MANILA, Philippines?On our usual shopping jaunt, we discovered items you might want to add to your wardrobe?pieces that cater to an active lifestyle.

From lounge and active wear that?s extra soft and silky to footwear made of easy-on-the-feet plastic, here are our ultra-comfortable yet stylish picks for the week.

Environment-friendly

The Canadian brand aptly called Bamboo Path offers contemporary and casual lifestyle and exercise wear made of organic and environment-friendly bamboo.

Although the pieces are classic and simple in design, they are made special by bamboo fabric that?s far softer and four times more absorbent than cotton. The fabric has a natural sheen and feel similar to cashmere and silk.

Bamboo fabric also has antimicrobial properties, making it the fabric of choice for work-outs and similar activities. It is thermal-regulating (stays cool when it?s hot and stays hot when it?s cold!) and antifungal. For those who like to exercise outdoors, bamboo fiber also has natural UV protection.

In addition, bamboo is grown without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is one of the world?s most prolific and fastest-growing plants and is nature?s most sustainable resource. Bamboo fabric is, in fact, 100 percent biodegradable.

To check out Bamboo Path?s women?s, men?s and youth line, call or text +63917-5289016, +63917-5215335 and +63929-214-2155.

Comfy footwear

Finally! Rubber (or rather plastic, technically speaking) shoes that you can actually wear to work or a night out in town.

No, we?re not talking about the big, bulky trainers you wear to the gym. We?re referring to Melissa shoes?fashionable, comfortable footwear made of patented plastic called Melflex. It offers improved elasticity, is impermeable and hypo-allergenic.

We?re big fans of Melissa shoes. They?re cool and hip, yet easy to match with?and can update?a classic wardrobe. They?re also perfect for Manila?s unpredictable weather. These will certainly survive the rain and floods.

Check out Melissa?s latest collection, available in Culte Femme in Rustan?s Makati, Shangri-La and Alabang, Anthem Rockwell and Shangri-La, Mixedenim in Greenbelt 3 and Mia Bella in Serendra.

Originally made out of leather, and launched in the 2000 ?Summertime? Collection by Vivienne Westwood, it now comes in Melissa?s patented plastic.

Email the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph