Performance fabrics make fashion functional
Technical textiles put the awesome in activewear
Over the past decade, fabrics for activewear and casual clothing have become more advanced and versatile. Clothes made for activity now offer improved stretchiness, moisture-wicking, breathability, and durability — without sacrificing style.
Active and casual fabrics have also become more sustainable and eco-friendly than ever before. Increasingly, brands have been incorporating recycled materials and innovative production methods into their active offerings.
We're here for it!
Spring is activewear season at Resonance
This season we've hopped on the performance fabric trend by stocking Resonance with active and casual pieces made of performance fabrics for both men and women.
Recent deliveries from Toad & Co Mens and Womens, Johnnie-O Mens, FIG, Krimson & Klover, Carve Designs, and Lolë are all sprinting out the door at top speed.
Since things have changed so much in the fabric world over the past few years, we thought you might want to know a bit about what to look for in a performance fabric, and how to care for it.
What is performance fabric?
Performance fabric is a type of textile that is designed to be durable, breathable, stretchy and quick drying. Some performance fabrics offer UV protection as well.
Common types of performance fabrics include polyester, nylon, and spandex.
Synthetic fabrics like these are often used in athletic and outdoor apparel, where strength and durability are important. They're also increasingly showing up in casual clothes, where stretchiness is the new normal.
Easy care and long lasting
Resonators love performance fabrics because of they stay looking amazing for a long time. They don't look faded or worn, even after several seasons of frequent wear.
We also love that they dry quickly without going in the dryer, and they're usually wrinkle-free after hanging to dry, so they require no ironing. That's good for the environment, and it's also great for travel. You can hand wash, hang to dry and wear the next day.
Eco-obsessed? Look for recycled fabrics
If sustainability is a factor for you when shopping for activewear, look for recycled synthetic fabrics when shopping.
For example, FIG's Kamala Travel Dress is made from recycled polyester. It's made from post-consumer plastic bottles, so it's better for the planet. But it still has all the stretchiness and the wicking qualities you want in a casual dress.
We also love how FIG has been incorporating prints into its collection. It used to be that technical fabrics were only available in solid colours, but the Canadian brand has shown that performance prints are possible!
Likewise, Lolë's Momentum V-Neck Dress makes good use of printed recycled polyester, as do Carve's bathing suits and active wear.
Check the tag for eco-certified fabrics
Other sustainably minded brands use synthetic fabrics that have been certified as responsibly produced. Viscose, for example, is a synthetic fabric made from wood or wood pulp and the process is not always sustainable. But certain fabric manufacturers have developed sustainable manufacturing processes and earned certification by making their processes transparent.
For example, Carve's Avery Beach Pant is made from 100 percent Lenzing Ecovero. Toad & Co's Gemma Bodysuit makes beautiful use of Tencel Lyocell by combining it with organic cotton for extra softness. Both of these brand-name fabrics are manufactured in traceable and responsible ways.
Care tips for performance fabrics
Keep your activewear looking awesome by following these care tips:
- Read and follow the care instructions on the label of the fabric.
- Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh detergents.
- Wash the fabric in cold water and on a gentle cycle.
- Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry.
- Avoid ironing, but if necessary, use a cool iron.
- Immediately treat any stains with a stain remover before washing.