Cool Clothes to Beat the Heat When You Have MS
Cool Clothes to Beat the Heat When You Have MS
The active-wear department offers lots of other casual styles to beat the heat. "Today's athletic wear features cooling and comfort technology that can certainly be adapted for medical-type applications," says Don Thompson, PhD, associate director of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center at NC State University.
Early versions of polyester and nylon were tight knits that were better for warming than cooling. But these man-made materials have become much "cooler" in the past few years, thanks to changes in fiber shape, yarn structure, and knit construction that boosted their wicking power.
As hot as yoga pants are in today's fashion circuits, sometimes you must dress up for success. No need to sacrifice style for comfort, says Susan Wade, lead instructor of fashion merchandising at Sanford-Brown College in Chicago.
The fashion designer was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2012. "For comfort," she says, "I prefer knits, but to keep a professional look, a crisp cotton shirt or linen jacket with a loose plain weave is best."
She recommends loose clothing to keep air moving. But that doesn't mean oversized, she says. Check the fit in the shoulders, sleeves, and length. It shouldn't hide your shape.
If you're a woman, say "yes" to the dress. "A stylish maxi with a waterfall hemline is comfortable and cool, and you'll look like a million bucks," Wade says. "This is a great item to pack on a summer trip, and you can wear it to dress up day or night." Pair it with flat or chunky-heel espadrilles made of cotton or hemp, which are easy to walk in.
And don't forget to buy a hat. The big trend this year is wide-brimmed, Wade says. "A straw hat with a wide ribbon to match your outfit is a perfect way to show off your style and keep cool."
A few more fashion tricks: Wrap a cool, damp scarf or bandana around your neck to beat the heat. Or wear some cool beads. Wade keeps a string of her new favorite accessory, "Hot Girls Pearls," in the mini-fridge at her office for just this purpose.
Cool Clothes to Beat the Heat When You Have MS
Find the Right Fabrics for Exercise continued...
The active-wear department offers lots of other casual styles to beat the heat. "Today's athletic wear features cooling and comfort technology that can certainly be adapted for medical-type applications," says Don Thompson, PhD, associate director of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center at NC State University.
Early versions of polyester and nylon were tight knits that were better for warming than cooling. But these man-made materials have become much "cooler" in the past few years, thanks to changes in fiber shape, yarn structure, and knit construction that boosted their wicking power.
Fashion and Function
As hot as yoga pants are in today's fashion circuits, sometimes you must dress up for success. No need to sacrifice style for comfort, says Susan Wade, lead instructor of fashion merchandising at Sanford-Brown College in Chicago.
The fashion designer was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2012. "For comfort," she says, "I prefer knits, but to keep a professional look, a crisp cotton shirt or linen jacket with a loose plain weave is best."
She recommends loose clothing to keep air moving. But that doesn't mean oversized, she says. Check the fit in the shoulders, sleeves, and length. It shouldn't hide your shape.
If you're a woman, say "yes" to the dress. "A stylish maxi with a waterfall hemline is comfortable and cool, and you'll look like a million bucks," Wade says. "This is a great item to pack on a summer trip, and you can wear it to dress up day or night." Pair it with flat or chunky-heel espadrilles made of cotton or hemp, which are easy to walk in.
And don't forget to buy a hat. The big trend this year is wide-brimmed, Wade says. "A straw hat with a wide ribbon to match your outfit is a perfect way to show off your style and keep cool."
A few more fashion tricks: Wrap a cool, damp scarf or bandana around your neck to beat the heat. Or wear some cool beads. Wade keeps a string of her new favorite accessory, "Hot Girls Pearls," in the mini-fridge at her office for just this purpose.
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