HERE’S HOW THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS TACKLING PERIMENOPAUSE
By: Hillary LeBlanc
During a woman’s hormonal shift into perimenopause and menopause the body can change quite drastically. Some women start to develop facial hair, jowls, experience collagen loss and or pimple-like irritations. Other concerns include weight gain, reproductive changes as well as hair loss. Needless to say, it is another journey women go through full of new experiences and challenges.
Weight gain might be a challenge for women at any stage of life but much more likely during the change of life. Adding to that are hot flushes, which can make anything in your wardrobe suddenly uncomfortable. This has allowed innovators of fashion to come up with new technologies, fabric solutions and design ideas to address fluctuating body temperature.
Fifty One Apparel uses technology that was originally developed for astronauts with NASA according to their website. They have sourced fabric that is high quality and highly effective in its purpose to regulate body temperature by detecting a rise or dip and accordingly releases or traps heat within its fabrics until it is needed. The climate control technology was intended to make all the daily and nightly activities women experience comfortable without compromising style or confidence. They focus on Nightwear, Daywear, Loungewear and Sportswear. One notable page on their website shares profiles on the age appropriate models used in their campaigns who range in sizes up to 16.
Image Source: Fifty One Apparel website
The same generation that grew up flipping through fashion magazines admiring ads for trends, perfumes and a surge of new hygiene related products in their teens for acne, skin cleansing routines and shaving are the ones who are now going through perimenopause and menopause. In fact, many have never even heard of perimenopause until recently. New language and education around these stages of life has caused an influx in conversation, awareness and ultimately products to remedy common issues.
Actress Naomi Watts has recently joined the discussion and launched her skincare line Stripes Beauty, which was created specifically for women in this demographic. Stripes Beauty has three pillars of care: Sustainability, Science and Solidarity. Products are vegan, cruelty free and hypoallergenic. Stripes Beauty offers Skincare, Haircare, Vaginal Wellness products and supplements for women in the menopausal phases of their life. Products with fun names such as Vag of Honour, The Crown Pleaser and Resting Clean Face allow customers to see menopause in a new light. What has often been depicted as the symbolic end of a woman’s youth is now being re-positioned as a rebirth and new chapter.
Watts shares on her website that she would wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, her skin dry and itchy. Her hormones were all over the place and she felt so confused and alone, like she didn’t have control over her own body.
Female Engineering® is another brand tackling menopause and helping women feel more comfortable going through this phase of life. Female Engineering® is a Swedish fem-tech brand that uses science and technology to find innovative solutions for women’s real needs. Female Engineering® fem-tech bodywear touts being the most delicate intimate care.
image Source: Female Engineering® website
Their clothing is described as “groundbreaking menopause clothing and nightwear, where timeless design meets innovative Anti-flush™ technology” on their website. Garments are specifically designed for a body in change and made to offer customers comfort and confidence as they navigate their menopausal experience. The Anti-flush™ technology absorbs heat, wicks away moisture while simultaneously cooling skin and keeping the body temperature regulated. While you may have heard of moisture wicking for athletics and sportswear, they are not geared for menopausal customers as they aren’t crafted for the sudden temperature changes a woman faces.
While perimenopause and menopause still cause significant battles for female identifying people as they age, these brands aim to make the process a bit easier, and gentler on the women experiencing it.
Cover Image: Nate Johnston