Still, she says, no matter how many celebrities endorse it, it's not a new trend in her mind. Yoga has been around a long time. Of course, yoga isn't the only beneficial form of exercise. Many East Tennesseans get their workouts on the trails that traverse the region's mountains. Some technical innovations in fabrics made for the serious mountaineer have made their way into mainstream outdoor clothing, along with the style and color changes.
Synthetic fabrics perform better than cotton in the woods.
Nylon and polyester haven't completely replaced natural fabrics. Merino wool, prized because it's not scratchy, is a favorite, while hemp is practical and increasingly popular. Any hiker will tell you one of the most important items of clothing is the humble sock. Francis says alternatives to the basic cotton athletic sock help keep feet drier and prevent blisters, including liner socks that use material originally designed for the space program. Popular clothing items include cargo pants and shorts.