We like to stay on top of the newest fabrics. I've always believed that active women deserve the same top-quality fabrics that top athletes use. Because when I'm out walking or exercising, I need the same level of heat management and moisture control. But fabrics can be confusing. So here's some information about these great fabrics, and when you might really enjoy them. So give them a try! You'll find a whole new world of comfort designed just for you.

Polyester - It's New Again!
The new polyester fibers are nothing like the slippery, sticky fabrics of old. So throw out your old bias! Now polyester has been engineered to move moisture away from your skin. You'll want to do that in hot, sticky weather but also in cold weather when keeping that first layer next to your skin is the key to dry comfort. How does it do that? First, polyester is hydrophobic, it hates water. So as soon as moisture touches it, it pushes it away from your body to start drying immediately. It disperses and wicks the moisture out. Of course, it needs to touch the moisture to do that, so look for a slightly closer fit on your wicking styles. Fast-drying Polyester items work beautifully in your travel wardrobe. What about the feel of polyester? Polyester comes in various deniers (the size of the thread). The newest micro-fibers are very fine, and weave up into tight wind-cutting fabrics that are breathable and feel like silk. The new polyester fibers are no longer perfectly round. They have been made with microscopic edges and little hairs to do a better job of trapping and holding moisture until it can be moved along. That means they weave up into fabrics with a more natural feel with a supple hand (This is where you'll just have to trust us and order some things, I wish I could have you stroke the fabrics on your computer screen!) A simple rule of thumb: If you plan to sweat, wear wicking. For our suggestions of great wicking items: enter the keyword "wicking" into the search box.

Nylon for Durability
Nylon has received the same bad rap as polyester. Again, don't allow the past to prevent you from wearing this great fiber! Nylon is just about the toughest fiber around. Solo or blended with other fibers, it adds durability, abrasion resistance and ease of care. Like polyester, is hydrophobic and pulls moisture from your body. It dries very quickly, and because of its strength, it is strong even when wet. When you are out camping, canoeing, skiing, you'll want to look for this lightweight and powerful fiber. It also adds long-lasting wear to socks! And, like all our performance styles, they do double-duty as your favorite travel gear. Enter "Nylon" into the search box to see that wide variety of value-packed items using this reliable and durable fiber.

Polypropylene
We chose the lightest fiber in the polyester family for our high-compression polypro swim line. Polypropylene is remarkably light and strong with wonderful wicking properties. We mix it with a heavy concentration of Lycra for high compression. Then we brush is on the back for a luxurious feel. Polypropylene feels a little warmer than other suits, perfect in the cold pools during your aqua workout! Because this fiber is so light, it is very hard to knit without error. It took time, but we found a mill who was able to it well, and it's been a great success! Enter "polypropylene" into the search box.

 

Lycra and Spandex: Designed for Comfort
When fabric mills figured out how to knit stretch into garments it was a revolution. Many of our items have either Lycra or Spandex. Spandex is the generic term, with Lycra being the branded version from Invista. These stretch fibers allow for a closer fit without sacrificing comfort. They also make it easy to build in compression and control. Generally, the higher the
concentration of spandex, the higher the control and "bag resistance". However, even a 3% stretch content makes a world of difference in comfort. In swimwear, we specify the best, special chlorine-resistant spandex fibers. So generally our suits will last longer. However, all spandex fibers will break down in chlorine. The speed depends on use, heat and concentration of chemicals. Enter "stretch" in the search box for a selection of our best-selling stretch garments.

 

Do Not Iron!
These synthetic fibers are extremely easy to care for. Just toss in the wash. Save energy by simply hang drying. They dry in a flash. Air fluff if you use a dryer. BUT DO NOT IRON! Because they have such lightweight and specialized fibers, the melting point is very low. You don't want to melt your favorite shirt or jacket!

Let me know what you think of our performance fibers. And please send me your ideas for things you need. Those are always fun to work on.

 

Best wishes,

Anne Kelly, President
annekellypresident@junonia.com
651-365-1830 X11