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items found in PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
Helly Hansen rides the wave of Volvo Ocean Race
Newcomers: Helly Hansen’s Ægir offshore sailing collection. The round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race proved the ideal testing ground for some of the products in Helly Hansen’s new offshore sailing collection.
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2018
Making waves
The difference between greenwashing and not greenwashing is action, says Patagonia. Its latest product that will be offered to its competitors – the Personal Surf Inflation vest – will indirectly protect an endangered surf point in Peru.
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2017
Brand Profile: Finisterre
Finisterre questions everything: Cold-water surf brand Finisterre is committed to responsible manufacturing. It also encourages its customers to think more about the products they buy.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2016
More than mileage
There’s more to choosing the right apparel for extreme runs than meets the eye, as Shari Shallard has found out from researching the subject in depth and from her own running experience.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2016
When ballistics meets athletics
With properties ranging from ultra lightweight strength to all around ruggedness and durability, high-tenacity fibres and abrasion-resistant materials traditionally used in ballistic equipment and motorcycle clothing are muscling their way into active spo
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2016
Rise To The Challenge: Yulex / Patagonia
Patagonia waves goodbye to neoprene: After years of looking for alternatives, the brand has declared a ‘world first’, with all suits from autumn 2016 neoprene-free.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2016
Brand Profile: Ortovox
Ortovox puts safety at top of agenda: The German outdoor brand relies on wool to keep consumers warm and dry, and has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment for the mountains.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2015
Swinging in the rain
The image of golf is being refreshed by the astonishing ability of a more youthful group of top players who are capturing the world headlines. However, no matter at what age you take to the greens, keeping dry, warm and comfortable remains key to enjoying
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2015
Brand Profile: Upcouture
Posture-enhancing T-shirts from Paris: A Paris-based apparel start-up has used carefully cut and strategically positioned strips of elastic film to turn T-shirts into garments that can help wearers maintain “a dream posture”.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2015
WSA - The Second 10 Years
A brief timeline in textiles and sports, Part 2.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2015
Brand Profile: Russell Athletic
School of hard knocks: Russell Brands has a colourful history, from being one the largest manufacturers of athletic goods in the US to retrenchment in the 1990s that saw the loss of half the group’s jobs. It has since refocused on its team-sports strength
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2015
A sea-change for neoprene?
As one of the world’s biggest wetsuit manufacturers, Sheico has long been comfortable in the water, but the Taiwanese group thinks the time has come for apparel designers to embrace neoprene, and is investing in making it more accessible.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2015
Brand Profile: Luta Sportswear
A force for harmony: Apparel brand Luta supports the growing Fight for Peace movement, which helps children in disadvantaged areas channel their energies into sport. Its recent acquisition by Reebok will help it to grow globally.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2015
Standards In Sport: Polar Expeditions
Journey to the ends of the earth: Polar expeditions push adventurers to the ‘limits of human endurance’, but whether for research, charity or merely fun, it is their high-tech apparel that keeps them safe.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2014
When textile technology can mean survival
Advances in yarn and fibre technology are attracting the attention of not just sports and outdoor companies, but also military and emergency service organisations. The achievements of the textile industry can mean shaving one-hundredth of a second off a p
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2010
Textiles for skin treatment
Toronto-based technology company SunSoul launched its first apparel range in the summer of 2007, but the clothes, which provide the wearers with sun protection and skin treatment, have proved difficult to make and the technology has been slower to make a
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2010
Rise To The Challenge: JRC Reflex/Macpi
The best way to compete is to collaborate: In this new WSA feature, we look at another example of how supply chain collaboration can help companies throughout the textile and apparel industry overcome challenges.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2010
One giant leap for textile innovation
With the first new space suit design for 30 years under construction at NASA, one of the designers tells WSA about the importance of material developments. Across the Atlantic, Hohenstein Institute and Schoeller Textiles have embarked on a mission of thei
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2014
Innovators: Tom Kay
A new beginning where land ends: Office life in London held scant appeal for marine biologist, lover of the sea and cold-water surfing enthusiast Tom Kay. He quickly gave up a job in commercial property investment, convinced that he could not be the only
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2014
Brand profile: Wallaroo
Colours encourage the young to cover up: Colorado-based hat brand Wallaroo has added colour to its range of UPF 50+ activewear hats. Founder Stephanie Carter believes this will be one way to get the sun protection message into the heads of image-conscious
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2009
Finding the right bust support
Everyone knows how important it is to use the right clothing and footwear during exercise, but at times finding suitable underwear can be overlooked. This is particularly pertinent for women, many of whom fail to find suitable bust support for when they a
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2009
Tears, tantrums and the America’s Cup
Apparel and gear providers rose to the challenge to address safety issues and help make the world’s oldest sailing race the most spectacular in history.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2014
Focus on winners: Iker and Eneko Pou
Mapping new ground: Spanish climbers Iker and Eneko Pou recently opened a new route on Mont Blanc, naming it the ‘Classic Modern’. Highlighting the importance of wearing the right apparel in tough conditions, the brothers say the clothing they wear has sa
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2011
Corporate solutions
Companies in the performance textiles supply chain are making important inroads into the world of workwear to help people stay safe and comfortable as they go about their business.
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2011
…all gone in a flash
There’s more to motor sport than racing: it’s a high exposure track for the sports brands associated with the cars and bikes and goes far beyond fireproof fabrics.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2011
Added protection
The trend of applying performance textile innovation to clothing and equipment for emergency services personnel continues. A a series of recent developments in this area, focusing in particular on finishing solutions, provide protection as a value-add.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2011
Swinging in the rain
When rain halted play at the 2010 Ryder Cup and the US team’s kit leaked, they turned to the European team’s supplier of apparel, ProQuip, whose clothes kept everyone dry.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2011
Standards in sport: Hockey
Hockey sticks at dawn: While ructions over rival leagues and governing bodies are marring the game in India, it remains one of the most important global stages for field hockey – once seen as a national game. Away from the limelight, advances in materials
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2012
Research Institutes: Sports Science Institute, University of Cape Town
There is a growing tradition of footwear and clothing manufacturers working with scientific and technical institutes to help them create better products for active sportswear and protective wear. One such organisation that really understands the medical a
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2009
Market responds to fluorocarbon-free coatings
High-tech functional systems provider to the clothing industry Sympatex and its specialist partner Rudolf Chemie are convinced that their combined idea of offering greener waterrepellent coatings for outdoor clothes is starting to make an impression on th
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2009
Focus on Winners: Ivan Basso
Making winning a habit. Italian cyclist Ivan Basso is enjoying a glittering career and his passion for road racing clearly hasn’t dwindled since he first started competing on the world stage. Nicknamed Ivor the Terrible, he started entering cycling compet
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2009
Research Institutes: University of Leeds
Ideas and action. In this brand new section, we look at the most interesting people, ideas and inventions to have to come from academic institutions around the world that devote themselves to performance textiles, starting with the Centre for Technical Te
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2009
Lead market initiative
The European Commission has launched a special project called the Lead Market Initiative to encourage innovation in the 27 member states of the European Union. The Commission chose six specific industry markets in which to try the idea out, listing Person
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2009
Emerging markets climb
A recent report from Global Industry Analysts suggests that various emerging markets will play a key role in growing the global sporting goods market in the coming years. The report, entitled ‘Sporting Goods: A Global Outlook’, also states that there has
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2009
Health–a whole new category for clothing
Retailers and brands continue to demand innovation from their fabric and garment suppliers, and clothing that addresses current health concerns stands a good chance of winning approval.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2009
Rise to the challenge: Outdry and Sixton
A new protective Sixton boot for workers exposed to extreme conditions combines waterproof breathable membrane technology from OutDry with a popular choice of lining, wool.
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2012
One women’s wardrobe for warmth in a world of snow and ice
Earlier this year extreme adventurer Felicity Aston became the first woman to ski alone across the continent of Antarctica. This article gives details of some of the specialist clothing and equipment she wore during the two-month trip.
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2012
Standards in sport: American football
In where it hurts: In this new series of features for 2012, the standards that apply to the clothing, footwear and equipment used by competitors in particular sports is examined, including recent changes in those standards and the debate surrounding them.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2012
Burning issues
Matters of fire retardancy and safety capture the headlines every time there is a disaster involving uncontrollable bush fires. They are also key requirements in military protective wear where multiple properties, including comfort, need to be incorporate
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2013
Rise to the challenge: Schoeller Textil and Klopman
Quality and innovation meet: A new fabric range from Klopman for workwear applications contains built-in technical textile functionality from Schoeller Textil.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2013
Bridging the gap between performance and aesthetics
From ultra-slim summer insulation and far-infrared reflecting materials to patterned trimming, new textiles pack multiple features in ever more compact formats for innovative sportswear designs.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2013
Standards in sport: Fencing
En garde, with the right clothes and equipment: Once a key part of warfare, fencing is thankfully now just a sport. But it’s one that requires skill, speed and bravery, helped by specialist clothing and equipment.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2013
A day in the life
At the end of the European winter, outdoor brand Merrell organised an event aimed at giving insight into the work of the mountain rescue team in the Peak District National Park in the centre of England. WSA was there.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2013
Standards in sport: Wildwater canoeing
Preventative rapids action:The International Canoe Federation has only a few rules relating to what competitors must wear on their head, torso and feet, but the rules are clear and always make the safety of canoeists paramount.
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2013
Standards In Sport: Wingsuit Flying
Icarus’s dream come true: A subcategory of skydiving and BASE-jumping, the fledging sport of wingsuit flying is admittedly a niche within a niche. In this spectacular sport, the pilot’s body, arms and legs— spread to open the fabric ram-air wings—becomes
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2013
Ask The Expert: Compression
Pressure points: Our question-and-answer series with prominent textile academics continues with Dr Marcus McDonald, from RMIT University in Victoria, Australia, answering questions about textile-based compression technology. His expertise is as a chiropra
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2013
Impact protection expands its comfort zone
New shapes and constructions are helping impact protection materials provide greater comfort and freedom of movement, without compromising protection.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2013
Rise to the Challenge: Safe to Sea
Clothing group sponsors safety suit for fishermen: Like charity, corporate social responsibility can also begin at home. It did for this project, in which global group Inditex (parent company of Zara and other fashion brands) lent its support to a small,
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2013
The importance of measuring a shoe’s ankle support
While there is plenty of information available on the anatomy and the biomechanics of the ankle, there is no real concept of what ankle supports should do and how they should work. Because this can be an important issue in the fields of specialist footwea
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2008
The right choice of footwear can save you from injury
Well, here it is, a new season. Shoes for summer have gone through the door and it’s time for you to think about spring 2009; it is beckoning you to the drawing board. Your numbers came in a few percentage points under forecast this season, a trend you’ve
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2008
Battle of the big brands in Beijing
The fast-approaching Beijing Olympics (August 8–24) have been surrounded by controversy in recent months, but athletes continue to train for the biggest sporting event in the world, and sportswear giants continue to produce innovative products to boost th
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2008
Sporting the stretch: can smaller players compete?
Working out can be tough enough without having to worry about what you are wearing. And stretching after a busy session in the gym or on the track can be no fun at all if your fitness gear refuses to stretch with you. This is why textile companies across
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2008
All our own work
A wealth of performance fabric is available to sports and fashion brands, with constant innovation adding new functionality all the time. New features—to protect wearer from the sun, the wind and the rain, to heal body and spirit through aromatherapy, to
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2008
Health and wellbeing: fabrics and fibres fight the good fight
The skin, as the largest organ humans have, has always attracted its fair share of ailments. Some—baldness and dandruff are both skin diseases, you know—we worry about out of vanity. Others are far more serious.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2008
Tizip or not Tizip: that is the question
For most people, zips are simply for holding clothes or other materials together and are rarely spared a second thought. However, for many others, the use of a zip will represent the difference between dry and wet; comfortable and clammy; protected and da
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2008
The right sportswear for the most special event
Every year new research reveals the myriad ways in which exercise throughout pregnancy benefits both mother and baby. As the importance of prenatal exercise has found a foothold in medical and popular thinking, however, the accompanying market niche of pr
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2008
In at the deep end
German protective clothing manufacturer Ballonfabrik has found a new use for Gore-Tex, in a suit that can help helicopter crews stay alive in freezing water for more than two hours.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2008
Waterproof boots give Deco a boost
In common with many other sports, a game of football can be won by a single moment of genius; last-minute free-kicks from specialists such as Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Juninho Pernambucano, Juan Román Riquelme and Deco are a classic example. In the rain a
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2008
Catwalk corporate wear is all in a day’s work
Is power-dressing possible for people who work with power tools? Can construction workers now turn the heads of attractive passers-by, rather than the other way round? The organisers of a new event, the Workwear and Corporate Clothes Show, would answer bo
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2008
Support where it’s needed
Companies making specialist support apparel claim that too many people are still trying to treat muscle injuries with the remedies of 30 years ago. This article takes a look at newer methods.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2007
Outdoor industry’s snow and ice dilemma
The outdoor industry—apparel, footwear and equipment—is growing partly because more and more people are spending time in the mountains. In summer, we hike and cycle, in winter we ski, and we climb all year round.
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2007
Fighting back against nature - polyester does its bit for the planet
Although new 'natural' fabrics and apparel appear to be the 'in' thing with companies and consumers at present, polyester is fighting its corner and is even transforming itself into a sustainable product.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2007
When black becomes cool fashion
textile engineering has taken a new turn. Innovators are paying more attention to the invisible, and some visible, parts of the spectrum to generate some surprising results.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2007
Auxetics expand their horizons
It is 20 years since the first synthetic auxetic polymer foam was developed but many people remain unaware of the word, let alone the unique properties that auxetic materials possess which could benefit the performance textiles sector.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2007
Showtime: Winter wonderland
Buyers visiting this winter's trade fairs must have felt like children in a candy store as they were treated to a feast of new products and developments across the spectrum of yarns and fibres, laminates, apparel, footwear and protective gear.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2007
Q-Angle - brought to market
Tha latest innovative entry into the footwear market caters strictly for women. Q-Angle is not an innovation in itself but a biomechanical correction for an exaggerated natural motion, but the benefits offered to women by the products designed to deal wit
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2007
Power dressing women with feminine appeal
Performance brands are now dedicating an ever larger share of their ranges to women, but producing women-specific apparel is not as easy as some may believe, as the 'fairer sex' is most definitely a demanding customer to please.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2007
Horsing around safely
Although the cavalry may have largely disappeared, there are huge numbers of people who ride and, as the horse can be a somewhat temperamental animal, protective helmets are essential gear.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2007
No flapdoodle about this hybrid
Politics is always an area for different flapdoodling opinions but the need for special application performance textiles and clothing is not when you add the 'Iraq factor'.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2007
The Iraq factor in textile technology
Warfare is often a testing ground for new technology as R&D experts continually seek solutions for new battlefield situations. The war in Iraq is no exception, especially when it comes to the apparel worn by the military. More than three years on, the Iraq conflict is providing fabric and apparel specialists with a long list of dilemmas and problems to solve and some of these technologies are now active in the consumer field as well as on the battle field.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2006
All work and no play
There’s a lot of work going into workwear and uniform fabrics these days. Just like the men and women who must wear these garments day in and day out, fabrics must perform consistently and do a lot of tough jobs, often under extreme conditions.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2006
Testing to take the heat off feet
The explosion at the Buncefield fuel depot in the UK in December 2005, the biggest explosion in Europe since World War II, illustrated the awesome power that fire can wield. Whilst the bravery of those involved in extinguishing the fire was unquestionable, the apparel and footwear that protected them also played a vital role. Heat and flame resistance have become big issues in footwear and clothing over the last decade and this has led to a plethora of tests being developed.
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2006
Kicking up a stink
Talk to any cyclist, runner, walker, climber, football player, or cross-country skier about the smell of his or her thermals and you will always hear the response, “It can be awful.” If you went into more detail, you’d most likely hear that some athletes
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2006
What are clothes for
Clothes help us to survive in all weathers but also to undertake energetic and often dangerous activities. The chemical and physical interaction of clothing with the skin is a significant element in the'joint venture' that we cannot afford to overlook.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2006
Bodymapping develops inside and out
New technologies give product developers the opportunity to build garments with variable geography. Having started with base layers this concept has now reached performance outerwear.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2006
Interesting innovations in the USA
New technologies in the field of performance and protective apparel are in steady movement through the pipeline and some of these industry changing technologies were on show at the recent Techtextil North America.
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2006
Stamina specialists and curious amateurs
In a boom time for extreme sports, triathlon has itself become commercial and is now considered as a modern and innovative sport. Malin Auras reports on how a whole industry has developed around it, producing high-tech equipment from bikes to shoes and ap
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2006
Downfall in thermal insulation
The outdoor industry has developed several means to protect to protect against the cold. Thermal insulation by natural or synthetic fibres is one of the most efficient of these, however, it seems that the ranking within this method is changing.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2006
Army enters the long-distance trainer wars
The armies of the world are flexing their muscles by wearing not only combat boots but also fitness training shoes and some, such as the British Army, have even gone so far as to assist in the design and development of trainers to meet the needs of their
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2005
Taking functionality to the extreme
Whilst for many people 'travelling' conjures up the idea of packing a bikini and heading off to a warm beach, for certain travellers, who journey to the remotest parts of the world, their clothing can literally mean the difference between life and death.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2005
Playing safe
There is only so much impact that the human body can physically withstand and, as a result, there is a greater demand for personal protective equipment (PPE)than ever before. This feature is based on new research being carried out a Loughborough Universit
WSA - Issue5 - Sept/Oct 2005
The heat is on... (or off)
Many people get involved in extreme activities these days, pushing their bodies to the limit whether it be as part of their professional life or just for the pure thrill of it. But although these activities all involve sweat and tears, straining muscle an
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2005
Fun in the sun?
Skin ageing, cancers and irritations are increasing. And so is the need for protecting the human skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Our intrepid explorer, Till Gottbrath, considers the technologies of textile-provided UV-protection as well as test a
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2005
Light as a feather
Whilst many may choose their jacket based on the latest brand to be 'a la mode,' the correct level of insulation can avoid the loss of life for some, such as soldiers at war, rather than a loss of street credibility. There is a lot more to insulation than
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2005
Standards to reflect on...
Not only do standards of retro-reflectivity fall into several classifications (principally by end-use of the product and degree of safety required), standards around the world vary. And some products, while providing a degree of safety, do not meet any of
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2005
Seen and (hopefully) not hurt
For more than 60 years retroreflective materials have been making conditions safer for those who work in poorly-lit, hazardous situations. More recently, those who pursue outdoor sports have been wearing luminescent clothing in greater numbers as high-vis
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2005
Hot comfort
Motor sport spectators may only be there for the morbid possibilities in crash, but the race marshal’s equipment helps to keep all the thrills on the right track.
WSA - Issue2 - Summer 2001
Kit for the Kiwi challenge
In Grand Prix sailing, the America’s Cup racing is as different from round-the-world ocean racing as Formula One is from rallying in the world of motorsport. It follows that, just like the boats and equipment used by the competing teams, their clothing is purpose-designed too. In the run-up to the 2003 competition for the ‘Auld Mug’ WSA looks at how some of the challengers are kitted out.
WSA - Issue4 - Winter 2002
Climbing helmets
The University of Leeds School of Textile and Design has a history of involvement with research in active leisure apparel and equipment. This research paper highlights the difficulties in persuading climbers in the UK to use helmets, the international test criteria and the effectiveness of traditional and lightweight models.
WSA - Issue4 - Winter 2001
“Fangs for the memory”
Snake venom can kill or, at best, cause considerable discomfort. A report on an Italian company’s answer to one of Nature’s most aggressive defence mechanisms.
WSA - Issue3 - Autumn 2001
The application of ultraviolet absorbers for sun protective fabrics
A Ciba discussion in this ever-important topic stresses the benefits of process over inherent qualities.
WSA - Issue1 - Spring 2001
The loneliness of the long track skater
Unadulterated speed driven by energy, skill and determination. Fast clothing, even faster feet and the safety factors involved.
WSA - Issue1 - Spring 2001
Slowly, safely, slowly
Climbing rope developments – a story where safety takes precedence above design.
WSA - Issue1 - Spring 2001
Body armour for sports players
An explanation of PPE testing and the effect the EU Directive has on design and development.
WSA - Issue1 - Spring 2001
Gridiron v Rugby
As the games get faster and the tackles get heavier, individual protection becomes increasingly important.
WSA - Issue1 - Spring 2001
A safe pair of hands
The essential use of protective gloves for a number of sporting activities
WSA - Issue4 - Winter 2000
Electro interest rekindled
A select few companies have been driven to marry electronics and textiles. Progress has been slow over the past few years, but things are looking up once again.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2004
Emergency service
For those who protect us from fire, the textile industry has produced clothing systems to rival anything found on the battlefield
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2004
Operationally developed
Interest in military clothing and protective equipment is fuelled by research and development in the outdoor industry. But politicians question the cost and necessity.
WSA - Issue2 - Mar/Apr 2004
Reflecting on markets, players and changing standards
The ‘high visibility’ workwear market sector is booming - and possibly profitable, but only if manufacturing is carried out on the Pacific Rim according to the major players. In the meantime component producers in Europe are more than making a living, d
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2004
Clever feet on the climbing circuits
As the sport of rock climbing moves up a notch n difficulty, the technology involved in the footwear development has had to take a giant step. Nowadays, if your shoes don’t grip on the rock with the soles, uppers , heels and toes – then you are going nowhere but down.
WSA - Issue3 - May/Jun 2004
It’s all in the handling
It’s the most daunting part of international travel. It’s estimated that 20 million items go missing every year. We never take enough, but there’s always too much. A look at the softer touch to luggage specifications and an overview of modern security systems.
WSA - Issue4 - Jul/Aug 2004
Cool is hot
Our body armour feature in the last issue of World Sports Activewear attracted more than a little comment. Now, in the relaunch as WSA, the same contributor follows through with textile and technical support for those situations where the armour was possi
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2004
Kit builder
An interview with the man who is responsible for the present and future provision of the British army’s personal combat equipment. We found an interesting comment on the branding of waterproof, breathable and windproof membranes – and several pointers to
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2004
PPE and flying arcs
Being in the right place to solve the problems but at the wrong time for the well-being of the solver is part of the human condition. It may be argued that this is the sole reason for the existence of national and international health and safety regulatio
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2004
Risky business
The public order role for police forces around the world is one that creates some of the most dangerous situations for officers. Textile compositions protect and good design provides flexibility and comfort.
WSA - Issue6 - Nov/Dec 2004
Taking protective clothing into the fourth dimension
Military and protective clothing is a growth area. Loaded with technical demands and tight specifications it is a worthwhile development field for the brave. One UK company has developed a new range of high performance waterproof, breathable laminated fabrics and has targeted Eastern European emergency services specifically.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2005
Nanotechnology may be “just the ticket”
Policemen are expected to be out on the streets, no matter the weather. For years, many waterproof uniforms have been relied on synthetics at the expense of hand and comfort. Two US companies have been working on a new moisture management product that should make the policeman’s lot a lot easier.
WSA - Issue1 - Jan/Feb 2005