Health & Beauty

The AYRES brand and product line are inspired by the rich culture of Argentina, and everything from the glaciers of Patagonia to the dimly lit tango bars have played a significant role in creating our identity.

Among these cultural influences is the fishnet pattern - a staple of Argentine Tango - which lends an air of elegance and sophistication to the AYRES brand. And while you're probably more than familiar with the fishnet pattern by now, there are actually a handful of uses that go beyond typical punk and goth fashion. At AYRES, our packaging designs were inspired specifically by the traditional matte black fishnet pattern, but more colorful variations have become increasingly popular over the years.

Normally viewed as a sexy type of attire, fishnets are mostly worn as an undergarment, and insofar as it highlights curves by applying a grid close to the body, it usually draws attention to the wearer's muscular definition.

Fashion is certainly the most common context in which you'll see the fishnet pattern, but there's also a lesser known, more practical application for the fishnet textile.

You may be surprised to know that fishnet textiles are very popular as high performance, base layer apparel used in cold weather outdoor sports. Some of these activities include: fishing, skiing, hunting, hiking, and mountaineering. When used for these types of activities, the pattern is usually knitted from polypropylene fibers, nylon, or merino wool, and offers a variety of benefits over more traditional densely knitted base layer apparel.

The benefits of this type of pattern are associated with the presence of large void spaces in the fishnet fabric structure that help trap insulating air for warmth in cooler climates and conditions. It also allows for the rapid transport of moisture from the wearer's skin to the outer layers of his or her garment which helps to minimize conductive heat loss.

So whether you're looking to make a fashion statement or get active in the great outdoors (maybe a trip to Patagonia?), make sure you have your fishnets handy and ready to go!

So it’s that time of year again - your colleagues are making travel plans, trolling travel websites, and all the talk around your office is about traveling here, there, and everywhere. And if you just so happened to have saved up enough vacation days for a trip of some much needed R&R mixed with a pinch of exploration, we highly recommend one of many exotic locales that can be found in Argentina. Yes, we may be a little partial, but it really is a magical place with an incredibly rich culture, a wide variety of scenic regions, and fantastic cuisine!

Even though South America is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, Argentina for the most part, is still often overlooked compared to countries which have traditionally attracted North American vacationers. But after reading this, we’re hoping you move this beautiful country to the top of your travel bucket list!

Here are 5 great reasons to vacation in Argentina:

1. Argentine Wine: It’s not often that you’re able to enjoy an excellent glass of wine in the very same city where the grapes that were used to make it were grown. As the fifth largest wine producing country in the world, the opportunities to test your wine palate are aplenty. From classic Cabernet Sauvignons in the north to hearty Mendoza Malbecs in central Argentina, be sure to visit an Argentine winery, wherever in the country you may be, and take a wine tour paired with a tasting. You won’t regret it.

photo courtesy of sundialtravel.com

2. Tango Bars: Buenos Aires, the birthplace of Tango, is still home to some of the iconic venues that characterized the musical genre’s rise in popularity. The history of Tango as a social dance and musical form is both romantic and sophisticated. As with all genres of music, the sound and dance have evolved over the years, but the original elements still remain intact. If you’re still deciding which areas of the country to visit, be sure to put Buenos Aires and its renown Tango bars down on your to-do list. Here are the five best Tango shows to see in Buenos Aires.

3. Shopping in Palermo Soho: Who doesn’t love boutique shopping? Palermo Soho in Buenos Aires’ Creative Design District is a fabulous place for stress-free strolls with plenty of opportunities to stop and shop along the way. While the price tags may give you sticker shock, the amazing collection of belts, shoes, skirts, dresses, custom jewelry, and stylish denim are on par with anything you’d find stateside, and certainly more unique. Make shoe-shopping a priority here - there are more than a handful of custom shoe stores around, with nearly one store on every corner. And after a long day of flexing your shopping muscles, take a breather at one of Palermo’s many cafes, bars, or restaurants. Here are some of Palermo’s best bars, cafes, and restaurants.

photo courtesy of tangosalbardo.blogspot.com

4. Iguazu Falls: Famously praised by Eleanor Roosevelt, Iguazu Falls are named after the term “great waters” in the Guarani language. The falls were established as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO. Together with Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, Iguazu Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Argentina, and for very good reason. Tours, treks, water sports, and awe-inspiring views make this destination an absolute must.

5. Los Glaciares National Park: Argentina is also home to yet another UNESCO site - Los Glaciares National Park. With the majority of the glacial activities focused around the Argentino and Viedma lakes, if you make it to Glaciers National Park, visit the lake areas and you’ll witness the spectacular sight of these giant glaciers shedding huge sheets of ice into the chilly waters below. The park itself is in the Austral Andes area of Argentina near the Chilean border.

Also known for its longstanding equestrian tradition, you can even take a horseback ride through the park, or if you’re looking for relaxation in a scenic setting, take a break at the estancias (ranches) nearby.

photo courtesy of qcostarica.com