FitSugar

Fatguy Shirts: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

As the name suggests, Fatguy Shirts are mostly aimed at men, but some of these designs (and there are many) clearly have women in mind. On the one hand, I'm all for embracing a healthy body image, but most of these tees just seem mean. What do you think? Would you be proud to wear any of these? Do you find them refreshing or irresponsible?

Fittingly Mad: Vanity Sizing on Workout Clothes

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I hate trying on clothes, and the fact that sizes are all over the map doesn't help matters. Some brands run big while others run small, which means I have to take a pile of items into the dressing room. But I got really riled up while shopping for workout clothes this weekend, when I discovered what's apparently a new trend: vanity sizing on workout clothes.

I've ranted before about vanity sizing, the practice of making clothes larger but sizing them smaller, so people can wear smaller sizes and feel better about themselves. I'm normally a solid medium, but when I was shopping this weekend, I tried on several mediums that were enormous on me. I guess the clothing manufacturers want me to be happy about buying a small, but they're not fooling me with their flattery. (Also, what would a really small person wear?!)

But what really annoys me is that vanity sizing on workout clothes is totally counterproductive. To find out why, read more.

If you are working out and trying to slim down, shouldn't you wear clothes that are an accurate representation of your size? Wouldn't you rather know that you've actually dropped a size, or that you are maintaining your happy size, rather than being tricked into thinking you've changed? Exercise helps us feel better about our bodies, and that's way more real than a vanity size that tries to do the same thing.

What do you guys think? Am I overreacting, or do you also find vanity sizing in workout clothes fittingly mad?

Source

Do You Move More When You're . . .

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0800

When at work, many people move around more during the day when they are dressed comfortably, as opposed to when they feel uncomfortable in typical work attire. I know that I, for one, walk around a lot more when I have on flats or boots rather than heels. I am way more inclined to take a walk at lunch rather than sit at my desk when I am comfortable in my clothes.

All we need to do now is convince our bosses of the health/productivity benefits. Until then, I'm curious. . .

Source

Invisibelt: Lose the Weight, Not the Pants

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:00:00 -0800

After getting rid of a few inches around the waist - bravo, by the way - you may find that your favorite pair of pants don't quite fit like a glove anymore. Bummer.

We've all tried the belt routine, but it's just not the same and it's so much for wearing slimming tops when you have a bulky belt stealing the show. Getting all new pants, or getting all old pants tailored, is hardly economical so I am intrigued by the Invisibelt ($19.99). This little belt is designed to be flat and undetectable. It's a smooth clear belt all the way around and it sort of reminds me of those clear bra straps you can put on convertible bras. The best part is that it adjusts to fit sizes 2-14. Buy it here and enjoy your weight loss and your favorite jeans.

Get Your Butt in Gear: be present Bottoms

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Comfy, soft, lightweight, breathable, flattering, and adorable. What more could you want from your workout pants? I've just discovered a new favorite made by a small, family-owned business, called be present. be present is more than a clothing line, it's a way of life. Their clothes are designed for the woman who wants to experience life, feel light, move freely, and look good doing it.

Their bottoms feel like no other. The Breathe Weave fabric is unbelievably lightweight, wicks away sweat, and dries quickly. The fabric is also flexible, so it'll move with you but not stretch out of shape. They also make some of their bottoms with bamboo, an environmentally-friendly and sustainable fabric. This material is incredibly soft and luxurious feeling. It's durable, quick-drying, and also has anti-bacterial properties.

Want to see what they look like on a real person? You can see the Mobility Pant and the Bamboo Tank in action in this backbend on the ball video.

be present has a whole range of styles and colors of women's bottoms. Check out my favorites below.

be present: Supplex Short	be present: Supplex Evolution Pant
be present: Mobility Pant	be present: Lotus Mobility Pant
be present: Two-Tone Mobility Pant	be present: Versatility Pant
.: be present: Agility Pant	be present: Bamboo Lounge Pant

Get Your Butt in Gear: Inner Waves Organics Capri Pants

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Looking for some new yoga bottoms since the weather's getting warmer? I always wear full pants in the winter, but in the summer, I go for capris. They keep me slightly cooler and are absorbant. I never wear shorts since some of the poses that require arm-to-leg contact, like Crow, would be too slippery if I was sweaty skin on sweaty skin. Plus loose fitting shorts show off all my business, and that's just not cool.

Check out this company called Inner Waves Organics. Their clothes are made with 90% organic cotton and 10% lycra, so they're unbelievably soft, yet flexible.

I love the Pono Capri ($50). They are fitted knee-length pants with rear slits in the back, so when you bend your knee, the fabric won't get stretched out or bunched up.

My favorite part about these capris is the cute dropped "V" waistline - it's hard to find a flattering waist line like that in yoga pants. Also, the diamond-shaped gusseted crotch provided more coverage than your average yoga pants, in case you like to practice yoga pantie-free.

These capris come in many gorgeous colors: Lava Black, Maui Midnight, Ti Berry, Sea Green, Cinder Red, Pomegranate or Palm Green. Order them in Small, Medium, Large or X-Large.

While these little pants might seem slightly expensive, but Inner Waves Organics is an eco-conscious company. They use a low-impact dying process and sustainable materials that come from manufacturers who comply with Fair Trade Labor Practices. Buying products made from organic cotton also help protect the environment, since conventional cotton is the 2nd most heavily sprayed crop and 4th heaviest user of synthetic fertilizer. It feels good to be a conscious consumer!

Get Your Butt in Gear: Sameunderneath's Bamboo Line

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:00:00 -0700

You know me and my never-ending search for cute and earth conscious clothing, I love to find a great brand…

Sameunderneath’s collection is produced with one of nature’s most sustainable resources, BAMBOO. Did you know that this 100% biodegradable plant has the capacity to acclimate to the environment and continue to grow at a rate of 2 inches every hour? I didn’t until I was checking out Sameunderneath’s site.

What’s more? Bamboo’s innate antibacterial functions naturally wick moisture and prevent odor but unlike other antibacterial additives, bamboo is hypoallergenic. In addition to being plentiful, finished bamboo fabric is extremely soft so using bamboo fiber in garments gives clothing a comfortable, luxurious feel. This type of versatility cannot be found with cotton, making bamboo considerably more resourceful. I especially love the hoody ($90.00, pictured here) because you can wear it on an early A.M. jog, to the gym, to the beach or even while lounging around the house. Buy it from TheGreenLoop.com.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Life is Good

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:15:00 -0700

It sure is, and now you have the t-shirt to prove it. Life is Good is a unique clothing company that supports our healthy, active lifestyles. You can order long and short-sleeve shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, pants, capris, hats, bags, socks, flip flops, and even jewelry so you can announce to the world how you like to move.

Their designs are simple and adorable, and they've got a ton. Whether you're into running, hiking, camping, kayaking, sailing, golfing, baseball, yoga, surfing, gardening, soccer or lacrosse, they've got the design for you. They even have gear for kids, babies (love the bibs), and pets!

I love their line of fitness gear too made from Good Tech, a fabric that wicks away moisture so you "Stay dry," and "Smell good." They have Harmony Halter tops and Harmony Racerback Tanks, both with built-in shelf bras. Their capri pants are also made with Good Tech technology.

Fit's Tips: If you're looking to ditch the disposable water bottles to help Mother Earth, Life is Good teamed up with Nalgene, so check out their re-usable water bottles.

Want to see lots more of their designs? Then read more

View 26 Photos ›

Get Your Butt in Gear: Blue Canoe

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 04:00:00 -0800

You know I love good gear but even more than that, I love good gear made by a good brand.

Enter Blue Canoe. Blue Canoe's philosophy is that garments worn next to the skin should be pure and non-toxic as well as be an integral part of the wardrobe. Appealing to the fast growing number of "Green" consumers who are demanding natural alternatives to traditionally grown cotton which uses large amounts of chemicals, the Blue Canoe line successfully reflects the values of a lifestyle that is both close to nature and physically active. A piece of clothing that is friendly to the environment, to the skin and to fashion? I'm in!

Sheer Vest ($32.00) A top layer with a deep V opening and soft gathers in front of the shoulders. A band creates subtle blousing along the bottom. 90% organic cotton (10% lycra). If you're really confident, this would be a cute top to wear over just a sports bra while at the gym doing yoga, pilates or just working out.

There's more great tops so read more

Tissue Tee ($30.00) A super-light tee with just a bit of stretch. Features raw, rolled edges on the wide neckline, hem and cap sleeves. I love, love, love layering when I am working out and this tee is a great layering piece. 90% organic cotton (10% lycra).

Hoody Tank ($37.00) Another great layering piece, this sporty top is perfect over a sheer top going to and from the gym or wear it on its own. 100% organically grown cotton.

You can buy any of these tops directly from Blue Canoe's site.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Eesa Base Layers

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

Eesa clothing is a fairly new brand that brings performance clothing that snowboarders can wear from lift-to-lounge.

Eesa's theory is that no one wants to wear base layer gear because it looks better in the gym than apres ski. On the flip side, if you wear your favorite hoody, you're probably wet and smelly due to perspiration when you hit the ski lodge (or a night cap) after a long day on the slopes.
The Ruckers ($75) will definitely have you feeling good and fitting in among the snowboarding pros on (and off) the slopes.

Eesa strives to blend moisture wicking, anti-microbial and quick drying technologies into tops that look good even when you step off the hill. Pretty cool? Shop for Eesa online here.