Athletic wear goes the distance

Workout clothing has gone high tech -- and green.

Mark McKnight, marketing director at Rock/Creek Outfitters, said some manufacturers are pushing the limit in making clothing that performs for athletes and the environment.

"They're doing at Patagonia, for example, what scientists are doing at NASA," Mr. McKnight said about the research being done to perfect the products. "And a lot of manufacturers are looking at what will happen to a garment after its life is over."

The result: Recycling.

"Patagonia takes back its old clothing and recycles it into new clothing," he said. "We have boxes at the store where customers can drop off worn-out clothing, and we send it to Patagonia for recycling. ... The clothing goes back to the factory, and the factory starts over."

Rock climber Rachel Tucker said fashions geared for climbing have changed dramatically in recent years.

"It's so lightweight and comfortable," she said, noting the Prana tank ($45.95) is one of her favorite climbing brands. "Layering clothes is important when climbing. If the weather is cool, I'll layer pieces, and then when I start climbing, I'll take off some layers."

Mr. McKnight said the tank is constructed with a performance fabric that allows movement with freedom and stretch, while wicking moisture away to keep the skin drier.

The women's alpine wind jacket by Patagonia is an excellent example of recent technology.

"(It) is a super lightweight, lined windshirt for alpine pursuits," Mr. McKnight said. "This jacket is great for use as a layering piece or an outer layer. The 100 percent polyester ripstop shell with a durable water-repellent treatment sheds snow and blocks wind, while the smooth, hanging, lightly brushed mesh liner wicks moisture, dries quickly and doesn't bind to base layers."

Additionally, the product is recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program, he said.

While some performance clothing comes with hefty price tags, it's not universal, Mr. McKnight said.

"We do have a $600 rain jacket, but we also have a good $100 rain jacket that meets the criteria of high performance," he said.

For the more budget-minded consumer, Champion offers a versatile line of athletic wear for men, women and children.

Champion developed the first sports bra (the Jogbra now known as the Action Tech bra) and the first breathable mesh athletic shorts. The company also helped pioneer fleece hoodies, according to www.championusa.com.

Tina Harvey Crawford, marketing director at Chattanooga Nature Center, said when she runs, she prefers a simple inexpensive cotton T-shirt, stretch pants and a hoodie.

"I love hoodies," she said. "Not only are they extremely comfortable, but if you get too hot, they're easy to remove while you're running."