Prana is most well-known for their comfortable and stylish yoga and climbing clothes. We’ve been testing a few of their styles made with their Chakara performance fabric, a synthetic that feels like cotton but performs like a synthetic. Read more for our full review.
These days there are a plethora of fabrics to choose from when it comes to baselayers and performance clothing. Do you choose synthetic, merino wool, a merino wool/synthetic blend, or less common options like bamboo? Many companies are developing their own proprietary fabric blends to incorporate into their apparel lines. Prana’s Chakara performance fabric is one of those fabrics. Made with a blend of polyester (and sometimes featuring recycled polyester as well) and spandex, the stretchy, soft fabric is comfortable but performs well.
Currently, Chakara is featured in styles as part of their Women’s Performance series, but in the upcoming seasons Prana has expanded their apparel line to include more products with performance fabrics (though not all feature Chakara fabric), even if the style of the garment is not designed for high-intensity workouts or activities. We are starting to see this multi-activity approach to apparel design from a lot more clothing manufacturers, and believe it’s a trend that will gain in popularity in the coming seasons.
Throughout testing, the Chakara fabric has proved to be durable, but also comfortable. Whether it’s yoga, running, or hiking, the performance qualities stand out. The fabric wicks away moisture well but does not have the same synthetic feel that other baselayers and active wear often have. This also aids in the multi-purpose design of Prana’s apparel. Not only is it comfortable for active pursuits, you can wear it around town without getting stares, as many of the styles have interesting patterns and cuts. In addition, many of the performance tops have an integrated shelf bra for added support.
Prana is also responding to consumers–this fall they have expanded their women’s performance line to include a variety of new styles. While in the past a lot of their active tops and bottoms were quite form-fitting, in the upcoming season they have included styles for those who prefer a looser fit or longer, hip-length cut.
Overall, if you are looking for something that will take you anywhere from the trail to the coffee house to the yoga studio, Prana’s performance styles with Chakara fabric are something worth checking out. Prices range from about $40 to $55, depending on style (with longer sleeve styles being on the higher end). The Kaley Tunic and Ruby tops that were part of testing retail for $50 and $52.
Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.
