Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006
Seamless knitting and stitch-free technologies
Seamless knitting and stitch-free
seaming technologies in
performance apparel
SUMMARY
Apparel with a seamless appearance is gaining in popularity. The
benefits—greater comfort and durability, combined with reduced
bulk—are finding favour in different sectors of the apparel market,
including performance apparel. In the performance apparel sector
there are two main reasons for the growing popularity of garments
with a seamless appearance. One is that close fitting active
wear—such as running or cycling apparel—needs to feel as smooth
as possible when worn next to the skin in order to minimise the
possibility of chafing. The other reason is that technical outerwear is
becoming less bulky and more form-fitting while retaining the latest
advances in waterproof and breathable capability.
Apparel which has a seamless appearance is produced using two
different approaches: seamless knitting, and welding. Seamless knitting
involves the production of a whole garment in one piece on a knitting
machine such that little or no sewing-up is required. Welding involves
the fusing together of layers of fabric by applying heat and
pressure—using technologies such as ultrasonic heating or high
frequency radiation. In addition, thermoplastic films or tapes—which
are sometimes referred to as adhesive films—are commonly used to
reinforce the weld or to bond non-thermoplastic materials such as
cotton.
Using seamless knitting or welding, a garment without any stitched
seams can be made. Some commentators are going so far as to
predict the gradual demise of the needle and thread. But seamless and
stitch-free seaming technologies still have some way to go in terms of
capability, quality control and market penetration before they replace
sewing.
INTRODUCTION
The apparel sector is seeking
to remove bulky sewn
seams from garments—
The apparel industry is working to find ways of making garments
without the bulky sewn seams which have characterised traditional
assembly techniques.
© Textiles Intelligence Limited 17