December 1998

Practiced in the principles and strategies of layering, outdoor-oriented consumers are now looking for ways to enhance and improve their options. As a pioneer in the field of layering systems, Columbia Sportswear has developed the most comprehensive collection of layering garments on the market. From multiple weights and textures of fleece and pile, varying performance levels of second-skin long underwear to high-performance, functional shells, Columbia provides those daring enough to confront the great outdoors with the tools they need to assure optimal performance and comfort.

Base Layers

Omni-Dryô - Menís and Womenís
Columbiaís Omni-Dryô underwear for men and women performs as an exceptional base layering system for virtually any outdoor situation. Exclusive to Columbia, Omni-Dryô technology helps keep you dry and warm by drawing moisture away from the body to the fabric face, where it quickly evaporates. As moisture increases, so does the rate of evaporation, resulting in complete and constant dryness. We use a special odor-resistant polyester yarn that feels like cotton which enhances the comfort of Omni-Dryô. Designed to provide freedom of movement and ultimate comfort, Omni-Dryô is offered in three performance choices: Omni-Dryô 4-Way Stretch for cold weather activities; multi-purpose Omni-Dryô Bi-Component/Mid-Weight for cold and cool weather; and Omni-Dryô Lite for highly-aerobic activities.

Omni-Therm Stretchô - Menís and Womenís
After stellar reviews from retailers, weíve expanded our fall í99 Omni-Therm Stretchô collection from two styles to four for men and women. Made of ultra-lightweight polyester micro-fleece, Omni-Therm Stretchô is the perfect solution when a single base layer isnít enough or when you can afford to wear more breathable long underwear. Omni-Therm Stretchô is highly breathable and provides a layer of wind resistance that is extremely important when exercising in cool weather. Styles feature eye-catching colors like soleil, crimson, celestial, midnight and black.

New Style
Omni-Therm Stretch Mockô - A mock turtleneck constructed of four-way stretch micro fleece featuring an athletic fit and Radial Sleevesô for optimal movement and additional comfort.

Omni-Therm Stretch Vestô - A vest constructed of four-way stretch micro fleece featuring an athletic fit.

Middle / Outer Layers

MTR Fleeceô - Menís, Womenís and Youth
Whether you need it for the trails, slopes or the street, Columbiaís MTR Fleeceô collection offers a wide variety of styles and colors. Warm, soft, and very breathable, MTR Fleeceô is the perfect layer under a nylon shell or a complement piece for our rugged sportswear. When coupled with our Omni-Stopô windproof laminate, it provides a reliable outer layer in adverse weather conditions. Styles include full- and half-zip sweaters, pullovers, vests and pants in vivid brights and soft outdoor hues.

eVENTô Micro Fleece - Menís and Womenís
Adding a new dimension to technical outerwear, Columbia introduces our newest wind protection eVENT Micro Fleeceô in a full-zip sweater and vest. eVENTô transforms your basic fleece sweater into an unusually versatile outerwear garment. Bold colors like crimson, bright blue, midnight and aluminum combined with black accents dominate the color palette.

New Technology
eVENTô Wind Protection - A membrane technology that dramatically increases the warmth, comfort, and climate/activity range of high performance fleece garments without the added weight or bulk. "ePTFE" technology (expanded polytetraflouroethylene) is laminated between fabric layers to provide virtual windproofness while still achieving a high level of breathability.

Pile - Menís, Womenís and Youth
Favored as the cozy substitute for traditional outerwear, Columbiaís fall í99 pile collection provides versatility in a variety of new silhouettes in comfortable, functional fabrics. Utilizing brushed backs, velour finishes, and wool blends in strong outdoor colors, our pile offering has something for everyone. The new piles drape nicely and are softer and lighter in weight. Our fashionable Rock Pileô and Tweed Rock Pileô look great with our rugged sportswear and outerwear collections in colors like birch heather, dark green-birch tweed, aluminum heather, light baltic, charcoal, shadow, agate and dark plum. This group of sweaters and vests debuts our attractive new jacquard patterns and novelty prints.

TRENDS:

Warm Up. Traditional bulky pile is moving aside to make room for todayís softer engineered fabrics. Providing the same warmth and comfort in a nicer drape, pile offers textural interest and is the ideal complement to casual sportswear.

Textured. New novelty patterns like Columbiaís snowflakes and alpine meadow prints add a fresh look to fleece. Weíve created a full range of coordinating accessories for the line so you have a complete look from head to toe.

Shape Up. Short, fitted silhouettes add shape and femininity to pile and fleece sweaters, jackets and vests.

Mixed Blessings. Look for a variety of fabric blends to storm the fleece market this season. The use of wool, acrylic and polyester provide a unique look and feel to traditional fleece and pile.