Recreation And Sports
Something Old, Something New: Trends in Ballet Wear
Ballet Leotards
Recently ballet has gone back to the basics. Although some ballerinas may occasionally wear warm-ups, basic leotards and tights are becoming more popular in the dance studios. If ballet students do wear any warm-ups, it is most likely warm-up shorts. These shorts are great to keep the hip joints warm and make quite a fashion statement. Not only are dancers wearing warm-up shorts in basic black, but colorful stripes have also become very popular.
Leotard Styles
As far as leotards go, halters are the most popular and also the most flattering style. Some halters have a hook and some tie around the neck while others have a basic neckline and some cross over or have a plunging neckline. Ruching has become very popular on leotards as well. This trend is very flattering for all different body types and even gives leotards a trendier look similar to what you see outside of the studio. Crystals are also being seen more and more on leotards. They are mostly placed on the straps or in a row right under the bust line. The smallest amount of sparkle on a leotard can be the perfect way to jazz it up a little or make it look very classy.
Ballet Tights
Cropped tights are by far the most popular style of tights among ballet dancers. It is no longer common to see dancers with their tights all the way over their feet while in classes, but it is usually required for performances. Convertible tights are also very popular because the dancers can wear them cropped during classes and can roll them down over their feet for performances.
Pointe Shoes
Canvas split sole ballet shoes are the most popular, but it is difficult to notice trends in pointe shoes. There has been a recent trend in gel toe pads which are worn with pointe shoes. Ballerinas are looking for the most innovative ways to make pointe shoes as comfortable as possible, and lambs wool is just not cutting it anymore. Gel pads give more cushion, mold to the feet better, and come in fun colors to give dancers a little bit of excitement when putting on their pointe shoes.
By: Amber Heil
Tennis Clothes – A Revolution in Style
Tennis clothes have changed drastically in style, fabric, and color over the last 100 years. The first lawn tennis players in England wore formal attire when playing. Standard tennis clothes for women were full-length dresses. Men wore long pants and formal, long sleeve shirts. The tennis clothes of both men and women were entirely white in color. Contrast this formal style with the tennis clothes worn by the tennis players of today. Modern tennis players favor synthetic fabrics, more athletic clothing styles, and a greater variety of colors.
The evolution of tennis clothes has mirrored the changes in everyday fashion. For example, male tennis players in the 1970′s and 1980′s favored short, tight-fitting shorts and traditional polo shirts. In the late 1990′s and 2000′s, male tennis players began to wear larger, looser shorts and more casual shirts. In addition, female tennis players of the 1970′s and 1980′s favored traditional tennis clothes with an updated style. Popular clothing included shortened tennis skirts and dresses. Today’s women tennis players wear a variety of tennis clothes, ranging from tennis skirts and dresses to shorts and t-shirts. While tennis players still wear white at more traditional clubs (e.g. Wimbledon), there is a much larger variety of colors in modern tennis clothes.
Another factor contributing to the evolution of tennis clothes is the increased athleticism in the modern game. Tennis is now a high intensity sport, requiring tremendous physical effort and exertion. Tennis players must be able to run, cut, jump, and twist all while executing precise tennis strokes to hit a ball often moving at high speeds. Consequently, comfort is a major concern of players. Modern tennis players prefer tennis clothes that are lightweight, fit well, repel moisture, and are generally comfortable. Tennis clothes that keep the body cool and dry can help players counteract the physical toll that playing tennis, especially in hot weather, can exact.
Advances in clothing technology have also contributed to the evolution of tennis clothes. For years, cotton was the fabric of choice for tennis clothes. In the last few years, however, many tennis apparel makers have introduced garments made of new, synthetic fibers. Tennis clothes made of these synthetic fibers help remove sweat from the skin and clothing by wicking moisture away from the body. Examples of these clothing technologies are Adidas’s ClimaCool brand and Nike’s Dri-FIT. Most professional tennis players and many recreational tennis players now wear tennis clothes made with these new technologies because they keep them cooler and drier than traditional tennis wear.
In conclusion, tennis clothes have seen many changes over the years. While tennis clothes maintain some of their formality and traditional style, modern tennis players value comfort and individual style over tradition. Increased athleticism, advances in technology, and changes in general fashion have greatly affected the tennis clothing industry. In addition, breaking from their traditional roots, tennis clothes have become a medium for personal expression of individual style and important pieces of equipment in an increasingly physical sport.
By: Samantha Kay
Changing Styles of Golf Clothing
Times have changed. Gone are the days of middle-aged men walking around country clubs in baggy pants and plain, collared shirts. Now, you can infuse your own style in your golf game, and not just with your swing, but also with the way you look. You don’t have to look like your dad anymore. You can bring a serious sense of style by putting on a tattoo golf shirt with a customized design all your own.
People used to think that rock concerts and golf tournaments are two completely different things but in reality, there are more similarities than you might think. Both are manly, alpha-male activities, and it was only been a matter of time before both demographics realized it. Now you can bring attitude and spunk to your game, and dare to stand out in the crowd with skulls, dragons, and punk tattoos embedded in your shirt. Your clothing becomes second nature to you, an extension of your personality and individuality.
If you think golf courses still have the same strict codes when it comes to clothing, think again. Most pro shops nowadays sell different styles of golf clothes that inhabit the personality of the wearer. You would be surprised to learn that what once seemed like a close-knit fraternity of freemasons is now a loose club where people from different walks of life and style meet and have fun.
If you’re middle-aged, you too can mix things up a bit to show that you haven’t gone over the hill yet. Skull golf clothing and tattoo golf shirt are not only for teenagers and twenty-somethings who have yet to prove themselves in real life. Don’t take yourself too seriously. You can look ten years younger by wearing something more exciting such as a Gothic shirt or a grunge-inspired collared shirt. If your golf buddies are too uptight about it, pay them no mind…it’s probably only a matter of time before they catch on and wear the same thing.
This, of course, does not mean that you have to lose those nice, old-school elements to your golf apparel. The good thing about this new development is that it fuses both worlds. A professionally-done tattoo on a white collared shirt with three buttons gives you a look that’s just about right – nothing too formal but nothing too loud either. This brings a certain edginess to the way you look without losing that old-school charm and dignity that you need to demand respect and attention.
Another good thing about modern golf apparel is the comfort that you get when wearing them. Instead of the age-old plaid pants, you can settle for something more casual such as slacks that give you more freedom when moving. They are usually made of the finest cotton garments which allow your skin to breath and be completely comfortable.
A word to the wise: don’t compromise comfort with fashion. Both should be seamlessly incorporated in your clothing. A tattoo golf shirt should not only be an accessory to showcase your taste, but also a means for you to walk and swing freely without the limitations of a poorly-made shirt. At the end of the day, it is your comfort and confidence that matter.
By: Chris CH Henry
Western Show Clothes – What’s Hot For 2010, The Basics
Western show season begins early in January and actually can run for most of the year so now’s a great time to look at that wardrobe of yours to see what needs to be upgraded or replaced for the coming season. Does last years outfit still fit? Is it still in fashion? If you can answer yes to both of these questions then maybe your good for another year. If not then read on, we might be able to help you figure out what to wear to help catch the eye of that judge. This article will mainly focus on western pleasure show clothing for youth up through intermediate level adults and not on the high-end custom made clothes. We’ll start at the top of the head and cover pretty much everything all the way down to your cowboy boots. Oh and one other thing, we’ll only be covering western show attire for girls and women in this article, sorry guys.
Before we get into the specifics of your outfit lets discuss for a moment what look you are trying to accomplish. First off your show clothing needs to be comfortable because if you’re not comfortable in the saddle your horse will detect that and so will the judges. Pick out clothing that fits well and is comfortable and that you are comfortable wearing. Also realize that spending more on a show outfit does not necessarily equate to a Blue Ribbon. Sure a well-coordinated eye catching show outfit helps but it can’t take the place of hours and hours in the arena practicing both on and off of your horse.
Did you know that more than 75% of western show riders still choose black as their base color? It’s true. The reason for this is because black offers versatility and ease in coordinating and matching. It’s pretty easy to find a western pleasure or rail blouse with some black in it, match it with a pair of black show pants and chaps, a black cowboy hat and black cowboy boots and you’re good to go. The fact of the matter is that it is easy to coordinate and it looks sharp in the arena. I have no problems with basic black and if that’s what you’re comfortable in then continue to wear it. Black never goes out of style. If however you’re looking to change things up just a bit you might consider wearing a contrasting color for your hat. You can also go with different colors for your show pants and chaps although it takes a little more effort to coordinate browns, blues, greens, and natural tones but it is still very doable.
All in all remember the most important item to take aware from this introduction is the importance of being comfortable in the saddle. Make sure everything both you and your horse are wearing fits properly. Don’t try and make do with last year’s boots if they are too snug. The same goes for last years show shirt, show pants, hat and so forth. Comfort in the saddle equates to a more confident rider and a more confident rider equates to more blue ribbons.
In our next article we’ll talk more about some of the specifics surrounding your western show apparel and what to look for in fashions for 2010. We’ll also cover some affordable brands like show clothes from Hobby Horse, Western Styles Collection, 1849 Authentic Ranchwear, and The Performance Collection.
By: Norman Doyle
Fall Golf Clothing Styles For Women
With the popularity and success of women golf players like Annika Sorenstam, the sport is no longer just for men. More and more women are finding themselves on the golf course these days and several clothing companies have decided to follow them on to the green. Gone are the days of boxy polo shirts and baggy shapeless shorts that women were once expected to wear. With the popularity of the sport growing among women, golf clothing styles are changing with the times.
Many younger women are drawn to the sport but don’t want to wear the unflattering, outdated and often male inspired clothing lines. Women are drawn to fashion as well as golf and some companies have decided to put them together. Today’s fashion is starting to include slim fit t-shirts, short pleated skirts and brightly colored ribbon belts that are sprucing up the look on the links. With the demand for more updated and flattering clothing lines for women we’ll start to see more options in the marketplace to satisfy the demand.
Up until recently trends in golf clothing for women looked more like their male counterparts. Baggy white pants and shorts and stiff polo shirts in bland colors that seemed to be designed only for men were the only things available on the market until recently. Finally clothing companies are starting to realize that women like to play golf, they like to look good while doing it and they don’t mind spending the money to make that happen.
Today’s women’s golf fashion is starting to include bright, colorful and creative designs. The designer’s are creating their clothing based on a woman’s silhouette and offering an array of colors for every woman, not necessarily just honoring the game and tradition of golf. Women shouldn’t have to feel like they can’t still be women just because they’re playing a sport. Fashion is supposed to be about what makes you look and feel good for your body type. People come in all different shapes and sizes and should have more than one option on the table when complimenting what they have.
By: Ryan Frank
Trends in Ski Jackets
Trends 2010/2011 Season
3-n-1 Jackets:
These are jackets that have an outerlayer protective shell as well as in insulating midlayer such as a fleece or softshell that is removable. A good example is called the Lukin Triclimate jacket from The North Face. The jacket has a modern very functional style. If you get too warm you can remove the great insulating jacket inside.
Bright Yellow/Lime/Orange:
These Neon colors have still made it’s dominance. Mix up a solid color jacket with a solid color pant.
Purple:
Purple is still hot hot hot with every major ski vendor. Look for deep shades and fun fabrics such as satin and herringbone.
Animal Prints:
Leapord, Zebra, Tiger are all showing up in womens ski jackets. Check out the Obermeyer Leighton jacket in leapord print.
Down:
Down seems to be the IN insulation. Now down is more lightweight than ever and keeps you toasty on those bitter cold days.
Stretch Fabrics:
Most of the higher end jackets are now made with a 4-way stretch that increases mobility and comfort.
White:
Gone are the days where you need to be afraid to where white. Treatments on fabric have coating where if you get dirt on your coat, it easily wipes off. White is clean, looks crisp and fresh on the slopes.
Detail:
Details are popping up this year for womens that are relatively new. Military style buttons, slant pockets, and belted coats are feminine and cute.
This year ski clothing has really tuned it up on fantastic technology and beautiful fashion.
Whether you need to spruce up your current look or buy a whole new outfit, there is plenty to find.
By: Brigitte Liedke