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One of the most troublesome aspects of women's clothes shopping that most females encounter is not that there is not enough variety, but that nothing seems to look good on them. The clothes might be too tight in one area and too loose in another or the dress may fit perfectly but it may make you look, for want of a better phrase, frumpy. Although you may not want to stand out from the crowd and be a modern fashionista, you do not want to blend in either and finding the right clothes to help you do this can be particularly frustrating. Fortunately, there is an answer and it is extremely easy to understand. The most important piece of information that a female can possess when shopping for womens clothes is knowing what type of body shape they are. Although the television celebrities Trinny and Susannah explained in October 2007 to the Daily Mail newspaper that they believed there were 12 individual body shapes, it is widely accepted that there are simply four primary shapes and understanding which one you are can make shopping for womens clothes a whole lot easier. 1. Banana. According to a study of 6,000 women by the North Carolina State University in 2005, this is by far the most common body shape, with 46 percent of those studied having a banana body shape. A woman who has a banana body shape will not have any major accentuations, with the majority of their weight being on their stomach, bum and chest. 2. Pear. Big on the bottom and small on top, this is another common body size, with a fifth of those women studied by North Carolina State University having a pear body shape. Wide hips and large legs feature in a pear body shape, which can cause some problems when looking for trousers. The upper body, however, most women would die for, as they feature a comfortably sized bust and toned arms. 3. Apple. The main features of a woman with an apple body shape are the opposite of a pear body shape as they are generally big on top and slim on bottom. The majority of the weight a woman with an apple body shape gains is noticeable on their face, chest and stomach, whilst their legs tend to stay relatively slim. 4. Hourglass. The fourth body shape (which is actually the least popular, according to the North Carolina State University, contrary to popular belief) is the one that many women aspire to have and features a big bust, slim waist, large hips and surrounding area and slim legs (although the thighs can be large, on occasion). This information may seem useless when first looking at it, as although you may believe that, for example, you are an apple shape, you are unsure about what clothes suit you. The solution is simple and you should look for women's clothes that detract from what would be considered your weaker points (your stomach, in the case of an apple shape) and that accentuate your positive points (your bust and ankles, for an apple body shape). True Religion Womens Johnny Natural Super T Omaha
When we leave home and venture out into the wide world, many challenges await us. We learn all about the joys and tribulations of washing machines and cooking for ourselves, for example, and we definitely learn about grocery budgets, rent and the need for balance. If you've had a mother or father who graciously ironed your clothes for you, however, one of the most difficult things to come to terms with is that you now have to do it for yourself. At first it looks easy--how tough can it be to rub a piece of hot metal over a shirt?--but then you discover that in fact it's an art form that appears to have skipped a generation, and you're all out at sea trying to figure out how to get yourself to work without looking like you slept in your work clothes. Despair no longer, friends, because this article will give you all the advice you need to have your office attire looking crisp, clean and wrinkle-free!Getting StartedFirstly, it's important to fill your iron with distilled water rather than water straight out of the tap. The reason for this is that tap water contains minerals that can be harsh and cause build-up and rust on your iron, which could in turn damage your garments. Another thing to remember is to wait until your iron is hot enough before you start. Many modern irons will have a light that indicates when it is hot enough so be patient--otherwise you'll end up having to iron clothes twice, anyway! It's crucial to look at the ironing instructions on the tag of your clothing to make sure you don't end up with a disaster zone front and centre of your new shirt! Also, check what fabric your garment is made of and set the temperature on the iron accordingly- most models will have different settings for different types of fabric.IroningMake sure the ironing board is set at the correct height so that you're comfortable and able to properly maneuver. Don't try and iron both sides of the material at once--where possible, stretch the piece of clothing over the ironing board so that you're only ironing the one layer of fabric. The reason for this is that if you try to iron more than one layer the bottom layer can often become wrinkled without you realising. Keep the iron moving at an even pace, and never leave the iron face-down without keeping it moving, as this will burn your clothes. For particularly difficult wrinkles and creases, use the steam function (usually a button on the top of the iron) which will give you the extra power needed.Cleaning and MaintenanceTaking care of your iron won't just ensure that it lasts a long time, it will also protect your clothing from being damaged or ruined as a result of a faulty or dirty iron. A good idea for cleaning your iron is to fill the water reservoir to halfway with white vinegar. Run the iron and iron an old towel until the vinegar has run out, and you'll find that the acidity of the vinegar has cleared out the vents in your iron. Once you're finished run another load of water through in order to get rid of the vinegar smell before you iron your other clothes.Funnily enough, we fastidiously read the 'how-to' instructions on everything from our refrigerators to our electric toothbrushes, but when it comes to ironing, a lot of us just wing it, remaining frustrated for years until we hit our stride. Developing a technique that works is easy when you have the basic information, so get going now and enjoy wrinkle-free clothes forever! True Religion Womens Billy Reclaimed W Crystal Hardware Rough River

A accepted introduction, address Issey Miyake: "I accomplish clothes." A affable caution: "We accept to not be too logical." And an advantageous question:MLB Hats "How do you anticipate it?" "Issey," asks a friend, continuing in a alive auberge lobby, "how do I plan this?" The acquaintance is aerial about in the enveloping intricacies of a new raincoat. "I fabricated it like this," says the designer, improvising a applicable at the foreground desk. He unbuttons a half-cape that spans the sleeves and puts the apart ends about his friend's neck. "Like a scarf, you see?" "But what about this?" says a companion, trashing argumentation and affairs the cape over the friend's head, buttoning it beneath the close to accomplish a absolute hood. The artisan looks; his accomplished tilts. "How do you anticipate it?" his acquaintance teases. Miyake's face creases into the array of smile that should appear in a allowance box. "Great!" he says, avaricious his accompaniment in a bound hug, as if some gift bewilderment had al of a sudden surrendered a secret. To all the assemblage in the auberge lobby, it looks as if old accompany were reuniting at the end of a continued trip; in fact, any boating with Issey Miyake is ongoing. "Next time I accomplish like that, and you do something altered again," he laughs. "Always fresh, consistently different, consistently challenge. That way is best, I think. Want to eat?" In a minute, maybe. Meanwhile, it is account pointing out that some arduous modification of that antechamber administration affair has produced, over the accomplished 15 < years, some of the best clothes there are, some of the a lot of adventuresome anyone has anytime done. These are clothes that baffle assemblage by abounding all about it, like so abounding pieces of accomplished bolt award beginning anatomy in the controlled blow of the fall, authoritative the physique beneath them feel as apart and chargeless as the fabric. He has even experimented with abstraction the physique underneath. Added designers alive the aforementioned area ability just bazaar a band of underwear. Not Miyake. He designs bustiers for audacious black abrasion out of motorcycle- helmet artificial and mounts a building activity alleged "Bodyworks," which has appeared in Tokyo, Los Angeles, San Francisco and at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Miyake's clothes, declarations of ability for the body, do not attending at all out of abode on display in museums. Yvonne Deslandres, babysitter of the Building of Decorative Arts in Paris, casts acceptable French appearance bellicism abreast and calls Miyake "the greatest architect of accouterment of our time." His designs claiming so abounding acceptable expectations and breach so abounding rules that they charge altered sets of standards to be accepted or even worn. "I apperceive abounding humans abide or adios my clothing, because it's not a amalgamation that's already formed, like European clothing," the artisan will concede. "Without the wearer's ingenuity, my accouterment isn't clothing. These are clothes area allowance is larboard for wearers to accomplish things their own. That may charge adventuresomeness at first, but already you get the trick, it's not difficult." The trick, a lot of often, is simplicity. What may be difficult is the attitude that the clothes need, and absolutely can instill, already they are on the body, authoritative with every movement of the arm or accomplished of the hip shapes abounding of gentle, animal surprise. Miyake clothes on women are a revelation. On men, they are a relief. If a lot of accepted accouterment is, as the artisan says, "a package," again cutting Miyake feels like getting unwrapped at Christmas. The curve of the garments, the tones of the fabrics, the baggy and unstrictured amusing attitudes absolute in both the authoritative and the cutting of Miyake clothes are, altogether, something rather added than an another anatomy of dressing. They are Japanese in origin, Western in spirit and, finally, accepted not just in their appulse but in the admirable new images of the physique they propose. These clothes taunt trend and baffle style; they are not "fashion," except in its broadest all-encompassing definition. They are altar fabricated by a artisan who has the accurate spirit of an artist. Robert Rauschenberg refers to Miyake calmly as "an all-embracing artist, the a lot of affecting artisan in Japan. He's acknowledging the accomplished of the aesthetic community." Miles Davis brand to acknowledgment that Miyake "designs the way I anticipate about music," and, apprenticed a little on the subject, comes up with some affected riffs about Miyake's work. "He has balance, composition; he's absurd with fabric. He is an artist, yes, added than a appearance designer. I'd like to buy all of his being and put it on the wall, to attending at if I get depressed." Even a part of his artisan peers, Miyake pulls top points. Giorgio Armani says collapsed out that "Miyake is a genius. In image, in approach, he goes above fashion." Commerce, however, does not go begging. Miyake's designs for his men's and women's collections and for a brace of aftereffect curve like the lively, lower- priced Plantation, as able-bodied as royalties from different licensees supervised by him, cull in upwards of $50 actor annual to the Miyake offices in Tokyo. Stateside his clothes are accessible in 15 specialty and administration stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman-Marcus, and in abounding of the added adventuresome boutiques. Manageably cher in Japan, area a lot of of them are made, the clothes get appealing baby afterwards bales charges, duties and abundance markups are added for auction in added locations of the apple (a abatement coat, for example, fabricated of absolute and nylon cobweb costs $955). Two pieces of admonition in passing, then, to the audacious and flush customer demography a beginning boating into Miyake: the clothes, so unconstraining, can be addictive; and the name is arresting Me-yah-kay. Ee-say Me-yah-kay. Miyake's abatement line, beginning with a abounding accustomed mural of shades and alive silhouettes, is affective agilely in the stores. His new bounce collection, to be apparent about for the aboriginal time in Paris on Oct. 19 and previewed alone actuality by TIME, is a meteor battery of beaming colors abounding of antic forms and abrupt but consistently acquiescent shapes. The new accumulating is aswell a solid affirmation of the amplitude of Miyake's gifts, of all the discipline, activity and affair of his free-ranging artistic spirit. Challenge, whether in his built-in Japanese, his chatty French or his advantageous English, is a admired word: he uses it as a prod, a goal, a signpost and an explanation. Appearance fits into his cant alone as a practicality. "The semantics aren't important," he explains. "But in Japanese, we accept three words: yofuku, which agency Western clothing; wafuku,Red Bull Hats which agency Japanese clothing; and fuku, which agency clothing. It can aswell beggarly acceptable fortune, a affectionate of happiness. Humans ask me what I do. I don't say yofuku or wafuku. I say I accomplish happiness." About Author Welcome new-era-hat.com We are striving for customer satisfaction. We have True Religion Womens Billy Natural Big Qt Rusty Barrel Dark True Religion Womens Johnny Natural Big Qt Omaha This article is free for republishing Published at True Religion Womens Billy Vera Cruz No Rips

The emergence of several online stores has enabled in easy and smart shopping. Browsing through various websites, one can select the right kind of dress for the tiny tots saving both time and money. Kids dresses available online includes secure payment gateway with an added advantage of shopping from the comforts of home. Complimenting the style of the young ones, the designer kids' collection is available in different sizes and reasonable prices. The energetic and cool colours of the spectrum reflect fun and frolic. Baby boy clothes are stitched from skin friendly fabrics and are tender on the skin of the young ones. Available in vibrant colour combinations these encompass- bottoms, shorts, shirts, t-shirts, overalls etc. The monograms, badges and exclusive graphic designs adorned in the array reflect the jovial nature of the young ones. This simple yet trendy collection provides comfort and easy fit. These outfits can be worn for long hours of the day and are perfect for party and play. Ideal for summer and winter months these bear enticing print patterns and reflect the dexterity of designers. The innovative designs and fine stitch of baby girl clothes spells finesse. The entire array comprises- blouses, shirts, t-shirts, overalls, night suits etc. Besides the bottoms and skirts for baby girls can be teamed up with designer tops for an attractive appeal. Embellished with stylish buttons, embroidery works and laces, these are the creation of well-versed designers. Ultimate in style and comfort, the repertoire is available with cute floral patterns and designs that display grace and charm. Designed to perfection, the entire range of kids dresses carry a soft and pleasant appeal. High in fashion quotient, these define style statement of the little ones. Available in varying necklines, sleeves, lengths and waist sizes, these outfits offer a smart and trendy look to the kids. About Author For more information about True Religion Womens Billy Glitz & Glam Crystal Pave Jean Vera Cruz and True Religion Womens Johnny Industrial . Please visit our website: True Religion Womens Billy Premium Vintage Texas Plains This article is free for republishing Published at
I've always used a cloth tape measure for crafts and sewing, but just recently I learned that these tapes are used for many different measurement purposes.Go figure!Cloth Tape Measures Are Favored by Sewing EnthusiastsWhen I lay out a pattern on brand new fabric, I use my cloth tape measure to make sure that the pattern is laid out with the fabric grain. I measure to make sure that the pattern follows the grain because I don't want it to look "off" or not straight when the garment is completed.After all, if the little sailboats pattern on the fabric looks like they're sailing downhill or off to the side of the garment, it doesn't reflect well on my sewing skills!That cloth tape measure is my tried and true friend, and I've had the same tape for decades now. The numbers are large and easy to read, and I can lay that tape down to get accurate measurements at any time during production.You Can Get Cloth Tape Measures With Inches and/or Metric FiguresWhen I was new to sewing, cloth tape measures were available only with standard inches and feet measurements. Today, tapes are available with millimeters and centimeters as well, on the reverse of the tape.This is handy because some skills require use of both standard and metric numbers.Cloth tape measures are not made of cloth in general, although there are some still made of professional grade polyfiber fabric. Most today are made from Tyvek or fiberglass fabric for superior durability.Some tapes designed and manufactured in Europe are still available in a sailcloth-type fabric that is covered with polyester or other protective coating.What Uses Are There for Cloth Tape Measures?Actually there are many uses for cloth tape measures, besides craft and sewing projects. These tapes are perfect for children to use since they are simply a long strip of fabric with no sharp edges.Cloth tapes allow you to measure things lying on a table or other flat surface. Tailors and women's lingerie typically use cloth tapes since they allow measurements to be taken of rounded or unique things. For example, a cloth tape measure is used to take a woman's bra size measurement. Men's clothing fitters use these tapes to measure for tuxedos and suits since cloth tapes can measure waist size, neck size and more.Taxidermists love cloth tape measures because they can measure their specimens in order to maintain proper size of the animal when working on preservation.Health clubs and fitness centers will have cloth tape measures on hand in order to keep record of members' loss of inches from exercise and dieting.Wallpaper hangers will also use cloth tape measures to get accurate readings. A yardstick can be difficult to maneuver around a corner or curve, and the cloth tapes allow them to get very specific measurements when figuring the width of a sheet of wallpaper needed.Surveyors use cloth tape measures in extra long lengths of as much as 300 feet or more to determine accurate measurements for buildings, property lines, roadways and more.Cloth Tape Measures Are Typically About 5 Feet LongToday's typical cloth tape measures are available in measurements of about 5 feet long, although you can find some that are as much as 65 inches (5 foot 5 inches).Longer tape measures are also available for specialty uses like measuring distances, such as a pasture, fence or driveway. These tapes can be as long as 300 feet or more. Others are available in 25 or 100 feet.Traditional tape measures are basically a long strand that can be rolled up in a small case or simply wrapped up and tied with a rubber band.Prices for Cloth Tape MeasuresThe old-fashioned cloth tape measure is still found at sewing and notion stores, and even your local discount store will have some ranging from about $1 to as much as $6.Specialty tape measures will, of course, run more. A 75 foot tape will run about $15. 300 feet will cost about $30.You can find cloth tape measures at any home improvement store, discount store or even online. If you'd like to custom-imprint some tapes for a wedding, anniversary or business event, you can find cloth tape measures available from specialty printing retailers, too, at very reasonable prices.

1950s fashion was something of a turning point in 20th century fashion, as the post-war era moved into full swing. The glamorous clothes 1950s actresses such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Bridgette Bardot, Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn adorned movie screens, and a feeling of hope and euphoria dominated with conclusion of the Second World War. In the UK, the government promised to "Make Britain Great" again. There was significant optimism for the world in general, and that included the fashion industry. After years of hardship and drudgery, where women had worn utilitarian work garments (and when there were fewer men around to impress) clothes 1950s shook off the hackles of practicality and gave women the opportunity to dress up in more luxurious and feminine clothes. Christian Dior, who had launched his New Look in1947, an extravagant, and in equal parts fashion and political statement, brought women back to life with excessive fabric (some of his skirts required 18m of fabric), a return to femininity, and a taste of glamour. Alongside Dior, other key designers for clothes 1950s were Balenciaga, Jacques Fath and Hubert de Givenchy. Clothes 1950s are remembered mainly for two contrasting silhouettes: the full skirt that swirled and sashayed, and the slim pencil tubular skirt that fell to the knee. Both were seen with a nipped in waist, and strategic padding and underwear did much to improve the less-than-perfect figure, so the silhouette could look fabulous on anyone. The nylon all-on-one corselet gave a waspish waist, pulled the hips in and shunted the breasts upwards and outwards. Whilst clothes 1950s required a rigid under structure in many instances, designers such as Jacques Fath, master of the undulating line, began to nurture the lifestyle changes that were happening across the globe and encouraged women to take a more relaxed attitude to fashion. In 1957, Givenchy started the trend for straighter, shift-like dresses that had no waist at all by inventing the sack dress, an almost formless dress freeing women from the restriction to which they had become accustomed. About Author To know more about True Religion Womens Patchwork Billy Jean Windmill please log on to True Religion Womens Billy Body Rinse This article is free for republishing Published at True Religion Womens Billy Denim Patchwork Jean Industrial
Every parent wishes to buy new clothes for the baby and they try to spend more for baby wear. You should choose baby clothes depending on the age of your baby and the utility. Babies always grow and spending a lot of money for small babies is not advisable. You may have a few clothes that are trendy and beautiful, but convenience must be the first criteria of consideration when you choose baby clothes. At any point of time, you should not compromise quality for price when you are shopping for baby goods. The clothes you choose may not be trendy, but they must be comfortable for the baby to wear.  You must start baby wear shopping earlier even before your baby attains that growth. This will help you plan ahead and shop leisurely for your baby. You can use the internet to find online stores selling baby clothes. These websites introduce you to several discounts and you can avail them during season times. Instead of buying clothes that fit perfectly for your baby, you can look for a larger size. Your baby will soon grow and the perfect sized outfit may become small within a few months. When you buy larger sizes, make sure that they are not too large. Socks are very essential for your babies and you need to keep your babies warm. You can buy single piece outfits that can be worn easily. As new born babies sleep most of the times, you can find pajamas for them.   You have to choose baby clothes depending on the age of the baby at the time of wearing the dress. You can start summer shopping during winter, but remember the age of the baby when summer sets in. Buying summer clothing with the size of your baby during winter will never work out for you. When summer arises, your baby may outgrow the size, leading you to buy more. While choosing clothes for babies, choose clothes that have back or front openings. If you have to wear the dress over the head, you will have to face crying babies. Instead of buttons, go for Velcro fastenings that don't irritate your babies.  You should buy baby clothes made of a comfortable, breathing fabric. Buying dresses with more embellishments is not suitable when you buy them for your babies. Always remember that your baby looks cute in whatever he or she wears. There is no need to buy cozy and delicate fabric because your baby will not be comfortable with such clothes. More than looks, you have to concentrate on buying clothes that are more suitable for you baby. However, you can buy fancy and trendy clothes for dressing up your babies when you go out.  Many people are now interested in buying organic baby clothes. These clothes are made of organic materials and they don't contain any chemicals. Even though these types of clothes are generally costlier, you can find great deals when you buy such clothes from discount sales. The sensitive skin of your baby must be protected from chemicals and dyes commonly found in normal baby wear.     About Author Linda Turnbull is keen about educating parents about . Buying suitable is an important responsibility for every parent in order to keep the babies comfortable. This article is free for republishing Published at

Military clothing and military clothing in online fashion store clothing online fashion store Youth Clothing Vintage Camouflage invites you to online fashion store. Our Voentorg (military clothing online fashion store) offers you the following range: clothing in military style, army boots, military clothing, jackets, jacket M65, down jackets, polyarki, jackets, Tibia, clothing, large sizes for men, accessories renowned German manufacturers: surplus thor steinar alpha industries max fuchs German clothing from our PX - the highest quality and irreplaceable comfort. Military clothing involves not only military style, it may be fashionable vintage style, and clothing for every day in style casual. But, of course, is the youth clothing and clothing for those who predposchetaet comfort and excellent application properties. online fashion store clothing and footwear Vintage Camouflage offers discounts for regular customers. Top Army Camouflage clothing offers clothing such as prozvoditeley surplus, thor steinar, max fuchs, as well as the legendary brand alpha industries at the best prices. Voentorg Vintage Camouflage carries seasonal sales, promotions, and gives presents. We appreciate each customer. Military camouflage clothing colors are especially popular this season. Looking forward to seeing you in our youth clothing online fashion store! online fashion store Youth Clothing In the online youth clothing True Religion Women S Billy Straight Leg Jean Santa Ana you will find trendy style camouflage and the Military, military clothing from the offices of the leading western manufacturers. Models in vintage style will please you with its originality. The range of our PX maritime jacket, army jacket, M65, military uniform, military clothing and accessories, Military clothing (military), vintage clothing (vintage) clothes and large sizes. Always at competitive prices! Fashionable M65 and camouflage in the PX Clothing and accessories in the style camouflage clothing in vintage style and the Military, including the popular M65 jacket are always available in the online youth clothing online fashion store Vintage Camouflage. Large selection of different models of stylish and comfortable clothing of German excellence. Also in our online fashion store military clothing, you can always buy men's clothing big sizes: winter jackets, demi jackets, parkas, pants. Camouflage is always in fashion! Lovely! Excellent! Excellent! Fascinating! Unique! online fashion store womenswear WOW! Welcome, beautiful half of humanity! On our site you will find everything you may need a modern woman, that would look stunning! Skirts! Pants! Cocktail dress! Casual dress! Blouses, tunics! Corset And much more glad to offer you our online fashion store women's fashion clothing! We women love so much all the new, fashionable, beautiful, delicious! We do not online fashion storeaholic, but we simply want to look great, and love to dress crazy! Beautiful, comfortable, and above all quality stuff, that's what our online fashion store offers women's fashion clothing Sale - it is sweet to our ears the word! How pleasant it is to buy your favorite knick discount! It's just wonderful! And what we are discounts - you can download! This is so great that one online fashion store combines so many advantages! True Religion Womens Disco Billy Big T Dakota Sky Dark

Walking and Outdoor Clothing Advice: The Layering System When out walking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing or mountain biking etc. it is very important to wear clothing designed to protect you from the elements. Not only will correct clothing ensure that you are comfortable and enjoy your activity, it could, and in extreme conditions it will, save your life. The layering system is an effective way of ensuring that you maintain a comfortable body temperature during and after exercise, no matter what the weather is like. The layering system employs three basic layers which are: Outer Layer - waterproofs to protect you form wind, rain and snow; the Mid Layer - to provide insulation and keep you warm; and the Base Layer - to provide insulation and wick sweat away from you skin. Not only does each layer have its own function within the layering system, but air is also trapped between each layer. The air between the layers keeps you warmer than if you were to wear one thick layer. The layering system is very flexible. If you are hot you can remove a layer. If you are cold you can add a layer. For example you could use more than one mid layer to help keep you warm. For the best comfort all layers should be breathable or have wicking capabilities. If one of your layers is not breathable/wicking then the breathable/wicking properties of other layers will not be so effective. Before going on a walk, expedition or other outdoor activity it is important to think about the type of clothes that you will need to take with you. Some things to consider are: How long will you be away for? The longer you will be away, the less likely you will be able to predict what the weather will be like. You need to be prepared for good and bad weather conditions. When and where are you going walking? During the winter in Scotland you are not going to need a pair of shorts to walk in, but you will definitely need good quality waterproofs. When rambling on a hot summers day in Spain you are unlikely to require five fleece jackets. How high will you be going? It may be hot and sunny in the valley, but as you start to climb the weather can soon get cold and unpredictable. Up in the mountains wind, rain and snow can suddenly appear from out of nowhere. What will you do after your exercise/where will you be staying? You may be plenty warm enough while you are doing your outdoor activity, but as soon as you stop you can become very cold. This is especially true if after a hard day of hiking you have to wait around for a train home, or if you are camping overnight. You may also need additional technical or specialist clothing for your activity, e.g. if you will be climbing your clothing should not restrict your movement, or if you are cycling it is advantagous to have tops with extra long sleeves and back. It is always wise to take adequate clothing to protect yourself from the elements, but bear in mind that you will have to carry these clothes while you are not wearing them. One piece of good advice is to always take one more layer than you think you need. This rule of thumb generally ensures that you will be well protected and warm enough, but that you do not end up carrying around clothes that you do not need. Do not forget your extremities. In cold, windy, rainy or snowy conditions you will be glad that you have remembered your gloves and hat! True Religion Womens Kelly Twill Slouchy Trouser Black Waterproof jackets and trousers form the top layer of your clothing system. The function of waterproofs is to prevent you from getting wet and cold when it rains or snows, or when it is windy. Ideally waterproof fabrics should also be breathable. Breathable waterproof fabrics allow your sweat to be transfered from the inside of your waterproof jacket or trousers to the outside, where it can evaporate. By doing this, breathable waterproof fabrics prevent you from getting hot and wet when you are active. When you take a break from walking you soon cool down. If your waterproofs are not breathable, the sweat trapped in your clothes can make you very cold indeed. Fabrics can be made breathable by incorporating tiny pores into the material. The pores in the waterproof fabric are much smaller than raindrops but are much larger than water vapour molecules. Waterproof clothes are also windproof, which helps to keep you warm. A warm layer of air, warmed up by your body, is trapped in your clothes. If your clothes are not windproof this warm layer of air will be blown away and you will become cold. Waterproof clothes do not hold much warmth and so a fleece and/or base layer are worn underneath your waterproofs to keep you warm. N.B. To get the best out of breathable waterproofs, the base layer and intermediate layers should also be breathable and have good wicking properties. There are many breathable waterproof fabrics available, one of the most famous is Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex fabric is used by Sprayway, The North Face and Berghaus. Other waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics include: Nikwax Analogy used by Paramo; Triple Point Ceramic used by Lowe Alpine; Hydro/dry P2 and Hydro/dry P3 used by Sprayway; Aqua Dry and Aqua Dry Pro used by Craghoppers; and Aqua Foil used by Berghaus. There are many different types of Gore-Tex fabric, including: Taslan Gore-Tex is tough for rugged use. Kinetic Gore-Tex has a 3 layer construction, is soft with very high tear strength and resistance to abrasion. Gore-Tex XCR can be added to all Gore-Tex fabrics for extra breathability. Jackets or trousers made from waterproof material must have taped seems in order for the garment to be totally waterproof. If the seems are not taped, water will leak through them. Windproofs Windproofs help to keep you warm. A warm layer of air, warmed up by your body, is trapped in your clothes. If your clothes are not windproof this warm layer of air will be blown away and you will become cold. Windproof clothes are not waterproof, however they may be water-repellent. This means that they will only protect you from rain if there is a light shower. You will need waterproofs to protect you from even moderate rain. Hydro/dry P1 used by Sprayway is a windproof fabric. Some fleece fabrics are also windproof, for more information on these see below. True Religion Womens Gracie Slim Rolled Cuff Hu Tangerine Fleece is a pile fabric that is designed to keep you warm. Fleece is usually made from polyester. It is breathable, wicks water away from the body and provides insulation. Fleece fabric is not waterproof, although it may be water repellent. Some types of fleece material are also windproof. Fleece garments made from light- or medium-weight fleece are ideal for use as base- and mid-layers. Thicker, windproof fleeces can be used as mid- or top-layers, depending upon the weather conditions. The following fleece fabrics are windproof: Polartec Windpro Polartec Windbloc Gore-Tex Windstopper Windstopper Craghoppers Windshield When fleece material is washed it can suffer from pilling. Pilling is the formation of small balls of fleece material on the surface of the fleece. Pile-resistant fleece material does not suffer from Pilling. Polartec Fleeces Polartec Wind Pro are state-of-the-art lightweight and warm fleece fabric. It has a tight knit construction for high wind resistence and fast drying. It is water repellent, breathable, durable and has an anti-microbial finish. It can be machine washed. Polartec Windbloc is completely windproof, breathable and water repellent. Polartec 200 series is a midweight, chunky thermal fleece fabric. It provides excellent wicking, is quick drying and has an anti-bacterial finish so that it can be worn next to the skin without getting too smelly. Polartec 300 series is a chunky thermal fleece with excellent body moisture transfer and quick drying properties. Aleutian Fleeces The Aleutian name describes a specially developed range of insulative fabrics, which are manufactured from fleece or pile. These technical fabrics are the culmination of many years of joint development between Lowe Alpine and Malden Mills, the manufacturers of Polartec. Aleutian Waffle has a chunky grid texture that not only looks good but also enhances its insulation value when worn within a layering system - ideal for variable weather when walking. Aleutian Cord shows great style when used as midweight outerwear. It also provides valuable insulation within a three layer system in spring or autumn. Aleutian Marl combines a dense, low pile outer face - for increased wind resistance - with a deep velour inner face - for maximum insulation. Baselayers Ideally base layers (or baselayers) should wick sweat away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry. One way of achieving the wicking property of the fabric is by constructing the fabric from 100% knitted polyester incorporating Denier Gradient Technology (DGT). Coarse yarns are knitted on the inner face of the fabric with finer yarns knitted on the outside of the fabric. This combination of coarse and fine yarns creates a denier gradient, which exerts a capillary pull on moisture from the inside to the outside of the fabric. DGT also vastly increases the surface area of the fabric which accelerates wicking and evaporation so garments dry very quickly. DGT is a physical property of the fabric so will not wash out with time. Some Base Layer fabrics are impregnated with anti-bacterial treatment. This prevents the bacteria that produce body odour from developing in the fabric when the garments are worn for prolonged periods. Polartec 100 is the lightest Polartec fleece fabric. It can be worn alone in a hike during warm weather or as a base- or mid-layer in any season. Polartec Powerstretch is ideal for next to the skin use and as an intermediate layer. The outer face is a low pile nylon jersey and the inner is a low pile polyester velour. Lycra provides 60% stretch across the length and width for a close fit. The inner pile is treated with a wicking anti-microbial finish to move the moisture away from the body and prevent the build up of odor. Powerstretch is easy care, machine washable and quick drying. CoolMax Alta is made by DuPont and used by The North Face. It is pill-resistant (bobble resistant) and engineered to combine excellent moisture management with long-wearing comfort. It is natural feeling fabric, it dries faster than other fabrics available, provides unparalleled moisture wicking, and will not pill wash after wash. Very light in weight, Aleutian Micro Grid is a double velour with a small grid design on the face and a lightly brushed back surface. The open structure and light weight makes Micro Grid very breathable. Wicking performance allows these garments to be worn next to the skin. Dryflo is made by Lowe Alpine. It is made from 100% polyester fibres that are hydrophobic, resulting in a wicking process that does not absorb moisture (unlike cotton), but uses a unique denier gradient system that mechanically transports moisture away from the body. Dryflo?'s open knit construction offers high breathability making it the ultimate choice for wearing under waterproof/breathable garments. Dryflo? is quick drying, giving next to the skin comfort. Dryflo?'s wicking and breathable properties also make a Dryflo? top the ideal shirt in summer. Thermal properties are often a consideration for the consumer. All Dryflo? apparel offer optimum warmth without any adverse effect on the wicking or breathability. There are several types of dryflo, for example Lightweight Dryflo, Fullweight Dryflo, Dryflo Seamless. Paramo's reversible shirts are constructed with Parameta S. Parameta S is an asymmetrical wicking fabric that directs water to one face and traps still air in the other. If you are active or are hot, you need water close to your skin to evaporate and cool you down: Wear the non-fleecy, water-attracting face next to your skin to keep you cool. If you are resting or cold, you need a layer of still air next to your skin to keep you warm: Wear the fleecy, air-containing face next to your skin to keep you warm. Cotton is a lightweight fabric that will keep you warm and comfortable, however it has no wicking properties and can become saturated with sweat. This is undesirable, especially when you stop walking and cool down. Clothing Fabric Breathable Membranes All breathable microporous membranes comprise an extremely thin man-made film whose physical structure contains microscopic pores that are large enough for water vapour (perspiration) to pass through but small enough not to let water droplets through. Thus the membrane is breathable, waterproof and windproof. Modern microporous membranes are usually laminated to a face fabric, and available in two and three layer versions. Gore-Tex Gore-Tex is a unique wafer thin microporous membrane, which contains over 9 million pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, yet some 700 times bigger than a moisture vapour molecule. This gives the fabric the excellent levels of waterproofness and breathability that makes it so famous across walkers and other outdoor people. Gore-Tex is a bi-component membrane, meaning that it is made up of two parts. The main part (that you see) is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE for short). This is then combined with an oleophobic (oil hating) layer that protects the membrane from the natural oils that the human body emits, insect repellents, cosmetics etc. The outer face of the Gore-Tex fabric is coated with a hydrophobic DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment which encourages surface water to bead up and run off, improving the wet weather performance of the garment and promoting breathability by preventing wetting-out of the outer face. There are a number of different Gore-Tex constructions currently used within the industry: Classic 2-Layer Gore-Tex Provides soft, versatile weather protection and is good for end uses such as walking, streetwear, golf and skiing. Made by laminating a nylon or polyester face fabric to the Gore-Tex membrane and then hanging a mesh lining just inside the laminate. Classic 3-Layer Gore-Tex Designed for ultimate durability in rugged use applications in tough weather conditions such as high altitude mountaineering. Made by again laminating a face fabric (usually nylon) to the Gore-Tex membrane, an inner protective mesh scrim is then laminated to the other side of the membrane, giving better durability. Gore-Tex Paclite Lightweight and more packable than either two or three layer garments, designed for ultra light mountaineering or other fast moving sports. As with two layer garments, the face fabric is bonded to the Gore-Tex membrane, but unlike either of the other constructions, abrasion resistant raised nubs (or dots) protect the membrane. This means that as there is less between you and the membrane, breathability is increased. Gore-Tex XCR Standing for eXtended Comfort Range, XCR is the new product from Gore-Tex, which by using new membrane technology and new lamination techniques offers 25% more breathability than classic Gore-Tex garments. Designed for mountaineers, backpackers, snowboarders, backcountry skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts who value performance and demand the most from their gear. Available in both two and three layer construction. Hydro Dry P3 (Sprayway) The top fabric in the Hydrodry range from Sprayway, P3 has a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm. It is waterproof and has a good level of breathability. Again developed from a hydrophilic laminate, Hydrodry P3 is available in both 2-layer and 3-layer constructions. Hydrodry P3 provides Sprayway customers with a technical alternative to Gore-Tex in the same way that Drilite Extreme does for Mountain Equipment. Drilite Extreme or DLE (Mountain Equipment) A new development from Mountain Equipment, Drilite Extreme is a monolithic, hydrophilic laminate, with a hydrostatic head of more than 20,000mm. DLE (Drilite Extreme) is totally waterproof and exceptionally breathable, guaranteed. An added benefit of hydrophilic laminates is Drilite Extreme’s elasticity, making it especially ideal for stretch panels in the knees and seat areas, guaranteeing the highest freedom of movement and comfort. Available in 2 and 3 layer contructions. HyVent (The North Face) Designed as an innovative option for complete weather protection, HyVent is a waterproof/breathable polyurethane-based membrane. While it is slightly less breathable than Gore-Tex? laminates it is extremely waterproof, and can be counted on as a dependable protective outer layer. This combination of high waterproofness and breathability makes it ideal for keeping the elements out. To increase the comfort and breathability level of the coating, TNF have developed precise custom lining options in both their 2- and 3-layer versions of the HyVent technology. eVENT (Pearl/Izumi/Rab/Montane) eVENT? Fabric is a Direct Venting? waterproof barrier. Using a proprietary and patent-pending Dry System? technology, eVENT Fabric has set a new standard for comfort by allowing perspiration to dissipate and vent before it saturates the inside of the fabric. At the core of eVENT fabric is hydrophobic ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) film that has been rendered oleophobic, and thereby free from body oil contamination, via a method that retains the inherent open-pore structure of the membrane. Breathable Coatings Breathable coatings are often applied to jackets that walkers use because it means that they are more comfortable throughout their hike by decreasing the build-up of moisture (vital to maintaining an optimum body temperature). All coatings are created by spreading a thin layer of resin directly onto to the inside face of the chosen fabric. Two distinct types of breathable coating exist: microporous and hydrophilic. A microporous coating works on the same principle as a microporous membrane, the pores in the coating being large enough to let water vapour pass through but small enough to keep water droplets out. Hydrophilic coatings rely on the chemical and molecular properties of water molecules. The heat that the body generates inside the garment drives water vapour (perspiration) down the polymer chains found in the coating to the external face, the water vapour moving from molecule to molecule rather than freely through a physical hole or pore. As the body produces more moisture and the fabric gets wetter, the chains naturally increase in size, allowing even more moisture movement. In use, both types of coatings are effective, with the overall performance of any garment being determined by a combination of factors such as the choice of face fabric, use of a separate lining, and the general design, cut and finish of the garment. Triple Point Ceramic (Lowe Alpine) Triplepoint Ceramic is a unique multi-layer microporous coating which is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It differs from other treatments in that the manufacturing process involves multiple coatings and the introduction of ceramic particles, which are impregnated into the coating under high pressure. This has the effect of creating microscopic holes around each particle. These cavities are large enough to permit the passage of water vapour to the outside face but small enough to prevent liquid water from moving the other way. Since the Triplepoint Ceramic coating is physically anchored to the fabric it won’t de-laminate or become damaged. This construction is what makes the fabric inherently windproof as well as highly breathable and waterproof. A special Dry Yarn technology and DWR treatment is also applied to the coated fabric’s outer face to significantly improve wet weather performance and beading, (this can be re-generated simply by exposing the garment to a direct heat source i.e. medium heat iron or tumble drier). There are currently two constructions of Triplepoint Ceramic used in garment production: Standard and Direct Lined. Standard Triple Point Ceramic fabric is constructed and coated as described above and a free hanging Dryflo mesh lining is then added to protect the coating, and to help disperse any condensed water droplets on the inner face of the garment. Triple Point Ceramic Direct Lined is a new fabric combination for the Alpine Pro range for winter 2000. Unlike the standard construction, a fixed lining is applied directly to the Triplepoint Ceramic coating. This gives better performance when combined with a high spec. face fabric. Triple Point Triple Point by Lowe Alpine is a multi-layer non-ceramic coating which is lighter than Triple Point Ceramic and therefore better suited to general walking/outdoor activities rather than more demanding outdoor sports. The outer face of the fabric has a standard DWR treatment applied to it to enhance wet weather performance. Hydrodry P2 (Sprayway) A more basic version of Sprayway’s Hydrodry P3, Hydrodry P2 is a mixture of hydrophilic coatings and laminates rather than a laminate outright. With a lower hydrostatic head (5,000mm) than P3 and a slightly lower degree of breathability, Hydrodry P2 is pitched at the more general walking market. Available only in the equivalent of a two-layer construction, Hydrodry P2 is a good competitor to standard Triplepoint and Aquadry. Entrant II A microporous coating with a multi-layer structure. Applied to a suitable face fabric it has good waterproof and breathability characteristics. Entrant II is used on some F&T nylon face fabrics to enhance performance and durability. Aquadry Aquadry is Craghoppers’ own hydrophilic coating. Constructed and working in a very similar way to Sprayway’s Hydrodry P2, Aquadry is a good choice fabric for a middle of the range waterproof garment- it is waterproof (at least 7,000mm), windproof and breathable. The Aquadry label carries a hydrostatic head measurement (in meters) and a breathability rating (%age) on each garment i.e. “Aquadry 7-82” to look out for. Windproofs Windproofs help to keep you warm. A warm layer of air, warmed up by your body, is trapped in your clothes. If your clothes are not windproof this warm layer of air will be blown away and you will become cold. Windproof clothes are not waterproof, however they may be water-repellent. This means that they will only protect you from rain if there is a light shower. You will need waterproofs to protect you from even moderate rain. Hydro/dry P1 used by Sprayway is a windproof fabric. Some fleece fabrics are also windproof, for more information on these see below. Caring for your Waterproof Jackets and Gear Most of us now use what are called ‘breathable’ waterproof jackets, and like our skin they allow moisture to escape but prevent moisture from penetrating to the inside! Similarly, a waterproof jacket needs a little TLC on a regular basis to get the best out of it. If you notice that your jacket appears to be absorbing water rather than repelling it then it is time to act, and avoid an uncomfortable day out with a jacket that does not breathe. Step One: Wash Your Jacket! This can be done in the washing machine with a product like Grangers Extreme Cleaner. Be sure to put the cleaner into the powder compartment and not into the machine drum with your jacket, as most are concentrated and will not help the fabric. Wash on a cool (40 degree) cycle and ensure the jacket is well rinsed. You can use an household detergent, but it must be a non-bio Important Note: The chemicals in household detergents interfere with the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment to the outside of your waterproof – the perfumes used in particular, as well as those that combine a fabric conditioner. This is why we recommend that you use a product like Grangers gear proofer, which is a pure soap without additives. Step Two: The”Secret“to Success. You now have a nice clean jacket with no dirt now impeding the surface of the fabric so what next…Your jacket needs a session in the tumble dryer! All waterproofs have a DWR finish to them, the dirt that has been removed was stopping this from working; and the heat of a tumble dryer will restore its properties. About 35 – 40 minutes on a low to medium heat will do the trick. Basically what you should expect is for the buttons to be hot to the touch (if it takes the skin off your fingers, you’ve gone too far!) If you should happen to notice that the colour of your jacket has changed a fraction – Don’t Panic – this is just the DWR chemical cooling and setting into the fibres of the fabric. (The tumble drying process liquefied it.) You can used a warm iron to rejuvenate the DWR coating after washing, but the tumble dryer works best. This information is provided for general guidance only, and so if you are looking for specific and possibly more up-to-date advice on an item or range of walking or outdoor clothing, please do not hesitate to cthe Walk and Ramble online True Religion Womens Kelly Twill Slouchy Trouser Viola . We will be glad to help.