Active Wear fabrics that yield fun
While there is not a plethora of flattering items to choose from, the well-dressed woman does not need dozens of outfits to be well-dressed. Needing an abundance of clothing, I believe, is reminiscent of the insecurity this column seeks to assuage. Instead, having a half dozen or so separate pieces that work well with each other will provide a constant stream of “go-to” good looks while not compromising your bank account or ego.
Fabric
The winner is polyester combined with Coolmax (or similar dry-weave fabric), approximately fifty/fifty in proportion. Hands-down this will have the slimmest drape, provide contour, look cool and crisp every time and wash like a charm. This fabric is likely to be made into skorts, shorts, capris, slacks and skirts. To be fair, there are many other innovational fabrics on the market today that do a great job.
The second runner up is Tencel. Similarly, this fabric has great drape and can be cut to offer contour and shape to a garment. It is a little heavier and actually a generation older than Coolmax but it has great weight for casual clothing, think spectator not participant. You will see tops and bottoms made of Tencel.
The third place winner is a flat stretch-knit, tightly woven, obviously synthetic fabric. This is where you must be careful that the garment will retain a flattering shape. It is imperative for the fabric to resume its original shape after washing in the machine. Keep the dryer time to a minimum, maybe fifteen minutes and then hang up to dry completely. If the garment is disappointing after this process, return it. This type of fabric will be found in sporty knit separates, jackets and bottoms (think refined warm-up suit.)
In fourth place we have cotton combined with spandex. Look for three-five percent spandex if you want the garment to look good after the first washing. Cotton still makes the best tee shirts and polos.
Finally, denim, in blue, black, white or the colors of the rainbow, can be a fun option, look slenderizing and be fun. Again, look for three to five percent of spandex or Lycra to be combined with the cotton. Denim jackets are a favorite of mine, but mostly, you will look for denim bottoms, skirts and jeans.
Remember: active wear is meant to have fun in so don’t compromise a good time with an obsession over “what to wear.”