Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006
Seamless knitting and stitch-free technologies
The range of end uses has
expanded from lingerie to
include gloves, sweaters,
dresses, trousers and skirts
By 2007 Santoni estimates
that seamless underwear
will account for 35% of the
total market
Polyamide microfibres are
the most common yarns in
seamless knitting and offer
a number of benefits
Nylstar produces a range
of high performance
microfibres developed for
seamless knitting
When seamless knitting was introduced by Shima Seiki in 1995, its
applications were confined to the lingerie sector. Since then, the range
of end uses has broadened out to include the production of gloves and
sweaters, as well as dresses, trousers and skirts.
In terms of market penetration, seamless knitting technology was
estimated to be used by just 1% of underwear manufacturers globally
in 1997. But by 2007, Santoni estimates, seamless underwear will
account for as much as 35% of the total underwear market.
YARNS FOR SEAMLESS KNITTING
The most commonly used yarns in seamless knitting are polyamide
microfibres. These high performance fibres result in garments which
are breathable, quick drying, and durable through multiple home wash
cycles.
Italy-based Nylstar produces a range of high performance microfibres
which it has developed for seamless knitting (Table 2).
Table 2: Nylstar yarns for seamless knitting
Yarn
Properties
Meryl Skinlife Has a bacteriostatic action which prevents unpleasant
odours. Suitable for sportswear
Meryl Nateo Has the appearance of a natural fibre but with a higher
capacity to absorb perspiration and the ability to dry out
four times more quickly than cotton. Good for activewear
and bodywear
Meryl Nexten Ultra-light due to its hollow core. Provides weather
protection and temperature regulation. Ideal for use in sports
wear and outdoor protective wear
Meryl Satiné Similar to silk but also highly resistant to pilling
Meryl UV protection Provides protection from the sun. Is twice as strong as
cotton but has the same soft hand
Elité
A fibre which distributes elasticity evenly throughout the
garment, thereby providing a comfortable fit
Source: Nylstar.
THE MARKET FOR SEAMLESS AND STITCH-FREE APPAREL
Welding technology
facilitates the creation
of more durable, but
lighter weight products
for the performance
outerwear market
But seamless and welding
technology can help in
many other sectors
“The biggest quest in the performance outerwear market is to create
more durable, but lighter weight product. [Welding technology] allows
us to do that. It reduces layers of fabric in the seam, lowering weight
and height, which leads to less abrasion. Plus it’s durable, it has good
flow at a low temperature and it has excellent stretch and recovery”,
explained a designer at The North Face.
However, it is not only in performance outerwear where improvements
in fit and comfort are being sought. Today’s tighter clothes and stretch
fabrics mean that seamless and welding technology can help in many
© Textiles Intelligence Limited 27