Fabric Newsletter

 

High Tech Fabrics for the Winter Wonderland

Micro-Tek Convertible Jackets � J710 & L710

Not only is outerwear a sure-fire hit for Holiday incentive and thank you gifts, it’s a staple throughout most of the year. It has a high perceived (and real) value, and because people often wear a jacket or fleece item more frequently than, say, a t-shirt, the logo or decoration gets plenty of exposure.

Yet, of all the wearables categories, outerwear is the most technical.

Advances in the past couple years in this category have made jackets lighter and better able to repel the elements while simultaneously adding high-performance features like moisture wicking. Happily, all this has been done while still keeping an eye to trends, so our industry’s outerwear is more effective and stylish than ever before.

But to be a super-star seller of outerwear, it’s critical to know all about the new fabrics and manufacturing techniques being incorporated into today’s styles.

Here’s a breakdown of the hottest (or coolest?) advances in outerwear:

Micro-Tek™ Microfiber

Micro-Tek Microfiber is made from fibers a hundred times finer than a human hair—the thinnest made-made material available. Micro-Tek harnesses these fine fibers to create a garment that is dense and tightly woven, resulting in a light fabric that’s wind and water repellent, yet remains breathable and retains body heat. Microfiber is incredibly soft to the touch and typically has a slight sheen.

Be sure to check out the new Micro-Tek Convertible Jackets – J710 & L710.

Attivo� Microfleece F102 & L102

Moisture Wicking

So, you thought the object of a jacket was to keep water off the outside…not take moisture away from the inside? Well, moisture wicking treatments have made it to outerwear, and they’re a tremendous boon to those who need extra protection in active circumstances (hiking, running, golfing, etc.). Outerwear with moisture wicking technology lets the wearer stay comfortable by both battling the weather and quickly evaporating sweat.

Looking for the latest in moisture wicking outerwear? Take a look at the Velocity Jackets J774 & L774!

Microfleece

Like microfiber, microfleece is created using extraordinarily fine fibers, making it denser and lighter, with a higher performance than standard fleece.

But beware…not all microfleece is created equal!

The highest grade microfiber can only be manufactured in a handful of factories in the world. You can tell the difference in the hand of the garment—premium microfiber has an even softer hand. And because it’s even denser than standard microfiber, it will perform better, too!

See the new Attivo™ Microfleece F102 & L102.

 

Bonded Fleece or Microfleece

Glacier Soft Shell Jackets J790 & L790

Bonded fleece fuses layers of fleece together to create the protection and warmth of two or three jackets in one. Bonded fleece cuts down on the bulk of wearing many layers.

A laminate layer is sometimes inserted between the fleece to lend even greater wind and water protection.

Take a look at the Tiger Mountain Fleece Jackets F200 & L200!

Bonded Soft Shell

A bonded soft shell delivers the protection of an outer soft-shell that’s been fused with another layer(s) such as fleece for additional warmth and comfort. This combination of various materials allows for an extremely high-functioning jacket that remains remarkably thin.

See bonded technology at its best in the Glacier Soft Shell Jackets J790 & L790.