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Performance Apparel Markets - Issue 10
Textiles Intelligence, Dec 2004, Pages: 68
This issue of Performance Apparel Markets covers:
- Business update
- Fast track: tracking the sporting goods industry in China
- Performance swimwear: high-tech swimsuits create waves
- Product developments and innovations
- Profile of Stretchtex International Fabrics: a leader in swimwear fabrics
Performance swimwear: high-tech swimsuits create waves : Summary
Major developments in fabric technology have revolutionised swimming and created massive interest in what has traditionally been a low-tech sport. Indeed, the fabric innovations which have grabbed the most attention at successive Olympic Games over the years have been those in swimwear. The performance swimwear market is driven by innovation and technology. In recent years manufacturers of performance swimwear have been competing to produce the world’s fastest swimsuit. At least three companies—Speedo, Tyr and Arena— claim to have done just that.
These companies have discovered that some materials allow swimmers to move faster through the water than would be possible if their bodies were uncovered. New high-tech swimsuits—or bodysuits— reduce friction and can improve swimming times by more than 3%. This is considerable, given that most swimming competition finals are
decided by tenths or hundredths of a second. Following the introduction in 1999 of bodysuits, more swimming records were broken in the run-up to the 2000 Olympic Games than in any other pre-Olympic period. Bodysuits have become commonplace in swimming pools used by competitive swimmers, and they have helped elite swimmers to increase their speeds while competing. However, the question of whether or not to allow technology which enhance athletes’ performances in the sport remains a subject of hot debate.
The performance swimwear market is highly concentrated and is dominated by just a handful of brands, by far the largest of which is Speedo. Competition has become more intense over the past decade, following the market entry of global sportswear giants such as Nike and Adidas. Swimwear manufacturers are investing heavily in order to differentiate their product lines. Fabric manufacturers continue to develop new fabrics which allow a snug but comfortable fit, which reduce drag in the water, and which offer performance features such as chlorine resistance and protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Profile of Stretchtex International Fabrics: a leader in swimwear fabrics: Summary
Australia-based Stretchtex International Fabrics is one of the world’s leading producers of stretch warp knitted fabrics for sportswear and swimwear. Since it was established in 1990, the company has rapidly expanded its production capacity, enabling it to meet growing demand from both domestic and international apparel manufacturers. Its high quality swimwear fabrics, which boast maximum ultra-violet protection and chlorine resistance, are used by a number of swimwear manufacturers, including the world’s largest—Speedo. Stretchtex International Fabrics focuses sharply on innovation, and recently developed products account for a substantial proportion of its total sales. The company is currently developing two new fabrics for activewear and sportswear applications which are scheduled to become available in early 2005.
Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides subscribers with business and market analysis of worldwide trends in high performance activewear and corporate apparel. Each issue of Performance Apparel Markets contains:
- A report on major developments in the global performance apparel market, focusing on new products, new technologies, new fibres and key players
- A detailed, independently-researched report on one of the following topics: moisture management; temperature regulation; stretch; high strength; reflective wear; support wear; UV protection; windproof, waterproof and water-resistant technologies; flame retardancy; and 'smart' textiles
- A company profile, outlining the business, product, market and manufacturing strategies employed by a key player in the performance apparel industry
- A summary of business news and developments affecting global performance apparel markets, majoring on innovations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and financial performances.
To purchase an annual subscription please search the site for 'Performance Apparel Markets'
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