Are You Suffocating Your Performance Apparel?

Performance apparel is quickly becoming our first choice for gym workouts, weekend runs to the grocery store, or a relaxing evening at home. Not only is the material soft and comfortable, it is becoming very fashion forward thanks to brands like H&M and lulumon. People want clothes they can wear while running errands, which allows them to go straight to their yoga class and back home again without changing. Performance apparel is exactly what your customer or guest is looking for!

In the 1970’s when the performance apparel category began, it included a material known as “Gore-Tex®”. Millions of tiny air spaces in the fabric allowed vapor to be released, but were too small for liquids to pass. This created the “breathability” property which is an important feature of all modern performance wear today.

In the 1980’s, treated polyester, created from a synthetic fiber, was born. The material had tiny grooves and a chemical coating which helped to channel perspiration, sweat or snow away from the wearer. This was a new feature. Absorbent cotton was the fabric of choice at the time.

In the 1990’s, you started seeing fabric which had “wicking” properties. It would carry the sweat from the skin and dissipate over a broader surface to help it evaporate. This kept the wearer cool and dry.

What the apparel industry has learned over the past 40 years is that no matter how breathable a fabric is, if you are protected from the rain, snow and a wide range of temperatures, you will be more comfortable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a soldier marching with 100 lbs of gear or someone who enjoys long walks through the park, comfort enhances performance.

The key to comfort with today’s lightweight performance wear is to layer. If you adjust your clothing before your exertion level changes, you can avoid moisture accumulation and stay dry. When humidity is high, moisture can impede the wicking and vapor transfer and permeability decreases when clothing becomes saturated. Direct ventilation is critical.

In extreme conditions, for example, you can start with a silk layer-which acts as a lubricant. Less friction means less energy consumption when exercising. The next layer should be insulating. The thicker the layer the greater the loft-which keeps you warm. The top outer layer while be most effective if mostly impermeable.

With all the amazing properties of performance apparel, the key to maintain these features is the proper care of the fabrics. Follow the instructions on the label and you will receive maximum performance! Certain substances from fabric softeners or dryer sheets can sometimes clog the “pores” of the fabric. Fabric softener contains a silicone which is a fatty, wax-like substance that will adhere to apparel to make it feel smoother on your skin. Unfortunately, when this clings to the fibers of the material it “suffocates it” and blocks the static electricity that some polyesters need to work properly. This will then affect the wicking properties of your garment. The silicone will also limit the amount of moisture that fabrics can absorb and this affects the breathability factor.

For ultimate performance, hand dry your performance wear. Heat will cause the moisture-wicking substance on your apparel to wear away, it can cause clothing to shrink or maybe even begin to melt, and will alter the antimicrobial functionality, which inhibits the growth of bacteria.

If you find a garment is not performing like it did in the past, you may have some options. For instance a durable water repellant finish, which contributes to the jacket’s breathability by causing liquid to bead up and off, can be revived with a gentle washing and a quick tumble on low in the dryer. You could also try a wash-in product that will retreat the garment. Proper care will enhance durability, stretch and stain protection. All features necessary whether you work in a restaurant, the construction industry or just have a tendency to spill at lunch!

Keep in mind that performance apparel has a high perceived value. It is no longer just associated with sporting events and team wear. It’s also an eco-friendly choice that may surprise your customer or guest. Polyester doesn’t use arable land for production and does not require heating washing or drying. Last year 5 million tons of polyester was produced from recycled items, such as disposable water bottles!

Now you can choose apparel that is environmentally friendly, popular in the retail world and at MARCO, easy on the budget as well!