Let’s talk about sets

Cool Sets that is!

I was contacted by a consultant with Cool Sets to “test drive” some of their wicking clothing (lounge and sleepwear). You may recall that wicking fabric draws moisture away from the body and promotes absorption so you can stay cool and dry. Great for hot flashes and night sweats.

Cool Sets uses a proprietary CoolBalance moisture wicking fabric that is designed to wick away the moisture and regulate your temperature.

Okay, sounds very promising, right?

I perused the online catalog and picked out a few items. Not quite my style but a lot cuter than what I’ve seen when searching the web for wicking clothing lines. I’m also not a silk kind of girl when it comes to loungewear, even when it comes to sexy lingerie. So, admittedly, I was a bit skeptical.

Well, skeptic no more! This has got to be some of the most comfortable fabric I’ve ever worn! It’s silk like in texture but comfortable like cotton. Not cold, not hot, not scratchy, not slippery. Just right. Goldlilocks would have had a field day!

I had a rather warm evening over the weekend and the Cool Sets cami and shorts kept me dry and comfortable.

Okay, I’m starting to sound like an advert, right? But I do recommend that you take a test drive like I did.

I do have a few complaints though…

• The sizes seem a bit “big,” so a small is well, more of a medium if you ask me.
• The shorts, while cute, have a drawstring, which I’m not too crazy about.
• I wish that the clothing was geared towards the fashionista in me.
• The cami is truly adorable, but I’d lose the flower embroidery - too matronly.

Despite these minor distractions, I am thoroughly impressed. I’ve not had to wash them yet but the company recommends that you either machine or handwash. They can be laid out to dry or placed in the dryer. A note of caution however; the use of fabric softeners or dryer sheets can interfere with the fabric’s ability to absorb moisture.

Thanks Cool Sets for the test drive! Now, if somebody could only design some nice stylish clothing that looks like cotton but acts like a wicking fabric. Dare to dream!

Not Your Mama’s Menopause

I’ve been searching the web lately for wicking fabric clothing and bedding. If you recall, I wrote about wicking material in an earlier post with the promise that I would continue to update you on what’s out there.

Admittedly, I’m a bit discouraged. For the most part, the clothing looks like something my mother’s generation would wear  and not something I would wear. (Sorry mom; you know I love you!) If Baby Boomer women represent the menopause generation of today, why is it that no one is accommodating our needs in the fashion department?

Designers: if you are reading, this is a HUGE marketing opportunity:

• Women of menopause age make up the largest segment of the American population
• 74 M women will hit menopause by the year 2010
• Research suggests that menopause is second only to personal illness in importance and impact to women over age 40

What do you think? Isn’t it time for some good-looking, well-designed, wicking clothing for women our age? Afterall, we may ‘turn into our mamas’ in some regards but not in every way.

How many changes of clothing?

How many changes of clothing do women in the midst of hot flash heaven take to work? I’ve heard of numbers ranging from one up to three. Guess it depends on how often you’re flashing, right?

Recently, I ran across this interesting site for COOLMAX apparel. COOLMAX is a wicking fabric that draws moisture away from the body while promoting its absorption. What this means for the wearer is that you will stay cooler despite the sweat. Now mind you, while several sites carry COOLMAX clothing, it tends to run on the more casual side and may not be appropriate as work attire. Nor has it moved into high fashion arena as of yet.

COOLMAX is only one of numerous wicking fabrics that have been used in recent years for athletic gear and are now moving into other markets. Several companies cater to women who experience hot flashes and night sweats and in coming weeks, I’m going to highlight a few (and rate a few as well!).

A quick search revealed a cute tank top to wear under jackets (although the rest of their wares are bit too conservative for my taste!), Sierra Trading Post carries a COOLMAX long sleeved top and a tank that are not bad looking.

Look, this apparel is definitely not geared towards the fashionista and I’m hoping that as more and more women start opening up about what’s going on, that designers will start to listen and accommodate.

In the interim, it may be prudent to start the day with loose, cotton clothing in several layers, if work allows. As you flash, remove a layer or two. And be sure to have an ‘emergency’ kit with moist towelettes on-hand so that you can change clothing and feel fresher.