Bring On the Heat

As the temperature rises, workouts are getting sweatier than ever, but designers are introducing plenty of stylish gear that incorporates technology to keep you dry and cool. Fabric that wicks sweat from the body and maintains your core temperature are in upcoming collections from Stella McCartney and Porsche Designs (both in conjunction with adidas), Reebok, and Ellesse.

Each season, Ms. McCartney adds a new sports category to her adidas collection. For her fall 2007 line, which hits stores August 10, she created pieces designed for dance and movement-related activities. But forget ballet pink: Earthy colors like beige, gray, and mauve dominate.

Ms. McCartney's designs tend to include extra functionality. Her running apparel includes a pack-away feature: Each garment contains a small strap on the inside and can be turned into a bag. The pieces are made with technologies such as ClimaCool, which helps regulate body temperature by pulling sweat away from the skin, and Powerweb Techfit, which incorporates into the garments simple black plastic bands that compress and link muscles in order to store energy and improve performance time.

Shapes and layering are major components of Ms. McCartney's designs for adidas. The Gym Studio Graphic Tee ($80) has snaps that can take the garment from oversize shirt to fitted tee. The sleeves can be rolled up and fastened. Many of the designs come with this snap feature, making for a seamless transition to brunch from gym.

Ms. McCartney's summer 2007 collection, which is currently in stores, introduced the Gym Yoga category to the line. Pieces include the Yoga Tank, which has a double layer effect in the back and a deep neckline with ruchings ($100), and the Gym Yoga Pant, with a wide waistband and low crotch for freedom of movement ($125). (adidas, 610 Broadway at Houston Street, 212-529-0081, and other locations).

The high-end menswear brand Porsche Designs collaborated with adidas to produce Porsche Design Sport, a brand of sporting apparel and equipment that combines luxury and functionality. Porsche's fall sport collection is divided into four categories: driving, golf, running, and tennis. Though the colors — beiges, browns, and blacks — are understated, the technology and details make the pieces stand out. Covered and bonded waterproof zippers are featured on several garments. The Running Hoody jacket blocks 100% of the wind and can come with a water-repellent finish (about $550). A pair of golf pants, which features a tee holder at the left pocket, comes in a stretch woven material, allowing freedom of movement. They're made with a Nano finishing technology to prevent dirt particles from entering the fabric ($250–$300). (Porsche Design, 624 Madison Ave., between 58th and 59th streets, 212-308-1786).

Known for its tennis togs, Ellesse has created a line that incorporates hi-tech materials (all of its clothing wicks sweat away and blocks UV rays) into fashion-forward designs. The colors in the women's line this season, which launches in August, include candy pink, opal green, and Capri blue.

The label's London-based design team tries to connect their sporty looks to what's happening in fashion. "We are always aware of the catwalk trends, and we think of how to translate and adapt them into sportswear," the worldwide head of design for Ellesse, Ian Nelson, said. In the new pieces, the team has taken several classics and added edgy twists. An updated pink tennis skirt has a sassy flair with white pleats peeking out from the bottom ($70). A pair of bloomers to be worn underneath has ruffles on the rump ($40). (Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway at 18th Street, 212-255-8036).

Czech tennis pro Nicole Vaidisova — who at 18 years old is the youngest ranked female top 10 player — had a hand in designing Reebok's new US Open collection, a youthful and affordable line. Featuring colors such as turquoise, gold, and pink, the line uses Reebok's Play Dry technology. The US Open collection, which will hit stores in July, includes a polyester and Lycra spandex polo shirt with pretty accents such as slightly puffed sleeves and gold print designs ($48). (Reebok Concept Store, 160 Columbus Ave. at 67th Street, 212-595-1480).