Inspiration in many forms.  Techwear focused blogs, styling inspiration, designer philosophy, cultural inspiration, and how new and conceptual technology is affecting clothing in ways outside Techwear.  The end of the series, but a reminder that this is just the beginning.

Note: this article updated on 2/20/14. This article has undergone changes since it was first published. Unfortunately, there is no archived page for the original posting.

The best  part about new technology is that it looks like magic so you can spew any old bullshit  you like.  So, like any good technology,  when you look to buy Techwear, you’re going to run into a lot obscure  terms.  Words that look futuristic.  Words that look fancy.  Words that are definitely not words. 

And lots  of trademark symbols.   

Below the jump is a glossary of the most common, basic terminology you’ll  find in Techwear for construction, synthetics fabrics, natural fibers, insulation, and treatments - as well as several care guides.

Note: this article updated on 2/20/14. This article has undergone changes since it was first published. Unfortunately, there is no archived page for it. However, unlike the other parts in this series, the changes were relatively minor.

Now that you know what Techwear is and what to look for in each garment, here is a brand list broken down by style.

Note: this article updated on 2/20/14. This article has undergone significant changes since it was first published. If you have used it in a citation for any reason, a link to the original article can be found here: Link via the Internet Archive.

A piece-by-piece guide to help you pick just about any piece of  Techwear you want.

Note: this article updated on 2/20/14.  This article has undergone significant changes since it was first published. If you have used it in a citation for any reason, a link to the original article can be found here: Link via the Internet Archive.

Techwear is clothing for everyday life with special fabric, treatment, cut, or construction that allows for maximum movement, comfort, and presentability.  If you bike to work, why wouldn’t you choose pants that have stretch, odor resistance, and weatherproofing?  On a crowded subway train, a huge down jacket takes up a lot of space and won’t work if it gets wet; an insulated waterproof jacket with a layer or two underneath saves space, functions better, and probably provides more ease of movement.  This is Part  1 of a 5 part series, where I introduce you to the absolute basics of Techwear.

Part 2 is a Beginner’s Buying Guide for every piece you could need for an Tech outfit.  Part 3 is a Style Sheet, showing you all of the common genres of Tech style, with a brand list for each one.  Part 4 is a Glossary of all of the common terms and scientific claims you’ll see along the way, including the science behind the tech.  Part 5 is a compilation of Style Inspiration blogs, styled photo shoots, reading, and tech advancements in clothing that doesn't involve Techwear.

Note: this article updated on 2/20/14. This article has undergone significant changes since it was first published.  If you have used it in a citation for any reason, a link to the original article can be found here: Link via the Internet Archive