Italian seamless garment manufacturer Cifra SpA has launched a brand new line of beauty and sports apparel called Doubleskin, which combines the Milan based company’s seamless warp knitting technology with Rhodia’s bioactive fibre Emana. Doubleskin is available from this week via a brand new website and online shop.

Citra’s warp knitting seamless (WKS) technology allows the creation of garments which have no uncomfortable seams where the garment comes in contact with the skin – both on upper body and legs. Doubleskin seamless garments are both soft to the touch and allow total freedom of movement.

Emana is Rhodia’s new polyamide 6.6 based intelligent yarn which incorporates a patented additive offering thermo-regulation properties and improving blood micro-circulation when in contact with the skin for more than six hours.

Emana is a polyamide 6.6 yarn produced by Rhodia and what sets it apart is that bioactive minerals have been inserted within its plyometric matrix. This makes it suitable for bioactive clothing, as according to Rhodia the interaction between the fabric and the skin helps to improve microcirculatory blood flow and cellular metabolism.

Doubleskin with Emana absorbs the electromagnetic waves emitted by the human body (Far Infrared Rays) and then turns these waves around towards the body based on resonance.  This interaction with the body brings about the stimulation of tissue.

Far Infrared Rays (FIR) are electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the naked eye and are characterized by low energy and penetration that does not provoke any collateral damage to biological tissue. The FIR waves are stimulated thanks to the strong interaction with the water molecules which make up 70% of the human body’s mass.

According to Cifra’s CEO and owner Cesare Citterio the complete lack of seams in Doubleskin allows the optimization of the benefits brought on by Emana with regard to microcirculation.

“Subsequently it transforms the clothing into a real ‘second skin,’ Citterio says. “ Cifra has patented the use of Emana on its machines.”

Cosmetic benefits

Citterio explains that the principal effects of Emana are a significant improvement in both microcirculatory blood flow (+92%) and of cellular metabolism, which deliver important benefits in terms of cosmetics and athletic performance.

The increase of the microcirculatory blood flow is said to bring about an improvement in collagen synthesis and therefore an increase in the skin’s elasticity and softness. This in turn is said to give the skin a very youthful appearance whilst reducing the signs of cellulite.

Cifra claims the following precise features and benefits:

·         +9% increase in collagen synthesis

·         +11% increase in skin softness

·         +8% increase in skin elasticity

·         Reduction in cellulite can reach upwards of 12%

Citterio goes on to explain that to achieve these results, Emana must be worn for at least 6 straight hours a day for a consecutive period of 60 days and it can be used as a ‘second skin’ while at work, in the gym, or on any other occasion.

Due to the fact that Emana‘s special characteristics are activated by body heat, even the slightest amount of physical activity is said to increase the garment’s effectiveness.

While worn during sport or physical exertion, these garments not only activate microcirculation but also reduce the formation of lactic acid and positively influence the oxygenation of cells. Consequently there is an increase in physical performance, and muscle recovery time is reduced.

Athletic benefits

Cifra also claims the following athletic benefits for Doubleskin:

·         Reduction in the accumulation of lactic acid can reach as high as 33%

·         Thermoregulation improves by 51%

Citterio explains why he can make such bold claims for his new seamless brand:

“40% of Rhodia Group’s turnover comes from the consumer goods market. The know-how of the group in the cosmetic industry is legendary and right from the very start of the Emana project all necessary global clinical tests were carried out. These tests are the results of the use of research laboratories under strict medical control - henceforth assuring results that can be recognized by scientific protocol.”

According to Cifra Doubleskin garments also keep their properties after washing over time due to the fact that they the properties are intrinsic to the yarn and there is no need for additives to be applied to the finished garment.

“Activated crystals of bio ceramic are integrated into the yarn itself, allowing the effectiveness of the fibre to remain unaltered over time despite frequent washes. It is however recommended to wash your garment only by hand,” Citterio says.

“Emana is a fibre created by the combination of a sophisticated polyamide 6.6, and a polymer with added bioactive crystals. These crystals are built right into the DNA of the fibre itself and consequently it has clear advantages over other fibre technologies.”

Comfort and maintenance

Garments produced with Emana are said to be as comfortable as those made with normal polyamide and no special care is needed while handling or washing the garment - they have the same maintenance requirements as regular polyamide microfiber.

“Emana is hypoallergenic and has been certified by Oeko-Tex. The interaction between Emana and the skin is exclusively physical in nature, all without the need of the direct application of chemicals that are harmful to the body,” Citterio explains.

“Additionally, Doubleskin is easy care and eco-friendly as all products manufactured with Emana are easy to wash and dry and do not need ironing. The production process of Emana produces no waste and is therefore an environmentally friendly green fibre.”

Doubleskin Beauty and Sport performance clothing is now available for purchase in Cifra’s new Doubleskin online shop at www.doubleskin.it