Fitness apparel is making big strides in fashon and versatility. Shapeless, bulky sweats and gray, sagging T-shirts are in the out basket. Bright colors, lightweight material and most importantly, comfortable fitting fabrics are on the grab pile. Follow these trends to become fashionably fit:
GET COMPRESSED
Some studies show that compression apparel can enhance performance by increasing blood circulation. The most popular brand is Under Armor. THese garments are engineered to optimize muschle power and stamina, reduce fatique and regulate body temperature. Professional athletes started this trend, but casual exercisers on the sidelines have caught on.
TIP: Tops with longer torsos flatter all sizes by elongating the waist.
BE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
Matching shirts and jackets in the same fabric and color can be paired with versatile pants to create an outfit functional enough to go from the gym to the mall.
GO RETRO
Picture Wimbledon circa 1980, and a vision of tennis great Chris Evert in a one-piece tennis dress comes to mind. Fast forward to 1012 and a similar fashion is overtaking the running world, says Dean Morrow, owner of Run-N-Tri in Gulfport. Looking ofr comfor and in some cases, a little more coverage, women are donning a running dress and matching brief or a similarly made skirt before heading out for a run or, like Evert, a game of tennis.
MANAGE MOISTURE
Look for tops and bottoms made of "breathable" fiber to keep you cool and dry. Popular brands at area retailers are Under Armour and DryFit. Under Armour has a line of odr-control clothing that claims to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes.
TIP: Make sure the fabric is either a cotton/synthetic blend, or purely synthetic such as Spandex, Lycra and Nylon. The blends tend to be softer.
MAKE IT LIGHT
Runners and those who engage in serious sports have one mantra when it comes to shoes: "Less is more," says Lady Foot Locker manager Sam Bordeaux. Lightweight performance shoes feature lightweight mesh and sunthetic construction with sturdy, yet cushy foam support.
BE SEEN
Bright colors are back. Hot coral and lime, grounded by black or white, are trendy. Softer shades of powder blue and aqua also are popular.
TIP: Choose colors that complement your skin tone.