
LYCRA® SPORT fabric is on the move The company is now using this product of many years of textile expertise and innovations as a basis for expansion, and is introducing two additional tiers of performance standards focused specifically on the fast-growing compression and shaping categories within sports apparel categories: LYCRA® SPORT ENERGY fabric and LYCRA® SPORT BEAUTY fabric. INVISTA will be exhibiting at the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen, on 12-15th July.
The LYCRA® SPORT fabric platform combines stretch fibre technology and demanding fabric performance requirements designed specifically for sports and outdoor apparel. The program was originally developed in response to feedback from athletes and active people who expect freedom of movement, fit and shape retention in their athletic apparel – the same benefits that they also associate with the LYCRA® fibre brand. As a result, purchase interest for garments with LYCRA® SPORT fabric reach 60 percent in consumer surveys*.
“We are very excited to be moving the LYCRA® SPORT fabric brand forward with new tiers that have clearly defined performance standards for the growing active and athletic audience that is looking for well-made garments, with excellent fit and freedom of movement,” said David Capdevila, INVISTA Apparel’s Global Marketing Director for Active and Outerwear. “We are confident that both the industry and end-consumers, both men and women, will find our tiers are the solution they are looking for to fill the gap in the market,” he said.
The new performance standards that make up the new tiers, built from the original LYCRA® SPORT fabric platform, were developed in recognition of the more unique requirements of the compression and shapewear sub-categories. The new three differentiated tiers of LYCRA® SPORT fabric are as follows:
? LYCRA® SPORT fabric: The current performance standards enabling fabrics to maintain their original properties for longer, and delivering freedom of movement, bi-directional stretch, comfort and long-lasting fit. New to this tier is the qualification of natural fibres in fabrics meeting the required performance standards. All existing LYCRA® SPORT fabrics will qualify for this tier.
? LYCRA® SPORT ENERGY fabric: The new performance standards designed specifically for compression fabrics used in high intensity and high energy sports, maintaining the right balance between fabric compression power, freedom of movement and outstanding comfort. LYCRA® SPORT ENERGY fabric enables the creation of high performance compression garments.
? LYCRA® SPORT BEAUTY fabric: The new performance standards designed specifically for sports apparel where shaping performance meets beauty and style. This tier helps to improve the shaping impact of fabrics while maintaining the freedom of movement and comfort required in sporting activities. LYCRA® SPORT BEAUTY fabrics: looking in shape while getting in shapeTM.
Hangtags for all three tiers will be available for garments made with LYCRA® SPORT fabric and that meet the demanding standards of each category.
To learn more about the new LYCRA® SPORT fabric offerings, visit INVISTA at Outdoor show, Friedrichshafen – 12th-15th July, HallB4, Stand 204.
LYCRA® is a trademark of INVISTA
*Source: 2008 Global survey with 2,000 consumers practicing sport and aged 18-45 (men and women), Pinnacle Marketing
Do you know the LYCRA® fibre brand?
The LYCRA® fibre brand is an integral element in many of the world’s leading fashion brands but is often misunderstood. “LYCRA®” is not a fabric or type in its own right. It is not the name of the category of stretch fabrics or clothing. It is the world’s leading brand of elastane fibre and other premium stretch fibres and fabrics that can be combined with many other fabrics such as cotton, wool, leather or even cashmere. It is a brand that delivers the consumer promise of comfort, fit and freedom of movement. A touch of LYCRA® fibre ingredient can help make garments and the people that wear them look better and feel better.
LYCRA® branded fibres are essential ingredients in fashion today, driving innovation and working with designers and brands to produce stylish, beautiful clothes. LYCRA® branded fibres are found in all types of garments from underwear and swimwear, jeans and tailored suits to sportswear, hosiery and sweaters.
The LYCRA® fibre brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibres businesses.
To distinguish “LYCRA®” as a brand, the word “LYCRA®” must be reported in all caps and with an ®, and always used in connection with the appropriate generic term.
About INVISTA
INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibres, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, FRESHFX®, LYCRA®, SUPPLEX®, TACTEL®, and THERMOLITE®.
For more information, visit www.LYCRA.com/SPORT.