SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (June 27, 2002) -- Fabrics of the future are here. Dubbed the season's "smart fabrics," Hot Chillys introduces base layers and performance apparel in two new proprietary fabrications, MicroActive and BioSilver, for fall '02/winter '03. The new fabrications keep winter sports enthusiasts comfortably warm, fresh and dry whether snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, running or climbing.

MicroActive is a temperature regulating fabric that responds to the body's humidity, while BioSilver is a silver-containing fabric that's a natural antimicrobial. "MicroActive and BioSilver are definitely Hot Chillys' most technically advanced fabrications to date," said Guy Wells, president of Hot Chillys, an innovator in performance apparel and moisture managing base layers.

MICROACTIVE -The lightweight fabric has a mind of its own, chemically reacting to humidity by raising the temperature surrounding one's body by 4-6 degrees. "MicroActive molecularly alters when it encounters humidity," explained Wells, "and it's blended with MTF micro polyester to also control moisture."

Base layers and performance apparel pieces in MicroActive include long sleeved tops with a crew neck or half zip, and bottoms with a relaxed fit. Retailing for $44-$48, they are available in men and women's sizes, S-XL.

BIOSILVER - New BioSilver contains silver ionized yarns, one of the newest antimicrobial innovations to keep garments smelling fresh and clean, even after days of use, by killing the bacteria that accumulates on fabric. And unlike other silver containing fabrics, BioSilver has a soft, silky hand.

"It has a unique molecular structure that differentiates it from other silver-containing fabrics on the market. Instead of just coating the yarn with silver like other pioneering companies using silver technology, we actually spin the silver particles into the yarn," said Wells. "As a result BioSilver has a much softer hand than fabrics with simply a silver coating on the outside of the yarns, and can easily be dyed any color."

Apparel featuring BioSilver comes in a Bi-Ply midweight fabric that's constructed to withstand the rigors of cold weather sports (rated an 8 on an 1-10 warmth scale) while at the same time, effectively wicks away moisture from the body. Hot Chillys BioSilver Bi-Ply base layers and performance apparel are anatomically designed for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Pieces include crewneck tops, zip turtleneck top, and bottoms for men and women, along with Hot Chillys new sport socks (retailing for $17). BioSilver Bi-Ply apparel is available in black and white, retailing for $40-$44 in S - XL.

BioSilver has also been added to the lining of Hot Chillys System bras, designed to provide support for medium to full busted women participating in high impact activities.

For close to 20 years, Hot Chillys has been dressing the perspiring, overactive, naked body - from the inside out - in stylish, performance oriented, temperature-controlled apparel. Using premier, technologically advanced fabrications and state of the art construction methods, Hot Chillys is dedicated to its mission of making the best performing and most comfortable apparel for any type of climate and any athletic pursuit.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor