Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006
Product developments and innovations
process through evaporative cooling.
Other applications
include sportswear and
passenger seats in vehicles
Besides its function for workers in extremely hot conditions, other
applications have been identified for this technology. These include its
use in sportswear and in passenger seats in vehicles.
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE TECHNOLOGY
Breathable Storm Denim is
a breathable water repellent
finish which protects
against cold and damp
Because it is applied to
made-up garments, almost
any denim finish can
accept the technology
Garments treated with
Storm Denim provide more
breathability and
durability than synthetics
Denim accounts for nearly
one-third of the US apparel
market
COTTON INCORPORATED: WATER REPELLENT DENIM
USA-based Cotton Incorporated, a research and marketing
organisation funded by the US cotton industry, has launched Storm
Denim—a water repellent denim finish which provides protection from
the cold and damp while remaining breathable.
Unlike previous water-repellent denim finishes which were applied to
the fabric, Storm Denim is applied to made-up garments. According
to Cotton Incorporated, this means that almost any denim can accept
the technology, regardless of any finish which has been applied to it.
Garments treated with the Storm Denim finish compare well with
those made from synthetics in terms of water repellency, and are
better in terms of breathability. Interestingly, the finish also provides
more durability when tested against unfinished denim.
Cotton Incorporated considers the potential for this product to be
good. Denim accounts for nearly one-third of the US apparel market,
and jeans account for 80% of this one-third.
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Maier’s prototype ski jacket
can generate 2.5 watts
of solar generated power—
—using flexible solar cells
in exposed areas on the
jacket
The current is carried via
washable ultra-thin microcables
sewn into the jacket
MAIER SPORTS: SOLAR POWERED SKI JACKET
Germany-based Maier Sports, an outdoor sports apparel company, has
produced a prototype ski jacket which is capable of generating up to
2.5 watts of solar generated power.
The power is generated by flexible solar cells or “photovoltaic
elements” which are positioned in exposed areas such as the shoulders
and the back of the jacket.
The electrical current generated is carried via washable ultra-thin
micro-cables which are sewn into the jacket. The cables carry the
current to a universal point where electronic devices such as MP3
players, mobile phones or batteries can be charged.
© Textiles Intelligence Limited 15