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Women’s Outdoor Wear
By Barbara Sherrill

Spending time outdoors is a hallmark of our Northwest lifestyle. In general, Seattle attire is casual and functional even for business. And when it’s play time we demand clothing that works well, is comfortable -- and looks good -- whether we’re biking, hiking, paddling or skiing. As women, we can now choose from a broader selection of sports apparel that’s been designed specifically for us, and because manufacturers have merged trendy street designs with technical requirements, we can buy clothing that works for both business and pleasure.
The fusing of function and fashion has many benefits for the savvy shopper. If you’re curious to try different activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and skiing, you don’t have to spend a fortune outfitting yourself for each of these sports; there’s “cross-over” clothing that works for all. Internet access allows you to research products while checking out local shops or buying online.

Have you heard these brand names: Kokatat, Isis, Patagonia, Snow Angel and Terry Bike? All of these manufacturing companies have introduced products specially or exclusively designed for women. Patagonia was the first to appear with women’s hiking/climbing shorts; Kokatat was the first to fit women in paddlesports outerwear; and Terry Bicycle, Isis and Snow Angel have led the way for women-specific athletic clothing collections.

Close to You
When you exercise you want to be able to move freely and comfortably. When you sweat, you want a fabric to keep you dry that is soft and light next to the skin. So look for a base layer that consists of polyester, polypropylene, wool and blends that can be incorporated into every activity. Cotton alone is not recommended, but there are some wool and polyester hybrids with cotton that show promise. Some of my favorites are Patagonia Capilene, Snow Angel Doeskin, Outdoor Research Dri-Release Wool and Isis Silkweight tops and bottoms.

One of the best innovations in outdoor undergarments is seamless apparel, following trends in the intimate apparel industry. Seamless means no chafing, light weight and a close fit that allows for maximum mobility. Both Isis and Snow Angel make intimates that can be found in either specialty outdoor stores or department store lingerie departments.

Natural fibers such as wool have always been known for their warmth, and with new processing of merino wool, you can find luxurious, soft, lightweight fabrics you’ll want to where year-round. Wool’s inner structure can absorb moisture up to 30 percent of its weight and release it into the air, keeping you warm when it’s cold outside. Wool clothing is ideal for Seattle’s rainy days. Icebreaker, Ibex and Smartwool are premier manufacturers for these products.

Whether you wear a base layer under your paddlesport dry suit, winter apparel or bike jersey, remember it’s a layer that can also be worn alone and it should fit you well.

All Seasons, Anywhere
Undoubtedly, the most versatile clothing designs that work on the street and at play are capris and skorts. They are constructed of quick-drying nylon or polyester fabrics and are comfortable to wear in Seattle all year. Designs vary: Some pant legs can be gathered up with a button or buckle into a capri, and the shorts inside skorts come in either stretch fabric or the same fabric as the skirt. Look for pocket placement and detail that will be functional for your activity. Skorts are fun to wear and great for hiking and biking. Look for them locally at Title 9, Patagonia and REI, or look online for your favorite manufacturer.

With the introduction of waterproof/breathable fabrics, you can find a jacket for almost any outdoor activity that crosses over into Seattle street style. Marmot and Kokatat make women’s jackets in Gore-tex Paclite, an outstanding waterproof/breathable fabric with very little weight. Isis makes jackets in HydraEV, a durable waterproof/breathable fabric.

Fitting In
Depending on your budget, you can find the fabrics and even some of the brands mentioned above at thrift stores, craigslist, and department stores. It’s most fun to shop and try on clothing at women-specific shops or stores that have a designated women-specific area.
No two brands of women’s outdoor sportswear fit the same. Key findings in new data collected by Intellifit Systems, which uses radio waves to collect a woman’s dimensions, reveal that less than 10 percent of women are shaped like industry models. So, try on lots of different brands for the right fit. Online sites such as athleta.com and junonia.com offer some of the best sizing guidelines. They’ve labeled styles to match your body shape and call out the rise on a pant in order to determine where the pant hangs in relationship to your waist. Connect with friends on what brands or specific styles fit them and ask salespeople for recommendations on fit.

Don’t underestimate the importance of color. Your mood can be dictated by the weather, so take time to consider not just “your colors” but sporty hues like blue, orange, green and yellow. Don’t pass up an outing because of the weather; outdoor clothing offers protection in almost any conditions.

So, whether you’re headed off to the wilderness or just to the office or grocery store, you can wear clothing that keeps you warm or cool, lets you perform well, looks good -- and, most importantly -- feels great! Happy shopping.

Barbara Sherrill has 30 years experience working as an instructor, guide, and apparel product manager in the outdoor industry. She is currently working with Kayak Academy in Issaquah as an instructor and in retail sales.

©2006 Caliope Publishing Company