Fashion.co.nz Feature: Spicy Summer Sportswear

Spicy Summer Sportswear - In the 40’s American designer Claire McCardell cut masculine pantsuits and harem pj’s out of government surpluses of cotton weather balloons. The result: the birth of sportswear.

Defined as garments designed for engaging in sports or for informal or casual wear, sportswear fashion has grown in importance over recent years due to its link with lifestyles that require easy-to-wear clothing. Whether it be at the gym, walking the dog, going on the boat, relaxing at home or enjoying the great outdoors, sportswear is such a revelation in fashion that many designers have created labels specially dedicated to it.

For example the Summer 06/07 collection from Petrena features an entire section devoted to sports and leisurewear. Their name has long been recognised in the sports arena by both men and women, and while the label has recently transitioned to focus on women’s fashion a section of the range will always be devoted to sportswear. With nautical shades of blue, white and red, the garments are functional, stylish and can be worn anywhere from the golf course to lunch with friends.

Undoubtedly the label most synonymous with New Zealand sportswear is Canterbury. Their collection for Spring/Summer 2006 embraces its energetic sporting heritage, comfort, quality and clean silhouettes, while updating the range to provide fashionable streetwear with a sporty edge for the savvy dresser. The label’s new direction is reflective in the five themes available in the men and women’s collection that will be rolled out from August.

Relax or Work It - The VSSP Summer 06/07 collection also shows off sportswear style with an independent and youthful streak. Jersey knit dresses are ideal for comfort, coolness and fit; while Palazzo pants make a refreshing return. For the ultimate in summer chic, choose one of their white sundresses or a crisp white shirt to go perfectly with denim. The collection offers an incredible array of exclusive fabrics from funky florals to jungle motifs, while many of their dresses and tops feature subtle ruche detailing through the waist offering emphasis in the most flattering way.

Mountainsilk Sport is a 100% Merino second layer edition of Untouched World's renowned fabric. It has the outstanding benefits of softness, durability, insulation, moisture management, temperature regulation, UV resistance, fire resistance and odour resistance. It is machine washable and is even good for the environment! Mountainsilk Sport garments have been cut a little looser than their namesake garments so they can be worn as a second layer and has excellent natural stretch and recovery properties, so it will keep its shape no matter how hard your workout is!

The fresh and seductive, cotton- based range of underwear james&august has branched into casual wear, great for wearing anywhere from the gym to walking the dog. Long sleeved tees, hoodies and the most comfy pants are set to become a staple for many and definitely live up to the philosophy of owners/designers Sally Ridge and Nikki Blackley - that everything from james&august should feel as good as it looks.

Finish your outfit with a shoe for running, the gym, golf, to wear with jeans or simply for out and about with the diverse range from Puma. Constantly fusing the creative influences from the world of sport, lifestyle and fashion, Puma offer performance footwear, apparel, accessories and select lifestyle pieces for men and women. Whether you want, PUMA has it all…and with so many styles to choose from this season, there is something for everyone. We love the Puma Complete Tenos range as it is designed with the neutral runner. Its focus is on a smooth ride with flexibility, superior cushioning combined with upper support. It is a great tool for training, competition and/or fitness.

Let’s get intimate - The sports bra can now legitimately be described as a piece of equipment, as essential to active women as a pair of trainers. Breasts need to be held firmly in position during exercise to minimise the bouncing that causes stretching of the Coopers ligament. The ligament stops the breasts from sagging and once stretched out, damage is irreversible.

You can always have confidence in Triumph’s intelligently designed sports bras. The Tri-Action Sport Underwire Bra offers level 3 support and features wide shoulder straps and smooth moulded cups give great shape. The new season brings a fun sporty blue in addition to black and white basics. The seasonal blue even goes up to DD cups, while the basic colours go up to E, ensuring every woman can rest assured and simply focus on their active lives.

Bendon Sport also has a comprehensive and highly engineered range including silicone-covered underwires, slimline side bones to reduce underarm chafing and bendy plastic bra strap slides that move with the body. Convertible straps offer racer back and standard strap options and strategically placed mesh and quick-dry fabrics draw moisture away from key sweat zones. They also offer a complete sportswear collection that allows the wearer to mix and match profiles depending on personal requirements.

Tampons remain the favourite protection method for women engaging in regular exercise during their period. Recent fashion trends in sportswear have given sanitary protection manufacturers the opportunity to innovate and focus on improved technology, absorbency and evolve ultra thin and more easily inserted products. Carefree Slims with the unique Silk Ease™ cover is a smoother, slimmer tampon for comfortable protection during athletic activities; they conveniently and discretely tuck into the smallest handbag, gymbag or pocket and don’t bulge out of skin-tight sportswear.

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