According to a new report by Dublin-based research company Research and Markets, performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry. Issue 16 of ‘Performance Apparel Markets’ claims that growth in this sector is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, fabrics and innovative process technologies as well as changes in consumer lifestyles. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, running, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, snowboarding, and skiing.