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Performance Textiles Move Clothing Industry
Forward
By
Katie
Pratt
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2007) – Performance textiles have
revolutionized the textile industry in recent years, and their
popularity continues to grow as more consumers demand products
that keep them warm, dry, resist stains and repel liquids.
Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles Professor Elizabeth Easter
said performance textiles are capable of performing a basic
function in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
“Consumers want easy to care for clothes that can also protect
them from the environment as well as keep them comfortable in
hot or cold weather,” she said. “Performance textiles that can
provide all of these functions are available in today’s retail
markets.”
Performance textiles are a 21st century concept. Originally
developed for those in the athletic, medical and hospitality
fields, the textiles became available to the average consumer
during the past five years. Fabrics with performance technology
can be found in clothing that includes everything from socks
that help diabetics improve their circulation in their feet and
legs to outdoor clothing that repels mosquitoes.
Performance textiles can repel stains, keep wrinkles from
forming, block heat or cold, and resist odors. These textiles
may perform one or many of these functions. Marjorie Baker,
extension associate for clothing and textiles, said an example
of a multifunctional performance textile would be sleepwear
designed for people who experience night sweats. The fabric
wicks moisture away from the body, repels odors and resists
bacteria.
Performance textiles are the results of textile technologies
that alter the finish or manipulate the size of the textile
fiber. An example would be the application of nanotechnology
chemistries, which alter the fabric’s finish at the molecular
level. Another way utilizes micro or ultrafine fibers in fabric
constructions to produce an aesthetically pleasing feel or
fabric surface that can also provide functional properties to
the product.
Not only have these fabrics made clothing more durable for the
consumer, but they have also rejuvenated the textile industry in
the United States, Easter said. Most of the performance products
are produced in the United States rather than foreign markets,
which produce the majority of American clothing.
Textile technology has led to the development of smart clothing.
In contrast to performance textiles that are passive, smart
clothing is made of materials that react to a stimulus. An
example of smart clothing would be undergarments that measure a
person’s heart rate during exercise by using sensory fibers that
send information to a specially made watch.
Baker said clothing made with performance fabrics might cost
more than regular clothing if you pay full price. She added that
if consumers want a more affordable price, they can always look
for performance fabrics during clearance sales.
Most performance textiles are machine washable, but consumers
should read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Some garments don’t require the use of fabric softeners.
Clothing that isn’t properly cared for may lose its performance
qualities.
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Contact: Elizabeth Easter, 859-257-7777
Marjorie Baker, 859-257-7772
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