Nike says: Stay cool, dry and fit this summer

There is no better time than now that it’s summer to be wearing Nikes. Nike Dri-Fit, that is," says Colo Ventosa, marketing manager of Nike Philippines. "And the apparel that Nike has put out this summer is cool and is bound to keep you dry through the hot summer days."

It was a cool lunch launch that Nike cooked up to keep the sizzling heat at bay when they unraveled their Summer ’03 Dri-Fit collection. And we’re not talking just workout clothes here. But the gear that you can hang out in, no matter where it is you plan to hang.

And if working out and staying in shape is your thing, then the Dri-Fit line is what you should be wearing. The best way to find out if the gear really keeps a person cool while sweating it out is true is to give it a try. So off to the gym it was — and I was not disappointed. Through the workout I was dry, a good thing since the gym is air-conditioned.

But I had to make doubly sure that I stayed dry no matter how hot it was in the Dri-Fit. I took another shirt for a run in an outdoor track. And although the heat was scorching and I was sweating profusely, my shirt did not cling to me like an ordinary cotton shirt would have. I was cool and looked cool, too.

So here’s how it works. In Nike’s Dri Fit moisture, what happens is that outer microfiber surface fabric that the clothes are made of disperses the sweat. The result is rapid evaporation of the sweat, because it goes to the outside of the fabric which acts like a siphon. Nike’s high performance microfiber polyester absorbs moisture and dries quickly. Dri-Fit acts as a moisture transport layer next to the skin in the cold or warm weather, keeping you cool and comfortable. And best of all this soft cotton-like fabric is ideal as a base layer for any sport.

"We wanted the launch to be interactive and we did not want just any ordinary fashion show," said Rely San Agustin, marketing communications executive of Nike.

Different it was. At the launch we were allowed to get a feel of what the fabric was like, literally. It was an interesting fashion show that Nike had in mind that day. We were not only allowed to watch the models as they wore the Dri-Fit collection, but we were encouraged to stand up and feel the fabric.

"The Nike Summer ’03 Dri-Fit Collection ’03 is really a statement of fashion and functionality with its articulated designs and patented Dri-Fit technology," said Ellen Flores, Nike sales manager for apparel. "The collection is really about fashion in function. It’s not only nice to look at and wear but it also serves a purpose."

The Summer collection comes in styles and colors which are bright and light for the season. The Summer collection is available for both men and women and they stretch across all sporting categories from running, to training, to basketball and even to hanging out in the mall. There are shirts, sleeveless tees, jackets, box shorts, summer shorts half pants and pants for men. For the gals they have shirts, tank tops, eye-catching pants, sports bras and shorts.

Got to run, work out, box, got to work and sit and relax too. In my Swoosh, I am sure to stay dry, do my work and keep my cool, too.