Well, let's begin by asking what is different about Prana Yoga from the Yoga as we know it. The essentiality of this is emphasized for choosing the most suitable type of clothing, if otherwise; it would lead to using climbing pants, so to say, for prana yoga.
Prana stands for breath and the essence of prana yoga is in gaining control over breathing. This way prana also means life. Gaining over- the otherwise voluntary- breathing, mellows down heartbeats and pulse rate if practiced in quiet and serene ambience. Thus it is imperative to emphasize on features like breathability and flexibility of clothes.
Men's clothing for yoga is not much different from women's clothing barring the contour. At the same breath, one shouldn't get misled that everyday clothes can suffice for yoga as is the case with climbing pants or any climbing gear.
Look at some of the features. Prana clothing like pants and shirts need not be heavy and protective, so the fabric will be of, usually, nylon and spandex blended in favor of nylon. Yogo clothes may have a heavier inclination in favor of nylon than spandex, especially for yogo pants, while other brands go upto 60:40 ratio. But this is not always the case. Some clothes like T-shirts, pants and jackets may vary in fabric and fabrication.
Prana Yoga Clothing for indoors are simple and light weight with upto 97% cotton and only 3% spandex. These are quick drying, two-way stretchable, jersey knit for pull-on entry comfort. Jackets can have fur trim, satin lining, cargo pockets, and sometimes removable belts too.
But what do all these signify, particularly for the yoga practitioner in you? For one, prana yoga is never practiced outdoors and in fast successions, for both of them disturb body temperature and heartbeat/pulse. Good protection before and after the session and flexible, breathable but still warm clothing is essential during it. So what better gear than Prana Yoga Clothing made for the purpose?
Alevoor Rajagopal is an MBA and an industry reputed business consultant and has tried his hands at many things. He shares his experiences in earning dollars here.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Prana-Yoga-Clothing---A-Review&id=404165
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Let Your Plus Size Dress Apparel Help You Shine
Ever felt out of place at a dinner party? Or perhaps a cocktail affair where women were required to wear skimpy dresses meant to show off skinny legs and Twiggy-style hips? You no longer need to put up with that - look good even with plus size dress apparel.
The common misconception is that larger-bodied women are also unattractive women. This is not so! These are modern times, and modern couturiers cater to the needs of women of all body types. Frankly, there's no excuse not to attend those formal dress affairs anymore. Plus size dress apparel is now being manufactured to cater to every occasion, for every woman.
More often than not, what makes ANY kind of woman unattractive is her low self-esteem. You don't need to feel bad because you don't look the same as the impossibly skinny models who are heavily made up and then featured on magazine covers and soap operas. Do you want to be as doll-like - or do you aim to make the best of the beauty you were naturally meant to have?
Dresses - formal dresses, especially - are meant not just to cling to the body, but also to accentuate the parts of the body that especially call for highlighting. For example, you may have smooth, creamy skin, like a lot of full-bodied women tend to have; it would then be good to look around for a dress that would allow you to show off a lot of skin, especially in the arms and upper body area. Showing off your elegant neckline is an excellent way to draw attention to your well-formed upper body, and to bring a natural glow to your face.
Certain cuts of dresses also serve to slim down certain body parts. For full-bodied women who want to play down the size of their hips or their waistlines, two-piece dresses may be the best option. Also, not all full-figured women have well-developed bust areas - dresses with decorative accessories for the upper body, such as blazers or stoles, would certainly help.
Be careful about choosing sleeveless dresses, too. Some full-bodied women may have narrow shoulders and large-ish arms, which may make sleeveless dresses seem awkward. Some formal wear with long sleeves or mid-size sleeves would definitely work well in such an occasion.
Above all: keep your back straight and your chin in the air. Don't be afraid to show off the beautiful and glamorous you. Shine in any affair with plus size dress apparel.
Plus-fashion.com is the place where full figured beautiful people find the latest ins and outs on plus size dress apparel, plus size clothing and fashion
http://ezinearticles.com/?Let-Your-Plus-Size-Dress-Apparel-Help-You-Shine&id=255030
The common misconception is that larger-bodied women are also unattractive women. This is not so! These are modern times, and modern couturiers cater to the needs of women of all body types. Frankly, there's no excuse not to attend those formal dress affairs anymore. Plus size dress apparel is now being manufactured to cater to every occasion, for every woman.
More often than not, what makes ANY kind of woman unattractive is her low self-esteem. You don't need to feel bad because you don't look the same as the impossibly skinny models who are heavily made up and then featured on magazine covers and soap operas. Do you want to be as doll-like - or do you aim to make the best of the beauty you were naturally meant to have?
Dresses - formal dresses, especially - are meant not just to cling to the body, but also to accentuate the parts of the body that especially call for highlighting. For example, you may have smooth, creamy skin, like a lot of full-bodied women tend to have; it would then be good to look around for a dress that would allow you to show off a lot of skin, especially in the arms and upper body area. Showing off your elegant neckline is an excellent way to draw attention to your well-formed upper body, and to bring a natural glow to your face.
Certain cuts of dresses also serve to slim down certain body parts. For full-bodied women who want to play down the size of their hips or their waistlines, two-piece dresses may be the best option. Also, not all full-figured women have well-developed bust areas - dresses with decorative accessories for the upper body, such as blazers or stoles, would certainly help.
Be careful about choosing sleeveless dresses, too. Some full-bodied women may have narrow shoulders and large-ish arms, which may make sleeveless dresses seem awkward. Some formal wear with long sleeves or mid-size sleeves would definitely work well in such an occasion.
Above all: keep your back straight and your chin in the air. Don't be afraid to show off the beautiful and glamorous you. Shine in any affair with plus size dress apparel.
Plus-fashion.com is the place where full figured beautiful people find the latest ins and outs on plus size dress apparel, plus size clothing and fashion
http://ezinearticles.com/?Let-Your-Plus-Size-Dress-Apparel-Help-You-Shine&id=255030
Plus Size Women - 4 Tips To Shop For The Right Apparel
If you are shopping for plus size women apparel, then you might want to take note of the following tips. Remember, however, that these are only a few pointers that you might want to check out. You will learn much more about your body as you fit more clothes, and as you study what colors, cuts, and patterns suit you.
1. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Many malls will contain shops that sell plus size women apparel, and many department stores will house such a section. Ask your local sales representatives and assistants about such apparel, and don't give up if you don't find any at one mall. Keep searching, and if you do find a store that you like, don't spend all your money there. You need to have variety in your wardrobe, so look for different stores that sell different styles.
2. Go for darker, deeper colors, such as chocolate brown, navy blue, and black. Dark colors can make you appear leaner and thinner. They can also hide bulges or excess curves, especially if you use well-tailored dresses. If you must go for patterns, invest in clothes that have vertical lines, such as candy stripes, folds, and pleats. These can make you appear more slender and less bulky.
3. When shopping for plus size women apparel, make sure that you check the most common parts of your body that such apparel might not fit well on. Due to certain measurement standards, some clothes might not fit you well, and you might need to have them altered.
4. Go for the high heels! These can make you appear leaner and taller, and to some extent, they can make you feel sexier, and even walk in a certain appealing way. However, if you have back problems, go for heels that are no more than two inches tall. You don't want to damage your spine all because you want to look sexy.
Shopping for plus size women apparel need not be difficult. All you need to do is to know your body well, and to find the best clothes with the right cuts and patterns to fit you.
To learn more shopping tips on plus size women clothing, visit http://www.plussizewomenclothing101.com
http://ezinearticles.com/?Plus-Size-Women---4-Tips-To-Shop-For-The-Right-Apparel&id=596432
1. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Many malls will contain shops that sell plus size women apparel, and many department stores will house such a section. Ask your local sales representatives and assistants about such apparel, and don't give up if you don't find any at one mall. Keep searching, and if you do find a store that you like, don't spend all your money there. You need to have variety in your wardrobe, so look for different stores that sell different styles.
2. Go for darker, deeper colors, such as chocolate brown, navy blue, and black. Dark colors can make you appear leaner and thinner. They can also hide bulges or excess curves, especially if you use well-tailored dresses. If you must go for patterns, invest in clothes that have vertical lines, such as candy stripes, folds, and pleats. These can make you appear more slender and less bulky.
3. When shopping for plus size women apparel, make sure that you check the most common parts of your body that such apparel might not fit well on. Due to certain measurement standards, some clothes might not fit you well, and you might need to have them altered.
4. Go for the high heels! These can make you appear leaner and taller, and to some extent, they can make you feel sexier, and even walk in a certain appealing way. However, if you have back problems, go for heels that are no more than two inches tall. You don't want to damage your spine all because you want to look sexy.
Shopping for plus size women apparel need not be difficult. All you need to do is to know your body well, and to find the best clothes with the right cuts and patterns to fit you.
To learn more shopping tips on plus size women clothing, visit http://www.plussizewomenclothing101.com
http://ezinearticles.com/?Plus-Size-Women---4-Tips-To-Shop-For-The-Right-Apparel&id=596432
Women's Snowboarding Apparel Should Help You Stay Warm And Comfortable
Women's snowboarding apparel spans a wide array of clothing items and accessories that allow women to experience the full thrill of snowboarding and should essentially ensure that they are warmly clad as well as comfortable enough to perform various maneuvers. The fabric should be sleek and should allow moisture to move away from the skin and stay dry or dry quickly, giving the wearer a no-sweat comfort.
The women's snowboarding apparel should also have knit-in stretch to facilitate perfect fitting as well as free movement and flexibility. To flatter the woman's figure, the women's snowboarding apparel should not only be bold colored but should also hug the figure. For those who enjoy snow sports such as snowboarding and skiing, a tank top would be ideal and it should have an essential base layer that provides midweight insulation especially when the wearer performs high level activities. Most important is the moisture control as well as washability.
Essential To Have Three Layers Of clothing
Most women's snowboarding apparel should include knit tops and bottoms, shorts, long and short sleeved tees, hoodies and pullover sweatshirts as also beanies. There would also be a full line of accessory bags, hats and helmets as well as belts that would complete the women's snowboarding apparel ensemble.
Also, there is a manner in which a woman should dress up for snowboarding and this she may do the right way or the wrong way. To get it right, there are a few necessary steps she should take to help ensure that her snowboarding experience is fun filled, pleasurable as well as comfortable.
Being clad in long underwear bottoms, long sleeved tops and socks should form her base layer and the material used should preferably be synthetic polyester or polypropylene and brands like Capilene, Coolmax and Polartec are recommended. A second and insulating layer should consist of fleece or wool insulating sweaters and this would depend on weather conditions for which more or less layers may be used, as required.
To get protection from the winds and rains women's snowboarding apparel may include waterproof jackets and pants and depending on weather conditions, more or less waterproofing and venting options may be necessary. A good snowboarding pant should have an inner cuff that provides a snug fit over the boots, thus keeping out the cold and snow.
Apart from these items of women's snowboarding apparel there is also need for accessories such as hats or helmets, goggles as well as a neck gaiter for extremely cold conditions. Gloves should complete the women's snowboarding apparel requirements.
http://articopia.com/sports-and-recreation/extreme-sports/women-s-snowboarding-apparel-should-help-you-stay-warm-and-comfortable.html
The women's snowboarding apparel should also have knit-in stretch to facilitate perfect fitting as well as free movement and flexibility. To flatter the woman's figure, the women's snowboarding apparel should not only be bold colored but should also hug the figure. For those who enjoy snow sports such as snowboarding and skiing, a tank top would be ideal and it should have an essential base layer that provides midweight insulation especially when the wearer performs high level activities. Most important is the moisture control as well as washability.
Essential To Have Three Layers Of clothing
Most women's snowboarding apparel should include knit tops and bottoms, shorts, long and short sleeved tees, hoodies and pullover sweatshirts as also beanies. There would also be a full line of accessory bags, hats and helmets as well as belts that would complete the women's snowboarding apparel ensemble.
Also, there is a manner in which a woman should dress up for snowboarding and this she may do the right way or the wrong way. To get it right, there are a few necessary steps she should take to help ensure that her snowboarding experience is fun filled, pleasurable as well as comfortable.
Being clad in long underwear bottoms, long sleeved tops and socks should form her base layer and the material used should preferably be synthetic polyester or polypropylene and brands like Capilene, Coolmax and Polartec are recommended. A second and insulating layer should consist of fleece or wool insulating sweaters and this would depend on weather conditions for which more or less layers may be used, as required.
To get protection from the winds and rains women's snowboarding apparel may include waterproof jackets and pants and depending on weather conditions, more or less waterproofing and venting options may be necessary. A good snowboarding pant should have an inner cuff that provides a snug fit over the boots, thus keeping out the cold and snow.
Apart from these items of women's snowboarding apparel there is also need for accessories such as hats or helmets, goggles as well as a neck gaiter for extremely cold conditions. Gloves should complete the women's snowboarding apparel requirements.
http://articopia.com/sports-and-recreation/extreme-sports/women-s-snowboarding-apparel-should-help-you-stay-warm-and-comfortable.html
Ladies Golf Apparel - How To Be Comfortable On The Course
If you wish to be comfortable on the golf course, you will need to consider functional clothing. This does not mean you need to abandon style and the stylish movement. It means, however, your focus should be what is comfortable for you to wear and helps you achieve your goals on the course. There is no sense in being dressed in vogue if you cannot hit the golf ball off the tee or if you feel extremely uncomfortable. Similarly, you may not feel completely comfortable dressed like an escapee from a past century. So, as you can see, it all depends upon what you believe is comfortable.
For those who like to combine functionality with comfort and fashion, there are several designers to consider. Patti Varrelmann's GG Blue and San Diego based Cocchia stress flexibility, functionality and style. Cocchia's golf wear may look back to the traditional golf apparel of the 1930s, but with its low necks, slim lines and bold colors, it is strongly rooted in the modern women's world of golf.
European labels like Bogner, J. Lindeberg and Golfino, and newer labels like Birdie and PinkCaddi provide female golfers with increasingly more selection. Together, with various North American designers such as Leon Levin, they combine fashion and function in a manner perfectly suited to the game. Their approach to ladies' golf apparel is attractive to any number of women wishing to appear in style without sacrificing their comfort zone in the game. Other golf designers such as Bette and Court, Izod, Sport Haley and To a Tee are more concerned with what works. To a Tee boasts they are women golfers designing clothing for women golfers.
For those who prefer their comforts simple, try polo shirts. A good polo shirt can be the basis for a very comfortable golf game. On or off the range or course, polo shirts are ideal. These comfortable shirts come in a wide variety of colors from which to choose. Nike and Adidas offer up their versions of this traditional shirt in flexible nylon white or in darker or pastel hues. The look is sleek; the lines are crisp. Other versions refer to this as a “golf” shirt. Classique Pique golf shirts are an example of this type of shirt.
To this classic, you can add other types of apparel, including sleeveless shirts, sweaters and shorts most notably produced by outfitters like Leon Levin. They keep you comfortable and warm during and after the game. The necklines can suit the most daring and the most conservative female golfer. Cocchia's offerings sport low necklines and emphasize a sporting femininity. Cocchia, also, has cardigan sweaters offering stylish warmth for those cold mornings. To a Tee provides a wide range of silk and cotton fiber sweaters.
There is also the choice between skirts and shorts. Lily Pulitzer provides skirts for golfers while Nike pushes shorts. Some women prefer short skirts, while others prefer long. As to whether the short skirts or shorts are comfortable, it is a personal choice. The exception to this particular rule lies within your choice of club. Your favorite golf club might have specific rules dictating the type of apparel you must wear on their course.
There are always other alternatives: skorts, pants and capris. Bette and Court, Isisport, Izod, Leon Levin and Sports Haley can satisfy you with their wide selection of capris, cropped pants or flat front pants. To a Tee has a signature seersucker skort. It is meant to fit your body, be comfortable and flex when you do.
When it comes to color and fabric, there are disparate views as to what comprises “comfortable” on the golf course. The new trend in golf apparel is generally away from the traditional pleats and plaids. Cocchia still provides traditional golfers with the comfort of this particular style. She has, however, revolutionized the style, altering it into a more palatable form. If, however, you find comfort in the old style of golf wear, check out Cocchia. She has even revived cardigans, pleats and tweeds.
If you like to wear color, there are numerous designers to turn to. Lilly Pulitzer offers pastel skirts. Nike sells blue shorts. Cocchia can provide you with a wide spectrum of colors and combinations. In her collections, rich chocolate browns vie with burnt oranges and matte blues for your favor. Others offer a palette of soft pastels and vibrant hues.
Whatever your comfort level, whether you choose skirts, pants, shorts or capris do not forget, the fit and fabric must allow you to focus on your swing, not your clothing.
http://www.articlevista.com/Article/Ladies-Golf-Apparel---How-to-Be-Comfortable-on-the-Course/58712
For those who like to combine functionality with comfort and fashion, there are several designers to consider. Patti Varrelmann's GG Blue and San Diego based Cocchia stress flexibility, functionality and style. Cocchia's golf wear may look back to the traditional golf apparel of the 1930s, but with its low necks, slim lines and bold colors, it is strongly rooted in the modern women's world of golf.
European labels like Bogner, J. Lindeberg and Golfino, and newer labels like Birdie and PinkCaddi provide female golfers with increasingly more selection. Together, with various North American designers such as Leon Levin, they combine fashion and function in a manner perfectly suited to the game. Their approach to ladies' golf apparel is attractive to any number of women wishing to appear in style without sacrificing their comfort zone in the game. Other golf designers such as Bette and Court, Izod, Sport Haley and To a Tee are more concerned with what works. To a Tee boasts they are women golfers designing clothing for women golfers.
For those who prefer their comforts simple, try polo shirts. A good polo shirt can be the basis for a very comfortable golf game. On or off the range or course, polo shirts are ideal. These comfortable shirts come in a wide variety of colors from which to choose. Nike and Adidas offer up their versions of this traditional shirt in flexible nylon white or in darker or pastel hues. The look is sleek; the lines are crisp. Other versions refer to this as a “golf” shirt. Classique Pique golf shirts are an example of this type of shirt.
To this classic, you can add other types of apparel, including sleeveless shirts, sweaters and shorts most notably produced by outfitters like Leon Levin. They keep you comfortable and warm during and after the game. The necklines can suit the most daring and the most conservative female golfer. Cocchia's offerings sport low necklines and emphasize a sporting femininity. Cocchia, also, has cardigan sweaters offering stylish warmth for those cold mornings. To a Tee provides a wide range of silk and cotton fiber sweaters.
There is also the choice between skirts and shorts. Lily Pulitzer provides skirts for golfers while Nike pushes shorts. Some women prefer short skirts, while others prefer long. As to whether the short skirts or shorts are comfortable, it is a personal choice. The exception to this particular rule lies within your choice of club. Your favorite golf club might have specific rules dictating the type of apparel you must wear on their course.
There are always other alternatives: skorts, pants and capris. Bette and Court, Isisport, Izod, Leon Levin and Sports Haley can satisfy you with their wide selection of capris, cropped pants or flat front pants. To a Tee has a signature seersucker skort. It is meant to fit your body, be comfortable and flex when you do.
When it comes to color and fabric, there are disparate views as to what comprises “comfortable” on the golf course. The new trend in golf apparel is generally away from the traditional pleats and plaids. Cocchia still provides traditional golfers with the comfort of this particular style. She has, however, revolutionized the style, altering it into a more palatable form. If, however, you find comfort in the old style of golf wear, check out Cocchia. She has even revived cardigans, pleats and tweeds.
If you like to wear color, there are numerous designers to turn to. Lilly Pulitzer offers pastel skirts. Nike sells blue shorts. Cocchia can provide you with a wide spectrum of colors and combinations. In her collections, rich chocolate browns vie with burnt oranges and matte blues for your favor. Others offer a palette of soft pastels and vibrant hues.
Whatever your comfort level, whether you choose skirts, pants, shorts or capris do not forget, the fit and fabric must allow you to focus on your swing, not your clothing.
http://www.articlevista.com/Article/Ladies-Golf-Apparel---How-to-Be-Comfortable-on-the-Course/58712
Suiting Up: Women's Sports Apparel Showing Muscle
A person can wear only so many clothes in one lifetime -- that's what makes the U.S. apparel industry a mature and slow-growing business. However, this market, worth $344.5 billion at retail in 2005, isn't likely to disappear.
To capitalize on what growth there is, manufacturers and retailers must stay on top of consumer trends, such as the strengthening demand for sports apparel -- especially in the women's segment. Clothing and accessories sales overall rose by about 3.9% in 2004, according to government data. But sports apparel sales grew by 4.9%, according to The NPD Group/NPD Fashionworld. (The sports category includes multi-use or "lifestyle" clothing, such as gym clothes that can be worn casually around town, as well as technical or "active" gear meant for a specific sport, such as golf or cycling.)
The sales gain for sports apparel overall was due largely to increased spending for women's items, up 10.8% in 2004, notes the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), a trade group. Women's share of active sports apparel (41.1% of dollars spent) is also close to achieving parity with men's 42.5% share. While active apparel (men's, women's, and children's) declined in units in 2004, average price was up 6.4%, versus a 4.1% price rise on all sports apparel.
In 2005, sales trends favored the lifestyle segment rather than active wear, according to Standard & Poor's Equity Research. While total sports apparel sales saw a 7.4% increase to $44 billion, active wear grew 2.7% in dollar terms, according to NPD. S&P&P; thinks 2005 sales were driven by clothing intended for use, rather than by technical gear or T-shirts from the Gap. Purchasers, according to S&P&P;, were people attracted to an active lifestyle and who may engage in sports recreationally, though perhaps not competitively.
S&P's fundamental outlook for the apparel, accessories, and luxury sub-industry is positive, due mostly to strength it sees in accessories, as apparel manufacturers are under pressure from retail consolidation. S&P's view on apparel retailers is neutral, because of inventory build-ups and long-term demographic weakness due to shoppers' changing priorities. However, some retailers are benefiting from consolidation, S&P believes. Apparel retailers with strong brands, differentiated products at attractive prices, and superior customer service stand the best chance of outperforming their peers.
Demand for sport apparel is supported by technological as well as demographic factors. Currently, 41.3 million Americans hold gym memberships of some sort, according to the New York Times. Women's increased participation in sports has been supported by federal law as well as by the leisure time and cash wielded by the baby boom generation. Performance fabrics, such as polyesters, which improve the feel and function of sporting goods, are likely to increase consumer demand and to fuel dissatisfaction with lower-tech gear.
Within women's apparel overall, females ages 35 and older may present a significant opportunity, according to S&P. This 80-million strong cohort is projected to increase by 1.2% annually through 2010, compared with a 0.8% rise for women ages 20 to 34. Additionally, women 35-plus tend to have the disposable income to spend on clothing.
S&P sees Chico`s FAS (CHS) and Liz Claiborne (LIZ) as poised to profit from this generation, thanks to the customer knowledge, service, and merchandise -- all of which S&P calls "superior." S&P also approves of their entry into women's sports clothes, along with similar strides by bebe Stores (BEBE) and Nike (NKE).
To broaden their revenue base, manufacturers must diversify, in S&P's opinion, as Liz Claiborne did by buying Prana, maker of yoga and climbing apparel. S&P views the company's breadth in brands, sales channels, and demographics, along with its consistently strong financial results, as worthy of boosting its earnings multiples. Another company striking a posture in the yoga market is privately held L.L. Bean. The $1.4-billion mail-order retailer is introducing a cataolgue called Everyday Adventures, with women's clothing suitable for yoga and fitness activities.
Nike, the $13.7-billion sporting goods giant, emphasizes both fashion and function in its products. Women's sports apparel is "a big part of our business, and will continue to grow," said spokeswoman Morgan Shaw. "That includes women's fitness, running, court sports, dance, cardio, and yoga."
http://www.investmentadvisor.com/article.php?section=Mutual+Fund+Focus&article=6389
To capitalize on what growth there is, manufacturers and retailers must stay on top of consumer trends, such as the strengthening demand for sports apparel -- especially in the women's segment. Clothing and accessories sales overall rose by about 3.9% in 2004, according to government data. But sports apparel sales grew by 4.9%, according to The NPD Group/NPD Fashionworld. (The sports category includes multi-use or "lifestyle" clothing, such as gym clothes that can be worn casually around town, as well as technical or "active" gear meant for a specific sport, such as golf or cycling.)
The sales gain for sports apparel overall was due largely to increased spending for women's items, up 10.8% in 2004, notes the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), a trade group. Women's share of active sports apparel (41.1% of dollars spent) is also close to achieving parity with men's 42.5% share. While active apparel (men's, women's, and children's) declined in units in 2004, average price was up 6.4%, versus a 4.1% price rise on all sports apparel.
In 2005, sales trends favored the lifestyle segment rather than active wear, according to Standard & Poor's Equity Research. While total sports apparel sales saw a 7.4% increase to $44 billion, active wear grew 2.7% in dollar terms, according to NPD. S&P&P; thinks 2005 sales were driven by clothing intended for use, rather than by technical gear or T-shirts from the Gap. Purchasers, according to S&P&P;, were people attracted to an active lifestyle and who may engage in sports recreationally, though perhaps not competitively.
S&P's fundamental outlook for the apparel, accessories, and luxury sub-industry is positive, due mostly to strength it sees in accessories, as apparel manufacturers are under pressure from retail consolidation. S&P's view on apparel retailers is neutral, because of inventory build-ups and long-term demographic weakness due to shoppers' changing priorities. However, some retailers are benefiting from consolidation, S&P believes. Apparel retailers with strong brands, differentiated products at attractive prices, and superior customer service stand the best chance of outperforming their peers.
Demand for sport apparel is supported by technological as well as demographic factors. Currently, 41.3 million Americans hold gym memberships of some sort, according to the New York Times. Women's increased participation in sports has been supported by federal law as well as by the leisure time and cash wielded by the baby boom generation. Performance fabrics, such as polyesters, which improve the feel and function of sporting goods, are likely to increase consumer demand and to fuel dissatisfaction with lower-tech gear.
Within women's apparel overall, females ages 35 and older may present a significant opportunity, according to S&P. This 80-million strong cohort is projected to increase by 1.2% annually through 2010, compared with a 0.8% rise for women ages 20 to 34. Additionally, women 35-plus tend to have the disposable income to spend on clothing.
S&P sees Chico`s FAS (CHS) and Liz Claiborne (LIZ) as poised to profit from this generation, thanks to the customer knowledge, service, and merchandise -- all of which S&P calls "superior." S&P also approves of their entry into women's sports clothes, along with similar strides by bebe Stores (BEBE) and Nike (NKE).
To broaden their revenue base, manufacturers must diversify, in S&P's opinion, as Liz Claiborne did by buying Prana, maker of yoga and climbing apparel. S&P views the company's breadth in brands, sales channels, and demographics, along with its consistently strong financial results, as worthy of boosting its earnings multiples. Another company striking a posture in the yoga market is privately held L.L. Bean. The $1.4-billion mail-order retailer is introducing a cataolgue called Everyday Adventures, with women's clothing suitable for yoga and fitness activities.
Nike, the $13.7-billion sporting goods giant, emphasizes both fashion and function in its products. Women's sports apparel is "a big part of our business, and will continue to grow," said spokeswoman Morgan Shaw. "That includes women's fitness, running, court sports, dance, cardio, and yoga."
http://www.investmentadvisor.com/article.php?section=Mutual+Fund+Focus&article=6389
Comfortable Women's Apparel
When women plan to go shopping, they know that they want the shopping trip to be fun and exciting. The last thing on their minds is to be stressed in any way because that would take all of the fun out of what they are fixing to do. They might not know exactly what they are shopping for, but they do know that they want it to be comfortable.
Most women will look at the mannequins in a store to see what styles of clothing are being offered for sale at that time. If the women's apparel looks comfortable and easy to care for, they might choose to give it a closer look. If the women's apparel is made of fabrics that require dry cleaning, then they are likely to keep shopping.
They will begin to get discouraged if they do not see a large selection of women's apparel in their size. This is the one reason why women shop at several stores throughout the year. Style and size have a great impact on the type of clothing women choose on a regular basis. They feel that any clothing that is not comfortable would be a wasted effort of time and money.
Most women know ahead of time how to select clothes that are going to fit. They have a particular style in clothes and buy them all of the time. They can tell at a glance whether a pair of pants will bunch at their waistline and whether the inseam is going to cut them when they sit down. Most women know by instinct which women's apparel choices are right for them and their particular lifestyle.
Having this knowledge under their belt does not keep from looking at all styles of clothes. They know that there is always a chance that they might find something entirely different that will suit their fancy or be right for the occasion that they are shopping. Some stores have larger selections and are more likely to offer items on sale, so women take the time to glance through the women's apparel selections at every store that they go to.
Some women will feel sure about their ability to buy the right type of clothes. Other shoppers might feel that a second opinion is necessary before they feel confident about the woman's apparel that they are buying. The outfit might be comfortable and stylish but they feel that another viewpoint might be necessary because they want to look good to other people too and not just themselves.
When women are shopping for comfortable apparel, they will also be looking for things that they can relax around the house in too. Most women like to relax in a pair of sweat pants or shorts depending on the weather. No matter what kind of clothes they are looking for on a shopping trip, the shopper just wants to make sure that they are comfortable and are also a good fit.
http://www.onlinejer.com/Article/Comfortable-Women-s-Apparel/70844
Most women will look at the mannequins in a store to see what styles of clothing are being offered for sale at that time. If the women's apparel looks comfortable and easy to care for, they might choose to give it a closer look. If the women's apparel is made of fabrics that require dry cleaning, then they are likely to keep shopping.
They will begin to get discouraged if they do not see a large selection of women's apparel in their size. This is the one reason why women shop at several stores throughout the year. Style and size have a great impact on the type of clothing women choose on a regular basis. They feel that any clothing that is not comfortable would be a wasted effort of time and money.
Most women know ahead of time how to select clothes that are going to fit. They have a particular style in clothes and buy them all of the time. They can tell at a glance whether a pair of pants will bunch at their waistline and whether the inseam is going to cut them when they sit down. Most women know by instinct which women's apparel choices are right for them and their particular lifestyle.
Having this knowledge under their belt does not keep from looking at all styles of clothes. They know that there is always a chance that they might find something entirely different that will suit their fancy or be right for the occasion that they are shopping. Some stores have larger selections and are more likely to offer items on sale, so women take the time to glance through the women's apparel selections at every store that they go to.
Some women will feel sure about their ability to buy the right type of clothes. Other shoppers might feel that a second opinion is necessary before they feel confident about the woman's apparel that they are buying. The outfit might be comfortable and stylish but they feel that another viewpoint might be necessary because they want to look good to other people too and not just themselves.
When women are shopping for comfortable apparel, they will also be looking for things that they can relax around the house in too. Most women like to relax in a pair of sweat pants or shorts depending on the weather. No matter what kind of clothes they are looking for on a shopping trip, the shopper just wants to make sure that they are comfortable and are also a good fit.
http://www.onlinejer.com/Article/Comfortable-Women-s-Apparel/70844
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