We’ve all owned or considered buying outdoor apparel made of performance fabrics that we count on for wicking away moisture, compression or that’s quick drying. But some apparel only has a small percentage of performance fabrics that dont always perform in the way you need it to.
In order to set some type of standards for performance fabrics, INVISTA introduced its LYCRA® SPORT fabric, one in which the compamy hopes will be the outdoor apparel industry’s new global performance standard for fabrics with LYCRA® fiber. The global marketing campaign, “LYCRA® SPORT fabric, More POWER to You” introduces a powerful new logo, hangtag, advertising campaign and Web site (www.LYCRA.com/SPORT). The new hangtag, conveying a high-tech, sport-inspired and premium image, communicates that fabrics identified as LYCRA® SPORT meet performance and technology standards resulting from years of R&D experience and testing at INVISTA state-of-the-art textile labs, and reaffirms that the LYCRA® brand is trusted by consumers around the world for its quality and performance.
“INVISTA recognized that the message to consumers had become confusing, with stretch or spandex appearing on many sport fabric hangtags as a proxy for fit, comfort or freedom of movement. While our research confirms that these benefits are indeed of utmost importance to consumers when purchasing a sport garment, we also know that stretch via the presence of spandex is only a small part of the equation to allow consistent delivery of such fabric performance requirements,” says Julien Born, Global Director, Activewear & Outdoor Apparel. “Our new LYCRA® SPORT fabric program, which combines stretch fiber technology and demanding fabric performance testing standards on important parameters such as recovery power, addresses this issue and will help consumers’ choice at the point of sales,” states Born.
LYCRA® SPORT fabric technical requirements and standards are not only based on INVISTA’s global experience in performance fabric development for active wear and outdoor apparel, but also result from an in-depth analysis of over 50 garments from leading apparel sport brands. To be qualified, a fabric must pass minimum standards related to LYCRA® fiber content, fabric weight, recovery power, bi-directional elongation, fabric set and fabric shrinkage. As a result, the presence of a LYCRA® SPORT fabric hangtag on a garment will inform the consumer that the fabric not only stretches, but also meets other important performance parameters to support them in their sporting activities.
LYCRA® SPORT fabric program is also available for sport socks that meet INVISTA standards for premium foot-hugging power, and lasting fit, by combining the key elements of soft stretch LYCRA® fiber in the sock-top, sufficient power top-to-toe, and specific fabric stretch and recovery parameters. According to Dr. Greg Weeks, Technical Marketing Manager for INVISTA, “Socks made with LYCRA® SPORT fabrics are designed to provide state-of-the-art power, fit, and comfort for a full range of sock styles for the discerning active consumer.”
As supported by extensive global market research, the LYCRA® brand is the most highly recognized performance textile brand today, and its presence in fabric continues to be a differentiator for active men and women, thus creating incremental value for apparel sports brands and their fabric mill suppliers. Further studies, involving over 2,000 female and male consumers, in five countries (UK, Brazil, U.S., Germany and China), also confirmed that the LYCRA® SPORT fabric concept is highly valued by consumers. It ranked high in purchase interest, believability, uniqueness, and price expectations. The program should therefore allow brand owners and retailers to further strengthen their image and appeal in delivering performance and quality in the garments.
“LYCRA® SPORT fabric is off to a very good start,” according to Born. “Our mill customers have already expressed great interest in the program, and many fabric styles are in the process of being qualified,” he said. The LYCRA® SPORT fabric program is being presented to selected mill partners, including testing procedures and fabric qualification standards. Mills can submit commercial fabrics to INVISTA regional testing labs and on an ad-hoc basis during new product development with a customer. INVISTA sales and marketing teams around the world will have access to an online database of qualified LYCRA® SPORT fabrics available to brand owners, retailers, packagers, or garment makers.
where can I purchase Lycrasport fabric?
Tricia. LycraSport fabrics are available in a varietiy of outdoor and active clothing brands. Look for the tag on apparel that indicates it contains LycraSport synthetic fabric. If you’re looking to purchase the fabric itself, you can contact LycraSport at apparelinfo@invista.com.