Monday, July 30, 2007

History of the Ladies Polo Shirt

For many women, where their clothing comes from is not nearly as important as what it looks like when they put it on. But knowing where your favorite t-shirt or polo shirt first originated can give a better sense of how this piece of clothing might fit into your wardrobe. The ladies polo shirt, for example, actually has its roots in sports and athletic activities played by men - and of course, this tradition has continued to endure over the centuries, finally assimilating into women's style and fashion.

What you might not realize is that the polo shirt can be called by many names - a tennis shirt or a golf shirt is commonly used in everyday conversations, for example. Though the names might change, all refer to the idea of a lightly constructed shirt that has a collar, a few buttons (no more than three) in front of the neck with the ability to be buttoned up or left open as well as two narrow slits in the sides of the shirt at the bottom for better movement. While the material may change depending on your use for the polo shirt, many can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns in cotton, though the texture is created by using knitted cloth and not a woven material. Dressier versions of the polo shirt design can also be found, often in materials like wool, silk, or other manmade materials.

Most fashion history will point out that the ladies polo shirt originated as a piece in the tennis attire of men. Dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s, male tennis players would wear polo shirts to give them better ease of movement without sacrificing good looks during their matches. Instead of their traditional long sleeve shirts and ties, the players were able to move about the court more quickly when they added this more casual shirt to their wardrobe.

So, the development of the ladies polo shirt came from a need for comfort, rather than for a new style or statement. By realizing this, Rene Lacoste became the first person to design what we now know as the polo shirt. Having been a tennis player and champion himself, he knew the common problems with the stuffier outfits and realized that changes were necessary.

Of course the name 'polo' shirt seems to indicate that there was some relevance to the sport of polo as well - and this is an accurate assessment. As the popularity of the polo shirt increased in the sport of tennis, polo players saw the new design as advantageous to their sport as well and began to adopt this shirt for their playtime.

It's also interesting to note that while the shirt is worn in a number of settings and activities, the name 'polo shirt' is the one that has stuck around to generally apply to all of these types of shirts. There are some companies that will label these shirts according to their purpose (tennis or golf, for example), but asking for a polo shirt will also lead you to the right style.

The popularity of this style began to extend to women as a general trend of more casual wear began to come into vogue. Women were able to still look attractive in a polo shirt and dressier trousers instead of having to wear a traditional dress or skirt. Women also adopted this look for the sheer ruggedness of the design and its ability to keep up with their busy lives - even outside of the tennis court or golf course.

Ladies polo shirts may have their origins in men's history, but their appeal for women is remarkable. You can find polo shirts in every women's department from infants to misses.

About Author:

Grant Eckert is a writer for Leon Levin. Leon Levin is a leading provider of Women’s Clothing | Ladies Polo Shirts

Yoga Clothes | Choosing Yoga Apparel | Organic Yoga Clothing

Yoga Clothes

Yoga clothes are one of the accessories required for practicing yoga exercises. The clothing that you wear when practicing Yoga should be comfortable. Your yoga clothing should allow you to move easily and freely in the different asana postures without strain or restriction.

Even though there are no particular Yoga clothes or yoga apparel that you are supposed to wear during Yoga practice, it is essential that you are comfortable with what you wear. Nevertheless, you need to consider few things into consideration while purchasing your yoga apparel.

Yoga Clothes: Comfort

You must wear yoga clothing that will allow you move freely and easily while practicing various yoga postures. Yoga apparel should offer you easy movement, allowing your various parts of the body to twist and stretch in various ways and postures.

It is advisable to pick yoga clothes made of organic cotton as these provides maximum comfort by allowing the body to breathe properly which is an essential for yoga apparel.

Another important thing to consider while purchasing yoga clothing is that they must be sweat absorbent in order that you will not feel sticky and moist when you sweat during the activity.

It is always advisable to keep in mind to consider the clothing that fits you right and that fits your body frame, even though you can find far more attractive and appealing designs of yoga clothes.

For women, it is advisable to choose a good sports bra as this will provide support and comfort during yoga practice. This will improve and bring self confidence during your yoga practice.

Healthy

Another important thing you need to consider while choosing yoga clothes is to choose healthy, organic clothing. The most popular natural fiber is cotton, but it is grown conventionally. This type of manufactured cotton is the most chemically intensive fiber grown with destructive consequences to the environment.

Therefore, you should choose organically grown and manufactured clothing for protecting your health and the health of the environment.

Cost of the Yoga Apparel

Cost of the Yoga apparel is another thing you should take into consideration while choosing your yoga clothes. Do not choose clothing that gives extremely soaring prices in spite of its fashionable design or style.

You must purchase yoga clothing that are not only attractive but also provide comfort and at a fitting price. Furthermore, it will be great if you purchase yoga clothes which can also be worn even without a Yoga class or session.

Durable

Some seams and fabrics get strained by the stretching, bending, and twisting of some yoga asanas. So, it is better to purchase yoga clothing that are manufactures with double seams and durable manufacturing. The longer fibers of organic cotton and hemp are naturally stronger, wear longer, and are more comfortable.

Keep in mind that comfort is the most important thing to consider. Therefore no matter how good yoga clothes may look, it will not be right for you if it is not comfortable. Comfort is the key, and you must purchase yoga clothes which are not only attractive but also providing comfort to you during yoga practice.

Alien writes for yoga for health. He also writes for yoga for beginners and arthritis relief


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Skirts in Revival?

With the women's liberation movement many things changed. One of those changes was dresses and skirts. Women no longer wanted to feel bound by the dresses and skirts that they wore; nor did they want to have to wear the undergarments that would suck them in and make breathing difficult. Today dresses and skirts are made entirely differently. The undergarments are still available, but they are now a choice rather than necessity. Perhaps for that reason, dresses and skirts are beginning to make a comeback in the world of fashion.

If nothing else can be said about them, it can be said that dresses are comfortable. With the removal of the restrictive undergarments that would suck everyone in and make them look as skinny as a light pole, dresses are now surrounded in comfort. Whether your figure is tall and trim, short and stocky, or any combination thereof, there is a dress made to flatter your shape.

When women wore dresses in the past, they would have to conform their bodies to the dresses they'd wear. Today, the dresses have to make the adjustments so that they look good on the wearer no matter her size and shape. Dresses make a woman feel feminine and now all women will have the privilege of feeling that way.

The cool comfort of dresses makes their wearer completely comfortable. They don't have to worry about stiff materials that pants are often made of. They won't have to worry about tight waistlines of pants that have shrunk in the dryer. They will be perfectly comfortable in the loose soft fabrics that surround them.

Dresses can be worn in just about any circumstance. There are always events that dresses are appropriate for. Designers are well aware of this fact and they have created dresses to fit each and every occasion. Wearing the right kind of dress to each occasion will represent your personal style in each event.

For a wedding or a dinner party a cocktail dress is most appropriate. This will be a fashionably designed dress. It may include sequins or lace. The decoration on the dress will be intricate and stylish.

For business dealings, a dress is usually designed in the style of a suit. It's not very revealing, usually with a top that buttons up all the way to the neckline. The skirt is usually straight and colored in gray, beige, or black.

For every day wear dresses will usually be made from cotton. They will be a variety of colors and styles. They may be flashy and revealing or they may be conservative. They will provide the most amount of comfort in wearing and will add the benefit of hiding problem areas.

Dresses are wonderful pieces of material. They are comfortable and fun to wear. They are great for every occasion and reveal a style of their own.


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