sportFACHHANDEL fashion_09_2016

Already in the last winter,
the producers focussed on
environmental awareness and
natural materials. A few years
ago, synthetic fibres were the
non plus ultra, but today, no producer
can do without natural fibres. Wool as
natural, renewable raw material has a
very good, “green” image nowadays when
climate and environment protection have
an increasingly high significance. Also the
producers have noticed that and thus, men
and women wear base-layers from pure
merino wool or from a mix of wool and
synthetic fibres in the next autumn/winter
season 16/17. Above that, you don’t have to
hide functional underwear under the ski
suit anymore, because the designs have
seldom been more versatile and fashionable
than at present. The boring image is a
matter of the past, now we have colourful,
funny and printed styles. The sets of shirt
and pants do not only keep dry and warm;
they offer also comfort and well-being
during après-ski or at the mountain hut.
In fashion – natural fibres. Since the New
Zealand merino pioneer Icebreaker has
launched its functional underwear from
pure merino wool, a lot of brands have
discovered the benefits of merino. The
natural material feels much more pleasant
to the skin as common wool and, due to its
natural structure, it has an anti-bacterial
effect and is thus odour-neutral. Icebreaker
offers base-layers with the weight of 260
g/m that provide sufficient warmth
even in extremely cold conditions.
Strategically placed mesh inserts
improve the insulation, the moisture
permeability and the breathability of the
leggings and half-zips precisely where the
body needs them.
‘We of Kari Traa still recognise a trend
towards natural fibres such as pure merino
wool. With the lines Rose, Stjerna, Ulla,
Vosa and Tikse, we offer the wool in
different weights for different levels of
warmth. This way, every woman finds her
style, according to the taste and field of
application, says Nathalie Meinfelder
of Kari Traa. Hendrik Reschke, Head of
Communication of Ortovox, confirms
the boom of natural fibres. ‘Wool is and
continues to be the central theme in
It transfers sweat quickly away from the
skin during intensive exercise and protects
the body from cooling while resting –
Active Extreme has been developed to make
athletes quicker, more lightweight and
better.
the underwear sector. We have offered
underwear from merino wool since 1995,
but in the last years, we have expanded the
range considerably. Our latest launch was
our highlight line 105 Merino Ultra – a very
technical yarn - merino wool woven around
a nylon core. With a very high content of
merino wool (95 percent), the nylon core
improves many things such as durability,
elasticity, drying time and wearing comfort,’
he says.
Due to the strong demand, SmartWool
produces its bestseller, the NTS Light 200
pants and base-layer, exclusively for the
European market in winter 16/17. Apart
from the merino qualities Micro and
Mid and the technical Phd Light Styles,
the brand newly offers the 200 g merino
quality. Michael Klein, Division Manager
Also Maloja has its own
range of functional
underwear.
Sports at Falke, says, ‘Natural fibres have
established themselves, together with
other highly functional fibres. Crucial
factors for the selection of the fibres are
which kind of sports the customer does
and the requirements resulting from it.
Natural fibres, for example, reach their
limits when exposed to intensive strain.
Functional fibres are clearly the better
choice in this case. The personal perception
of the different materials is a criterion for
the choice too. Therefore, it is important to
offer a broad selection so that the customer
has the option to decide according to his
individual sensation and his physiological
needs. Today, it is not enough to offer only
one material.’ The brand Mons Royal still
relies on merino wool. Some products have
a small percentage of elastane, in order to
increase the freedom of movement. The
base-layers are extremely lightweight,
the mid- and outer layers are made
with heavier merino. Additionally,
mesh inserts at the back and
under the arms increase the
breathability. A high collar and
an elongated back improve
the thermal insulation,
full-length zippers and ¾
zippers ensure individual
ventilation and thumb loops
>>>
Mons Royale
offers functional
underwear from
merino wool
too.
Women do not have to hide their functional base-layers in the coming
winter. The styles are more colourful and versatile than ever.
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sportFACHHANDEL
FASHION • 09/2016