Adaptiv fibre is a new development from The Lycra Company engineered to provide better fit in response to different body types and movement.

The patent-pending fibre’s chemistry allows it to adjust itself, so that when the wearer is at rest, for example, the polymer adapts its compressive holding force to deliver enhanced fit, shape and control. When the wearer is in motion, the polymer adapts to deliver improved comfort and a second-skin effect, allowing a garment to stay in place better. Garments made with fabrics containing Adaptiv fibre are said to be durable and are also easier to put on and take off.

“Consumers are seeking garments that offer greater versatility – from work to leisure to social, and also from season to season and year to year,” says Steve Stewart, chief brand and innovation officer at The Lycra Company. “They want garments that can adapt to their individual needs and lifestyles as well as adapting to their unique body type, even when their body size or shape may change or fluctuate. Lycra Adaptiv fibre is the answer to these needs.”

The company has conducted internal studies to assess wear performance by comparing fabrics and garments containing Lycra Adaptiv fibre with the same fabrics and garments containing only generic spandex. Results show several advantages in using Lycra Adaptiv fibre, including comfort-in-motion and second skin performance, accompanied by shape retention and greater freedom of movement with a comfortable hold. Size inclusivity is also a key benefit in that Lycra Adaptiv fibre promotes “one-size-fits-more”. The softer stretch within the wearing zone allows for a widened fit window that covers a broader range of body shapes within a given size. This makes the potential reduction of garment returns a practical possibility.

“Size inclusivity is not a buzzword – it is increasingly important to today’s consumers,” says Deana Stankowski, strategic marketing director for active, intimates, and swim at The Lycra Company. “Every consumer’s body is unique and they want clothes they feel were designed for them – clothes that increase their personal comfort as well as their confidence level. Size alone is an inadequate indication of body type and body shape. Traditionally-sized garments may not fit every consumer within that size. That’s what makes Lycra Adaptiv revolutionary – it allows garments to adapt to many body shapes within a size range.”

Lycra Adaptiv fibre will be launched in the Asia-Pacific region at Intertextile Shanghai from October 9-11 and in North America to the denim industry via exclusive, invite-only virtual meetings being held on September 21-22.

www.thelycracompany.com