Invista, owner of the Lycra brand, and one of the leading integrated producers of polymers and fibres, has announced the beginning of the roll-out of the next generation of Lycra Sport technology.

The innovative Lycra Sport technology is scientifically engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, fit and support to stretch activewear, according to the manufacturer.

Fabric performance

The new platform combines the proven stretch technology of Lycra fibre with demanding testing standards that measure fabric performance descriptors on a simplified 1-10 scale of three indexes. The Power Index measures the compression delivered by the garment’s fabric.  The higher the power index, the greater the shaping or compression effect.

The Comfort Index relates to the insight that consumers often complain about being uncomfortable in compression or shaping garments. The higher the comfort index, the more comfort the wearer experiences.

Finally, the innovative new Energy Index rates the energy exerted by the body due to fabric construction. The lower the energy index, the lower the effort needed to move the fabric, making it ideal for competitive sports activities.

Index approach

The overall index approach to Lycra Sport technology covers the broad spectrum of fabrics, helping to assure comfort from soft control, yoga-type applications to high compression applications, such as running and cycling. Lycra Sport technology can also be combined with other Lycra brand technologies, like Lycra Black technology, to offer additional performance benefits for enhanced consumer value.

“Increasingly, athletes and active consumers desire sport-specific garments designed to help optimize their athletic performance but with a high degree of comfort; Lycra Sport technology makes it easier than ever for mills, brands and retailers to meet these specific consumer needs,” said Huw Williams, Invista global segment director, activewear and outdoor. “Our proprietary indexes help designers to easily describe performance levels that are tailored to fit the garment’s end use and satisfy the wearer’s need for comfort with performance.”

The new Lycra Sport platform is also said to offer mills a simplified fabric certification process, enabling clients to access hang tags and other promotional materials. Lycra brand hangtags are designed to drive sales by clearly communicating fabric benefits and the quality assurance the Lycra brand name offers consumers.

Invista

Invista is a leading integrated producer of polymers and fibres, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications.

With a business presence in over 20 countries, Invista has a wide portfolio of some of the most recognized brands and trademarks in their respective industries including: Coolmax, Cordura, Lycra, Polarguard, Solarmax, Supplex, Tactel, and Thermolite.

www.invista.com