Collaborative research into seamless knitting for performance apparel
At Performance Days last week, German wool spinner Südwolle Group presented the latest research project of its Südwebs Innovation Hub. Lukas Vogl, head of the hub was recently featured in a Sportstextiles x Performance Days webinar, and this project involved a collaborative effort with Chinese seamless knit specialist UTO and The Lycra Company. The partners developed a material platform based on a blend of merino wool with 100% textile-to-textile recycled Coolmax EcoMade, which was used to make seamless next-to-skin garments for various performance sports applications: a base layer for winter sports along with yoga, tennis and golf apparel.
The Lycra Company’s Coolmax EcoMade yarn provides moisture management, cooling and quick-drying functions that complement the natural thermoregulating and moisture-buffering properties of wool. A nylon filament yarn was also part of the mix to deliver durability and processing stability necessary for seamless knitting machines.
The range was displayed in the bodywear section of Performance Days and is part of Südwolle’s 60th anniversary events.
