable, washable-easy care separates...color-coded (Therma-Choice® system) by activity and temperature--- that takes the guess work out of 'what not to wear.'
Warmth and superior wicking/drying material for this brand is comes courtesy of ColdPruf Technical Fiber (CPT)-a proprietary fabric with the functionality embedded in the molecular structure of the polyester fiber during its polymer stage...for lasting performance---not a coating.
New for 2013 is the Premium Performance™ layers-single layer engineering with 15% spandex for shape retention and a trim fit, maximum dryness and anti-microbial odor control...for medium and high activities.
Repreve® materials-from recycled materials (plastic bottles) in the mix for the Eco-Terra line of separates. AND-no tag |
Crew tops, pants, union suits- one pieces---in various categories...including the cold busting Authentic Wool Plus™ layers for men---with 40% merino wool in the mix---with its bumped up natural performance features in the 2 layer design that traps heat.
And all have construction details-like comfort waistbands, non chafing flat seams, tag less tops and bottoms (we usually rip them out---no need here)...extended tails, hemmed or ribbed cuffs...accurate sizing too.
Andrew Marc's MARC NEW YORK label is rolling out a line of performance wear that we saw a few months back...delivering now.
Danica $45 flattering stretchy capris with side stripe color pop |
A wide range of pretty colors too.
Morgan-over sized cowl neck pull-over of French Terry $55 |
Morgan- |
HOPE-$45 leggings---available in 3 colors including black |
CUTE---the back pockets on this slim fitting workout compression-like HOPE capri/leggings
tops---wearable in the gym and out on the streets |
caps/visors-galore |
There are a lot of head cover options available...all very functional-especially the wide brim, baseball cap style made with CoolMax® with moisture management properties and the new Eventure™ knit and woven fabrics...that are wicking, quick drying and lightweight (hats weighing less than 2oz) with the added bonus of being exclusive to Headsweats®
chances are your college alma mater has sporty caps/visors made by Headsweats University |
Woven in SPF+ too---Super Duty Race Hat $22-with 2inch wide CoolMax® sweatband, ultra lightweight,, extremely wicking/drying |
nice touch-in the race caps---a CoolMax® terry sweatband---Race Hat SBR with EVENTURE™ $24 |
Importantly- details like a black under visor to reduce glare---in the race caps...an adjustable back buckle that accommodates pony-tails, and machine washable!
Tri Supervisor-$22-Eventure™ Woven Fabric shell, Eventure™ elastic for a great fit, Eventure™ Fabric terry sweatband keeps perspiration out Black undervisor reduces glare, Machine washable. |
This was a Fall 2013 show-so there were several beanies on display to wear under helmets, caps...and on their own.
Sweattech Skull -3 layer EVENTURE™ Fleece warmth with CoolMax® sweatband $20 |
Fleece Race Hat $24-mid-weight EVENTURE™ Fleece |
Warm Cycle Cap$23-mid-weight EVENTURE™ Fleece |
United States Ski and Snowboard Association= terrific sport specific pieces for on (and off) the slopes |
jackets and pants for colder temps with thermal properties |
We can't think of any serious athlete-amateur or pro--- ...who does not wear compression wear...it's a given. No surprise, this Aussie founded brand has alliances with a lot of USA based organizations like the United States Ski and Snowboard Association and Ironman® triathlons (doing one of those- so our 2XU pieces get a lot of wear time).
Here's hoping 2XU takes a cue from Spanx/Donna Karan---and starts making 'lifestyle' compressive hosiery we can wear to work events.
TASC Performance Wear is a new to us---but as we learned-sold like, everywhere.
It is a family-owned (Andrews/ New Orleans) brand that makes a large assortment of apparel for a wide variety of active people---with its proprietary tasc Performance BamCo® -a unique blend of viscose from bamboo, organic cotton and elastane---for lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch, anti-odor, chemical-free performance features---in great color waves that are all naturally UPF+50 protective..
Streets V Tee $30-longer body length-cozy jersey knit sizes s-xxl |
Men's Blaze $35-performance jersey-FlowMesh fabrics-mesh panels at shoulders and back superior ventilation |
Bamboo Merino Base Layers---temperature regulating, dries quickly, anti-odor---exceptional next to skin softness, and strategic seam placement---as in under-arm gusset, raglan sleeves...this half zip top for women $90. Thumbholes for great fit, stand-up collar with lock down zipper
NEW FOR SPRING 2013...tennis ready---swerve skirt-adorable and functional...
Not that we text when we work-out---but the insulating Superlite Puff Gloves (via Thinsulate™) gloves ---are cozy warm and ideal for outdoor endeavors like hiking. No wonder the company makes touch enabled gloves for other brands.
There is also a thinner but still warm Stretch Gloves --- with a silicone palm print for a secure grip (in our case-a water bottle)--- plus-made of polyester/elastane that dries fast. We use when running. $29.50
FYI---it has to be a snug fit for actions more than just swiping a touchscreen...so small hand size adults should check out the kids sizes.