By HEATHER TOSKAN

Laura models grey capri pants ($69) with a fuchsia rope neck tank ($49) from Loko Sport Performance Wear --
www. lokosport.ca. (Ken Wightman, Sun Media)

If your January fitness plans are starting to wilt, some new active wear might help revitalize your resolution. With spring just around the corner, new colours, styles and fabrics are on the way to energize how you look and feel.

"Yoga and fitness wear have morphed into one category. Tight, form fitting workout clothes have been replaced by performance wear that is fashion-oriented and practical. Some women love the combination of style and comfort so much, that they're also buying workout clothes to wear around the house," says Sandra Maniago, president of London, Ont.-based Loko Sport Performance Wear.

According to Maniago, bright jewel-toned tank tops are leading the way into spring, and are paired with neutral-coloured bottoms in basic black, as well as shades of grey and dark espresso brown. Brightly coloured tanks in shades of fuchsia, royal blue, green, purple, red, orange, turquoise and lemon yellow are among the high energy hues that are spinning into action.

"Soft colours with hits of neon are what we have on the way for spring," says Jill Lehman, design manager at Vancouver-based lululemon athletica.

Dusty pink, chartreuse, robin's egg blue, taupe and olive are possibilities for those who prefer to meditate in muted tones. Colour blocking is a highlight that appears as trim along the waistbands of pants and necklines.

Racer-back styling, adjustable straps and wide gathered straps add comfort and style to tank tops. Other stylish details on tanks include twisted, rope-like trim and ruching.

Insets of mesh and other sheer materials on tops make fashion statements and allow for added ventilation, while the use of innovative, hi-tech fabrics add comfort to fitness clothing.

"Our tanks are designed to be one to two inches longer that standard length, so that there's little risk of over exposure when you're in action. We also reinforce stitching and add gussets of extra material to the crotch and sides of pants, for split-free seams." says Maniago.

"Some of our fitness pants include inner waistband stash pockets to secure money and keys, and reversible and removable elastic belts." says Lehman.

Full and Capri length pants feature straight to slightly flared hem lines. Other bottoms include skorts and shorts.

Pants with narrower legs prevent excess fabric from getting in the way during work outs, while shorts and skorts are ideal for the intense heat of hot yoga classes, where the temperature is fixed at about 98 F.

Lightweight fabrics with moisture wicking and odour-controlling properties are also ideal, for intense workouts and hot weather.

"Silverescent, Recycled Poly Swift and Flight Fabric are three recently developed, technologically advanced materials from lululemon athletica," says Lehman.

According to Lehman, Silverescent material has both moisture wicking and "anti stink" properties that inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungus.

Recycled Poly Swift is one of a new breed of sustainable fabrics that is made of 100% recycled polyester. It provides the most updated version of four-way stretch material, that also has moisture wicking and anti-chafing properties.

Flight Fabric, which is used for warmup jackets, is made of waterproof, windproof nylon, that is both lightweight and breathable.