Women of America ask every day, "What did we do before stretch fiber?" Who doesn't love elastane, spandex and Lycra? Especially Lycra, because Lycra is a trademark of Invista, and Invista is right here in Wichita, America.

But there's more and this is really good. The folks at Invista have joined Fila, which makes sport and leisure wear, to develop a new line called Fila's Body Toning System.

Those who worked on the Body Toning System say they are taking their cue from the success that toning footwear has had.

Here's the best part, and I hope it works: "BTS apparel is designed to increase muscle exercise by as much as 50 percent, an extraordinary improvement in the efficiency and recovery of an existing workout," according to a news release about the line.

The folks at Invista, which is owned by Koch Industries, loaned me a pair of the workout pants. They're very cool looking, with a slight flare on the legs. I must say the fabric is indeed impressive, with an industrial-strength stretch.

Putting them on was like forcing a marshmallow through a drinking straw. Actually, once I had them on I felt I had already done a workout, complete with sweat mustache. I'm sure other women in the ladies restroom where I tried them on wondered what I was doing in the middle stall.

That, however, was not the pants' fault; I probably had a size that was too small. I mean, you can expect only so much of any stretch fiber.

Some amazing facts: Once the pants were on, I could breathe just fine. They were comfortable and provided total freedom of movement. Added bonus: My rear end was raised to a level it hasn't been for years.

I have no idea if a workout is enhanced by wearing the Body Toning System because I couldn't find anyone who has worn the apparel long enough to do a testimonial. I will say that once I had those pants on, I felt like working out. It's sort of like when you put on a leotard, you feel like dancing.

I'm told the pants are $50, at Dick's Sporting Goods.

The ads read: Fila Body Toning System. Sculpt. Tone. Amaze.

That sounds about right because even with the help of Invista and Fila, if I got sculpted and toned, I would be amazed.

Shoes and more — Tonia's Shoe Corner, All About Fashion and Pandora's Attic are presenting "Shoe Fashion Show 2" on Nov. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the All Occasions Event Center, 4940 E. 21st St. Tickets are $5 and available at Tonia's Shoe Corner, 548 S. Oliver.