Invista makes Lycra Sport benefits clear
Fibre manufacturer Invista has launched its new Lycra Sport concept at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which runs July 21-24 in
According to Invista, years of research and development involving its network of textile labs have gone into the development of Lycra Sport. To qualify, a fabric must pass minimum standards related to Lycra fibre content, fabric weight, recovery power, bi-directional elongation, fabric set and fabric shrinkage. A Lycra Sport fabric hangtag on a garment will inform customers that the fabric not only stretches, but also meets other important performance parameters. The fabric programme is also available for sport socks that meet the company’s standards for foot-hugging power and lasting fit.
“Lycra Sport fabric is off to a very good start,” says Julien Born, global director, activewear and outdoor apparel. “Our mill customers have already expressed great interest in the programme, and many fabric styles are in the process of being qualified.”
The company has introduced a new logo, hangtag, advertising campaign and website (www.lycra.com/SPORT) to help consumers understand exactly what they are buying.
“Invista recognised 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 Mr Born. “Our new Lycra Sport fabric programme, which combines stretch fibre 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 sale,” he states.
