Cruise Fit, Cruise Fashion

CARILOHA APPAREL IS ALL ABOUT THE COMFORT

WHILE YOU’RE TRAVELING YOU no doubt want to be comfortable — whether it’s a hot day or there’s a cool breeze. Whether walking along a Caribbean beachfront or stopping into a Barcelona bistro. It’s a lot to ask of a wardrobe that fits into a suitcase. Luckily, there’s Cariloha, a clothing line made from light, comfortable bamboo.

Yes, the same plant that they make flooring and window blinds out of can also be soaked, softened, and spun into durable, flexible fibers. Woven into a fabric, it becomes twice as soft as cotton and three degrees cooler, yet it wicks away moisture like wool while repelling bacteria, keeping itself naturally clean and odor free.

The fact that the bamboo farms are naturally sustainable is just another plus. The plants are so fast growing, they don’t require chemical pesticides or fertilizers, all while producing 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent area of trees. And the bamboo fibers don’t require harmful chemicals before being woven into fabric.

Likewise, the company’s been flourishing, too, growing since its founding in 2007 to include stores in 40 major cruise ports in 14 countries, as well as cities such as Las Vegas, Boulder, St. Augustine, and Wailea — anywhere people can use outdoor clothing that keeps you cool while staying sturdy, soft, and stylish. In fact, the brand has grown to become the only multi-store retailer in the world to provide an entire store experience that’s completely merchandised with products made of ecofriendly viscose from bamboo.

Cariloha has made a name for itself when it comes to its recognizable bedding, but also of interest to cruise travelers is its new fitness-oriented clothing line, which happens to be an ideal addition to your packing list.

The athletic styles include versatile leggings, tanks, polos, tees, and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colors and understated patterns — the kinds of things you’d wear to the onboard yoga class or to an active shore excursion. Even the “sportier” items — track pants, fitness skirts, and headbands — would be great gear for a rain-forest hike or a spontaneous game of beach volleyball.