Created to help casual bra designers select the most optimal fabric to deliver improved garment performance, this platform has been unveiled at Interfilière, a leading international fabric sourcing show for intimates, swimwear and activewear, taking place in Paris this week. Invista says it has developed the Lycra Bra Fabric Finder in response to the current consumer-driven shift towards casual bras including wire-free bras, sports bra, bralette or bandeau.

“While garment design and construction remains important to bra quality and performance, Invista knows fabric selection is critical when it comes to deconstructed, casual bras. This innovation can help designers easily identify the best fabric construction and help add functionality to any casual bra collection,” the manufacturer explains.

Lycra Bra Fabric Finder

First of all, casual bra designers identify the desired comfort and support level they need:

• Active fabrics are meant for high support and medium comfort
• Everyday fabrics grant a mix between comfort and support
• Leisure fabrics provide high comfort and medium support

This is then followed by the shaping type – either natural shaping for a softer, truer silhouette, or power shaping for more defined curves. Then, they can select the appropriate certified fabric to meet their needs.

Fabric goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure it meets the predetermined parameters of each IP-protected index. As a result, designers will be able to create the perfect casual bra that delivers the shape and support women need, and the comfort they want, the company explains.

Producers who utilise the Lycra Bra Fabric Finder will be able to leverage Invista's expertise to create new casual bra offerings. “Today, women want to be the best they can be and they're tired of having to sacrifice support and shape for comfort—they want it all,” said Melissa Minihan, vice president of marketing, Intimate Apparel, at Invista. “Casual bras are not a fad that will die out. Their widespread, global appeal represents a style evolution, and the Lycra Bra Fabric Finder will make it easier than ever before for brands to meet this growing demand and gain market share.”

Lycra Casual Bra Capsule Collection

Visitors were invited to visit the Lycra Casual Bra Café at Interfilière Paris this week to learn more about casual bras, as well as market opportunities they present. Invista worked with designers and leading mills around the world to create a 24-piece Casual Bra Concept Collection that was on view in the Lycra Casual Bra Café and in a pop-up display in the VIP Interfiliere Lounge.

Designed with fabrics featuring Lycra fibre, each bralette in the collection demonstrated the breadth of creativity and technical prowess of the mills that produced them. Invista extended special thanks to: Best Pacific, Boos, Carvico, Derun, Dogi, Eurojersey, Feinjersey, Giovanni Brugnoli, Jersey Lomellina, Lauma, Liebaert, Noyon, Penn Textiles Solutions, Piave Maitex, Tessitura Colombo Antonio, Tianhai, TVB, Wegal & Tricotel and Willy Hermann.

www.invista.com