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(ARA) - Autumn. The very word conjures up colorful images, comforting impressions and cool feelings of a restful season. With the cooler temperatures that autumn brings, now is the perfect time to finally realize the relaxation you have been promising yourself all through the summer months. And what better place to relax than in the great outdoors.

When choosing outdoor leisure products, things to consider include comfort, color and durability.

Trends in Comfort

Trends come and go, but in the area of comfort for the outdoors, one item has been in fashion for over 100 years. Neither new nor splashy, the traditional hammock is the symbol of outdoor leisure recognized by all.

“No other outdoor furnishing can provide the comfort that a hammock does with its ‘floating on air’ design,” states Laurie Rudd, creative director of The HammockSource, manufacturers of Hatteras Hammocks and The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. “The comfort of a hammock is found in the construction of either the hand woven rope style that hugs the body or in the fabric beds made of quilted layers.”

With the major improvements to the comfort of weather resistant ropes and fabrics, a current trend is extreme durability coupled with the softness of natural fibers. One example is DuraCord fiber. Although man made, this fiber is fade, stain and mildew resistant and repels water. The best part: its as soft as cotton.

Trends in Color

Color is not often the first thought, but today’s hammock is not your grandmother’s cotton rope hammock. “Colors are exploding in various hammock styles including ropes and fabrics,” states Ginger Woodard, PhD, associate professor in the College of Human Ecology at East Carolina University. “With the advancements in non-fading solution dyed yarns, colorations are unlimited.”

“This autumn, hammock color trends include cool blues and natural warm honey browns. Vibrant yellows and reds are also showing up taking their cue from the changing foliage. Making a comeback this season are silhouette design fabrics with high contrast black and off-white creating floral to geometric patterning. Outdoor also continues to welcome the olive greens matched with warm deep burgundy,” states Rudd.

Trends in Durability

Autumn is best enjoyed in the out-of-doors. However, life outside for furnishings can be harsh no matter the season, making durability the goal of all outdoor leisure products. In a hammock, these include everything from the hanging chain to the materials that make up the bed of the hammock.

“Zinc plating over heavy duty steel is preferred for long hammock life,” states Bill Russo, president of Nags Head Hammocks, of N.C. and S.C. “This finish keeps the installation of the hammock safe as well as long lasting.”

Wood components are trending toward naturally durable outdoor woods such as cypress or Brazilian teak, known as Cumaru. “The trend in ropes or fabrics for outdoor durability include designer materials like the DuraCord, that can withstand the elements while also being easy to clean with a bleach and water solution,” states J. R. Pelletier of internet retailer, The Hammock Company.com. Low maintenance is a priority in outdoor products year-round.

Trends in Relaxation

Autumn is the perfect time to lie back, relax and watch all the beauty and wonder of the season unfold. A hammock makes for the perfect vantage point for this and by following the latest trends, you will realize enjoyment that will never go out of style.

For more information visit www.hatterashammocks.com; www.nagshead.com; or www.thehammockcompany.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent