YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 'Stealth' Gear

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 'Stealth' Gear https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:21:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php CarolS on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289737 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:43:44 +0000 CarolS 2289737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great thread, and I love the term "stealth gear". I think that has been my holy grail for a very long time -- pieces that feel like gear/pajamas, can play dressy or casual, in hard-wearing, easy care fabrics.  I've missed a lot of the comments in the middle, but will def go back and read!! gryffin on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289732 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:16:06 +0000 gryffin 2289732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My VB pieces are black, navy, or various plaids of those colors.  I thought it was tanya who had the teal.  I searched the forum and I think it's notsaf and staysfit who bought the teal suit.  Divine if it's your color say.  Right now VB is having a wonder woman moment, lots of tomato red.  Not for me, but stunning as always!  But the scuba I bought when my dad was in ICU and I was sleeping in my clothes and wanted to look professional to interact with the staff (the days when you needed to beg for the labs/test results before open charting - and as an MD I was, well lets say aggressive and the right power pieces help) so the pieces wear like gear, feel like gear, but look elegant and polished.  Even her usual fabrics are so excellent they do not wrinkle much but very spendy so I usually wait for sales, coupons (scarce lately) or poshmark/trr pieces. Carla on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289626 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:40:59 +0000 Carla 2289626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a wealth of great information this thread has become! Ellemnop on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289559 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:10:02 +0000 Ellemnop 2289559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so excited so many of you have a shared interest and experience with this issue/need! I very much appreciate the engagement, and now have LOTS of rabbit holes to go down! To clarify the dress code expectations, they describe them just as 'business'  (aka in between business casual and business formal). I'm in the healthcare field which tends to frown upon anything too trendy or fashion-y. I might be able to get away with a slightly more casual piece in the mix if the rest of the outfit skews more formal. I anticipate that I'm going to have to kiss a lot of frogs o find something that meets the wear/durability and formality criteria along with being a good fit. I'm petite and curvy so fits easily veer into looking like I'm playing 'business dress up'. I suppose I will also have to find a tailor ... I'm going to try to be diligent about adding what I find to my collection for safekeeping and will report back! So far my knit unstructured jacket from Banana Republic and the 'Nolita' pants from Athleta are workhorses, but the pants are super light so better for summer temps or southern travel. Gryffin - those VB separates are gorgeous! Someone posted them in teal recently as well, so tempting! gryffin on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289394 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 13:10:24 +0000 gryffin 2289394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Check out EF for tunics.  If you can find them the scoop neck elbow sleeve tunics are very elegant, not voluminous and can be worn with a hip belt.  I do wear leggings a lot.  Danskin was preferred and looked polished and wore like iron.  I wear a long blazer or topper on top with a bootie.  You can also look for mini dresses, again ponte works with leggings.  Then paige makes ponte jeans which look very polished.  If you can swing the VB scuba pants and jacket, they feel like gear and are meant to go the distance, never wrinkling.  I have the pants in navy and black and they are in hard rotation.  Anything is EF washable silk will wear like iron and wash beautifully.  Blondo, pikolinos, EF booties are comfy and wear forever and look polished but interesting. Jessikams on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289379 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:42:45 +0000 Jessikams 2289379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ COS. They make lots of office-appropriate or even evening items out of sporty fabrics like nylon or ripstop— but the finishes are beautiful so they look like silk. But most of their stuff can go through the washer. Sal on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289354 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 23:44:31 +0000 Sal 2289354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Icebreaker is a brand you might consider. Merino is durable, easy to care for and can work across different temperatures.   Here is an example (It's the Oasis Long Sleeve Dress) <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.icebreaker.com/en-nz/womens-dresses-skirts/merino-oasis-long-sleeve-dress/0A56JIN2.html?dwvar_0A56JIN2_color=059&dwvar_0A56JIN2_NZ=in_line"><a href="https://www.icebreaker.com/en-nz/womens-dresses-skirts/merino-oasis-long-sleeve-dress/0A56JIN2.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.icebreaker.com/en-.....6JIN2.html</a>?</a> Stagiaire Fash on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289351 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 23:15:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2289351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ PS, REI & the brands I linked to also have knit pants and of course are mostly technical fabrics. I chose woven natural fibers because you mentioned not wanting synthetics or the standard wide-legged pants. Nomad on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289349 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 22:54:00 +0000 Nomad 2289349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's spendy, but M.M. LaFleur makes some beautiful professional clothes that are hard-wearing and travel well. I've also had luck finding new or nearly-new pieces at lower prices on Poshmark. Wardrobe Oxygen has had a few posts featuring M.M. LaFleur, including this travel capsule: <a href="https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/travel-friendly-capsule-wardrobe/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com.....-wardrobe/</a> Kate on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289348 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 22:42:28 +0000 Kate 2289348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I second Arcteryx, Lululemon, and Athleta. Lightweight merino wool sweaters are wonderful if you can wear wool, and Uniqlo offers them in crewneck, v-neck and turtleneck in a variety of colors every season for a very reasonable price. JAileen on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289347 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 22:41:35 +0000 JAileen 2289347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Columbia makes pants that are technically hiking pants but don’t have cargo pockets and so look like regular pants.  I wear them all the time.  I’ve taken them to Alaska, but also wear them to church, to the symphony, etc.  Oh - I’m wearing them right now! :) <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Womens-Anytime-Outdoor-10Regular/dp/B008MW6IIQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18B7F10XAP8N1&keywords=columbia+anytime+outdoor+pants+women&qid=1667342105&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiMy4xMiIsInFzcCI6IjMuMDQifQ%3D%3D&refinements=p_89%3AColumbia&rnid=2528832011&s=apparel&sprefix=Columbia+anytim%2Caps%2C183&sr=1-1">https://www.amazon.com/Columbi.....crid=18B7F</a><div> </div><div> </div> Angie on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289346 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 22:23:12 +0000 Angie 2289346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You might like to look at Zella and Sweaty Betty at Nordstrom too.  cat2 on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289343 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 22:00:12 +0000 cat2 2289343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot that Pendleton usually has travel suiting. rachylou on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289342 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 21:46:34 +0000 rachylou 2289342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is the holy grail… good travel pieces. I no longer travel for work, but I still look because it’s the dream, lol. So am following this thread carefully kkards on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289335 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 21:15:47 +0000 kkards 2289335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this category, but I do think you need to be careful and very mindful of the details. Since you didn’t say much about the dress code of your organization it’s hard to give specifics If you want to start small I would suggest investing in ponte knits. They can look very business but are as comfortable as leggings (imo). You can find both tops and bottoms in the ponte and different weight fabrics as well. Brands I’d look at athleta , Saint & Sofia, Lululemon Here are some examples of how I’ve worn gearish pants to work. The 1st pair of pants are Athleta, #2&3 are a technical fabric from Calia, #4 is saint & Sofia. #5 are adidas and maybe stretching for many workplaces. LaPed on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289321 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:33:32 +0000 LaPed 2289321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this category and have really leaned into it over the past few years. You might take a look at Ministry of Supply, Kit and Ace (Lululemon’s spin-off brand), and capsule-oriented companies like Vetta and Brass. Some of their fabrics are travel friendly. Outdoor gear companies will have an occasional gem. Icebreaker, like Suz mentions, often has a few nice polished/minimalist tops in their line-up. I find merino tends to look a little more refined than synthetics and travels really well. I picked up a couple pairs of really versatile high-rise slim ankle pants from Mountain Hardwear this past spring. Title Nine is another label with a lot of cute crossover pieces, especially if you’re into skirts and dresses. Arcteryx has a gorgeous “urban technical” line called Veilance, but it is $$$. I’ll be following this thread with interest! Stagiaire Fash on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289317 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:27:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2289317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ REI carries brands like Columbia, Prana, Patagonia, Kühl and Royal Robbin that might work for you. Both brands have a lot of nylon & polyester and some items from other fabrics. I don’t know your style or colors, or your field’s dress codes, but here are some examples <a href="https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/womens/pants/ws-rydr-pant/" rel="nofollow">https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/wome.....rydr-pant/</a> <a href="https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/womens/pants/kultivatr-straight/" rel="nofollow">https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/wome.....-straight/</a> <a href="https://www.royalrobbins.com/eu/en-gb/women/bottoms/trousers/hempline-pant?v=Y64251%3a%3a794691240332" rel="nofollow">https://www.royalrobbins.com/e.....4691240332</a> <a href="https://www.royalrobbins.com/eu/en-gb/women/dresses-skirts/dresses/vacationer-dress?v=Y616006%3a%3a840265805527" rel="nofollow">https://www.royalrobbins.com/e.....0265805527</a> <a href="https://www.royalrobbins.com/eu/en-gb/women/dresses-skirts/skirts-skorts/cool-mesh-eco-skirt-ii?v=Y625002%3a%3a794691932886" rel="nofollow">https://www.royalrobbins.com/e.....4691932886</a> <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-organic-cotton-everyday-cords/56915.html?dwvar_56915_color=INBK" rel="nofollow">https://www.patagonia.com/prod.....color=INBK</a> <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-quandary-hiking-pants-regular/55416.html?dwvar_55416_color=SHLE" rel="nofollow">https://www.patagonia.com/prod.....color=SHLE</a> <a href="https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/217144/prana-foundation-wrap-dress" rel="nofollow">https://www.rei.com/rei-garage.....wrap-dress</a> <a href="https://www.rei.com/h/womens-clothing" rel="nofollow">https://www.rei.com/h/womens-clothing</a> Looking forward to seeing what you find! Helena on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289316 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:20:08 +0000 Helena 2289316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Suz has you well sorted but I'll just add that I believe Lululemon has some good crossover pieces too ... DH has gotten work shirts and pants on the men's side and hopefully they have some women's equivalents! cat2 on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289314 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:02:44 +0000 cat2 2289314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everlane has some tech fabric pieces Suz on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289313 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:58:41 +0000 Suz 2289313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Stealth gear! I love it!  Items that fit these criteria often become workhorses. They're certainly winners for travel, but even at home they can be fabulous. At the start of the pandemic, I moved to a suburb where my lifestyle has become even more casual than it used to be -- making items like this even more important to me than they were in a past that included a lot of travel.  I, too, search them out. For me, given my climate, they can't  work cross seasonally  100% of the time (I live in a true 4 season climate) but within their season (and to some extent, cross seasonally) they do double or triple duty.  Here are a selection of mine, in the Finds.  Some are actual gear that I can repurpose to "fashion" wear because they look good and the fabrications work. Examples: the Zella pullover, Icebreaker merino tees, Icebreaker shorts, Zella tank, Ripskirt cover up (love that skirt!). Some are "fashion" items in tech fabrics. Examples: the Comrags skirt and top, the Kit & Ace trousers (these have summer weight wool plus stretch, making them a really great crossover item -- more recent versions do not contain the wool, alas, so are not as polished looking).  Some are "fashion" items in fabrics that really go the distance. Examples: Merino sweaters from J. Crew and Lord & Taylor; J. Crew downtown field coat; Vince boatneck top; Aritzia packable puffer; Sandwich jackets. One of those is pure jersey so theoretically not as durable, but it is holding up after 5 years; the other is linen with stretch panels that make it super comfortable.  The bags are in nylon, which is lightweight and easy to carry and pack. The footwear is (mostly) waterproof. The Eileen Fisher sandals are flatforms so wear like sneakers.  I don't have any secrets for finding this type of item, alas. Sometimes gear companies like Icebreaker will have it; sometimes they won't. I definitely look for gear without gear logos and in stylish shapes. But I also rule in fashion items in fabrics that will work well for me.  rebekahphoto on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289311 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:39:04 +0000 rebekahphoto 2289311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am always on the lookout for simple styles with technical fabrics! not always an easy find. and yes I found some in travel focused brands first one that came to mind is Bluffworks. My husband has several of their pants, Awesome fabric, no winkles, hidden pocks. They have some classic womens styles, although a limited size range. I also have found items from Columbia and Eddie Bauer. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shop.bluffworks.com/collections/shop-all-womens">https://shop.bluffworks.com/co.....all-womens</a> Ellemnop on "'Stealth' Gear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stealth-gear#post-2289308 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:26:15 +0000 Ellemnop 2289308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is my first thread here! Looking forward to suggestions from you lovely folks :-). I am returning to my professional career at the end of this year, some of which will be office work and some of which will be business travel to classes where I will be speaking/teaching. One of the things I desire most is finding clothing that is both versatile and durable, allowing it to transition between seasons and professional/casual settings and lacking any fussy care needs. This seems to be  a nebulous category that doesn't quite exist on its own in the larger market. Individual items that meet these criteria are hidden in their respective categories and thus hard to search for.  I typically find that items that are intended as 'gear' (from outdoor brands) have details that are too sporty that keep them from going undercover as proper clothing. And fashion items seem to lack the durability or easy care that the outdoor brands offer. Needs: - Can be machine washed - Wrinkle resistant - Adequate stretch to be comfortable for long wear - Functional details (actual pockets, rubber soles on shoes, etc) - Professional-passing Much of what is out there seems to fall into 'travel' clothing, but upon closer inspection even those brands/packing lists seem to have a lot of jersey (that fades/pills/looks very casual) or is full Chico's. Nothing against Chico's, but a boxy synthetic tank and wide full length pants do not a wardrobe make :-). Athleta is moving into this area a bit (and offers petites, bless them) but again just items here and there. I want things that wear like gear and look like fashion, Stealth Gear! Thoughts, suggestions, and commiseration welcome :-).