Fashion News
Winter Wardrobe: How to Look Good and Stay Warm New “Smart Fabrics” Provide Streamlined Ways to Beat the Cold
By
Dec 3, 2005, 23:38

(ARA) – It’s the eternal dilemma of cold weather wardrobing: Wear enough layers to feel warm outside, and you’ll be sweltering once you reach your indoor destination. Under-dress for indoor comfort and you could spend your commuting time shivering.
With temperatures dropping and heating prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to dress right for winter this year. Fortunately, there’s a new generation of advanced insulating apparel available to help you beat the cold, whether you’re heading outdoors or simply trying to take the chill off after lowering the thermostat at home.

Thanks to the popularity of winter sports, a lot of Americans now understand the benefits of layering our clothes when exercising in cold weather -- and the special importance of a “base layer” that helps retain body warmth by moving perspiration away from our skin. But when it comes to our workday wardrobes, a lot of people still associate “dressing warm” with thick thermal long johns that are hard to get on and off, and too heavy to wear underneath our clothes once we reach the office.

However, the latest looks in “warmwear” solve that problem with base layer designs that are far less bulky and much more comfortable than traditional long johns. Incorporating the same breakthrough fabrics and performance features used in outdoor active wear, these tech-enhanced innovations provide the right kind of warmth without weight for everyday use, indoors and out. Instead of leaving you feeling overstuffed and overheated, some of these products can actually improve your appearance.

For instance, there’s Slimwear from Cuddl Duds, designed to give women a sleek, body-flattering fit, as well as keep them warm and dry. Available in four different tops and bottoms, Slimwear features a specially-developed fabrication that combines the built-in advantages of Meryl nylon and Lycra spandex. Since moisture lowers your body temperature, the natural “wicking” properties of Meryl nylon are used to transport body moisture to the garment’s outer surface, helping to retain body heat, yet the material is also lightweight and breathable enough to keep you from feeling too warm when inside. Meanwhile, the stretch capability of Lycra spandex gives Slimwear garments a gentle sense of shape, plus enhanced freedom of movement.

“It’s not tight or confining, but it provides the kind of light support that many women welcome,” explains Enid Katze, senior vice president and head of merchandising at Cuddl Duds. “There’s a little bit of control built-in through the tummy and midriff, creating a smooth surface for the clothes worn over it.

According to Katze, Slimwear is just one in a series of high tech underwear innovations that use “smart fabrics” to deliver added benefits beyond warmth. “The trend today is for products that can serve multiple purposes, including some that actually adapt to changes in the environment,” she says. Among these are Cuddl Duds’ new Climatesmart tops and long johns, cut from Dupont CoolMax, a temperature-sensitive fabric designed to regulate body heat so that you’re never too hot or too cold.

Besides emphasizing the importance of choosing the right base layer to beat the cold, Katze offers the following tips on staying warm this winter:

* Remember to breathe. Look for outerwear made from materials that are breathable, as well as weather-resistant. You want to lock out the cold and wind, but just as with your base layer, you need a coat that transports perspiration away from your body, rather than locking it in. Also, make sure that you buy outerwear with enough room to accommodate two or more under layers: the air between each layer helps you retain body heat.

* Think with your head. Forty percent or more of body heat can be lost when you leave your head exposed, so wear a hat, and protect your face and neck with a high collar and scarf.

* One pair of socks is enough. Contrary to popular belief, layering your socks doesn’t add warmth: instead, it can restrict circulation and actually make your feet colder.

* A handy idea. Mittens provide greater warmth than gloves, if less dexterity. Regardless of which you choose, look for styles in waterproof, breathable materials, and don’t buy them too tight, since air space at the tips of your fingers provides needed insulation.

You can find Cuddl Duds warmwear at leading retailers nationwide. For more information, log on to www.cuddlduds.com. Courtesy of ARA Content

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