Global apparel markets: product developments and innovations, 4th quarter 2008
YAMAMOTO HAS DEVELOPED A NEW FABRIC FOR SWIMSUITS WHICH CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE
Japan-based Yamamoto, a manufacturer of rubber materials, has developed a new fabric for swimsuits which improves performance. It does this by helping to keep a swimmer’s body warm and by minimising the amount of water the fabric absorbs thereby limiting the gain in weight.
The fabric comprises three layers.
The outer layer is made from rubber and can adsorb water molecules in order to reduce drag during swimming. The middle layer contains a titanium alloy which is an extremely thin film that provides heat retaining properties. The inner layer is made from polyester and has low water absorbency, which helps to keep the weight of the suit to a minimum while it is under water.
Yamamoto has begun selling the fabric and expects sales to be worth ¥1 bn (US$10.8 mn) in the first year.
Japan-based Yamamoto, a manufacturer of rubber materials, has developed a new fabric for swimsuits which improves performance. It does this by helping to keep a swimmer’s body warm and by minimising the amount of water the fabric absorbs thereby limiting the gain in weight.
The fabric comprises three layers.
The outer layer is made from rubber and can adsorb water molecules in order to reduce drag during swimming. The middle layer contains a titanium alloy which is an extremely thin film that provides heat retaining properties. The inner layer is made from polyester and has low water absorbency, which helps to keep the weight of the suit to a minimum while it is under water.
Yamamoto has begun selling the fabric and expects sales to be worth ¥1 bn (US$10.8 mn) in the first year.
Contents
DesignDesign technology
Smart textiles
Fabrics for apparel
Fabric treatments for apparel
Environmentally-friendly apparel
Functional apparel
Retail
DESIGN
An American inventor has developed a new head covering for hooded jackets which offers unobstructed vision
Designers at Levi Strauss have developed a pair of jeans which can enhance the appearance of a woman's buttocks
The fundoshi is fast becoming a fashionable undergarment for women in Japan
Uniqlo's bra top camisoles are popular among Japanese women
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Lectra has launched a new version of DiaminoFashion, its marker-making software for apparel manufacturers
SMART TEXTILES
US scientists have developed an electrically conductive cotton yarn which can detect bleeding
FABRICS FOR APPAREL
AgResearch has won an award for its Natural Easy Care (NEC) washable merino wool fabric
Yamamoto has developed a new fabric for swimsuits which can improve performance
FABRIC TREATMENTS FOR APPAREL
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has developed a technology which enables woven products made from merino wool to be cleaned under a domestic shower
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY APPAREL
H&M has featured garments made from recycled materials in its spring 2009 collection
FUNCTIONAL APPAREL
Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Sanitized have introduced a range of antimicrobial socks called M&S Freshfeet
RETAIL
NP Collection has opened an intelligent clothing store in Finland which uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to help customers choose items of clothing" Skip to top