You might have heard the term “technical fabric” before — it refers to high-performance fabrics created specifically for fitness gear and sportswear. Many of these fabrics are designed to pull moisture from your skin during periods of heavy sweating, spreading it evenly throughout the fabric so that sweat evaporates quicker, leaving your body dryer after an intense workout. Other types of technical fabrics are designed to help insulate your body in cold weather without adding bulky layers. There's even a type of fabric with silver infused in it that absorbs the smell of sweat so that you can re-wear it over again!
Over the past few years, fabric scientists have come a long way in developing these fabrics, and many well-known brands have created stylish designs with them. Here are a few of our favorite threads that will keep your body temperature normal while looking uber chic.
One of Lululemon's most popular fabrics, Luxtreme® is primarily used in running gear for women and men. The moisture wicking is inherent in the fabric so will last for the life of the garment.
One of the newest and coolest types of insulating technology, KLYMIT’s NobleTek insulation uses argon gas to keep your body warm. Each vest comes with a small tank of the stable gas, and one pump should last you several months. One layer of the gas traps as much warmth as a traditional jacket that’s twice as thick. Plus, you can adjust the amount of argon in your vest as the temperature gets warmer or cooler! It's like a personal A/C thermostat.
3) Silverescent Run Swiftly Top $68
Anti-stink — need we say more? Our favorite fabric from Lululemon, Silverescent, uses X-STATIC® – The Silver Fiber®, to create an anti-bacterial material perfect for fitness garb. Whereas your standard cotton tanks tend to hold onto that yucky smell even after washing, the Silverescent line of threads inhibits bacteria growth so that you can re-wear time and time again. Made for women, but more importantly, also for our smelly men ;)
4) Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket $189