CORDURA®, SCHOELLER®, ITG™ Global, 37.5™...
STYLE and performance…fabrics used determine both attributes…and every season…we are amazed with textile developments that will EVEN MORE efficiently regulate body temps (breathable, moisture wicking), monitor personal functions (i.e. heart rate via embedded fibers/chips-more on that after the upcoming International CES), fluorocarbon-free treatments or natural sources (merino wool. Tencel recycled poly, bamboo, hemp, organic cotton)-that protect vs the elements in four seasons without chemical toxicity in the production mix, easy cleaning (eco too)-with durability-in a lightweight package with great next to skin feel-all to be delivered in apparel-
that fits-for people to wear on many occasions/settings.
Highlights from fav labels ---that use stand-out fabrics …including a lot of recycled and organic fibers…
Urban tech
(Nau)-bike to work (or hike along trails-subway platforms)-in attire-that will look chic worn in any city-including Paris…sourced from sustainable-performance ready fabrics...
...intimate athletic-in fitness-labels like Athleta (
NY Fashion Week Review)
Live the Process…or outerwear
Snowman NYC) the impart some lingerie-like sexy details in separates---adventure travel active-lifestyle (
Toad&Co.) =what we call causal performance comfort- not edgy-but won't date style-wise either- that's functional and packs well...
 |
| From Montana to Montreux…look pulled together---and feel confident clothes will hold up no matter the terrain |
...and outdoors performance clothing---including pieces made of merino wool-the "it" textile- in performance Tech T's by
Bergans of Norway-that fit flawlessly!
 |
| 100% sustainably sourced merino wool basic we'd wear out---lower back hem is detail every label needs to copy…well done courtesy of mountaineer pro- Cecile Wool Shirt w/ hood |
 |
| guy's merino wool half zips... |
PLUS-for the ankle down….
 |
| Dynamix® proprietary mohair wool blend performance fiber-by Balega in the best fitting running socks…only ones we never have to tug up and when qualifying for Boston or Ironmans-stopping to do this is not an option- Enduro No-Show, cushioning- breathable mesh. Hidden Comfort seam free-meium weight, and Hidden Contour-cushioning -all second skin fits like the new uppers of all those running shoes. $12-$14 |
 |
| Darn Tough-using finely gauged merino wool…the most colorful sock collection ever…maybe they have Monet re-incarnated spirit at work- designs are in collab with Poppy Gall Design Studio. |
 |
| Guaranteed for life-the socks no only look good... |
 |
| heel pockets, form fitting toe boxes---ring toe construction…knit in arch support…PLUS patterns are the best. |
 |
| Higher priced collection than basic basics-using its own made in the USA thermal "Rocky Mountain High Country Merino Wool" (Rambouillet sheep)-in the Surface Hardened™ Thermal Wool ---- Voormi in collab w/ Fishpond delivers 3 key pieces…pictured High-E Hoodie-women |
 |
| $229.95-water repellent outer surface w/ thermal performance |
…
IMO-Hard pressed to think of a clothing label that is not driven by fabrics (including fashion)-and in particular- outdoors/fitness/athletic/travel world.
 |
| nice hang tag designs…imo |
 |
Men's Access Pullover $199.95-w/air permeable side panels…at sides
MUSTS= textiles that perform, stretch (and recovery), manage moisture - thermo-regulation, permanent UPF blocking woven in, DWR, anti-bacterial/odor properties (depending on purpose) that won't wash out.. -has at a minimum 2-but preferably 4-way stretch- shape retention, plus colors well- that won't rinse out either via hopefully less toxic dyes, fab patterns courtesy of 3D printing (obsessed- Nike Elite socks)===now made sustainably-or certainly more so…as demanded by government regulations and a certain type of consumers… |
 |
| kid's, men's women available….starting at $12…including hats rash guards, sand sox, UV sleeves, jackets, swim shirts and one piece swim suits we wish came in adult sizes |
 |
| SUP paddlers-these performance gloves are for you! We have a pair used for biking-blocks damaging sun's rays UPF 50+, moisture wicking, ergo pre-curved designed…and padding (palm/finger) where needed prevent blisters, open figure tips so as not to miss a GoPro shot, and velcro closure at wrist great fit. $25-women, $50 for bumped up Tom Jones Sports Performance Glove-pictured with faux leather thumb padding promotes slide, sticky palm pads (raised), double velcro closure |
WHAT ELSE: A trend we really like-welded/bonded seams-that save weight+don't chafe----in performance gear and wear.
Another trend we noticed…new marketing campaigns to educate designers and consumers about the possibilities of a fabric…beyond the outdoors universe of labels...
CORDURA® fabric is known for its toughness---and is in-pretty sure- every backpack and piece of luggage we own.
PLUS:The durable attribute is now in mix of Invista's Cordura® Combat Wool™ fabric…feels a-okay against skin-and is tougher -more abrasion resistant than woven merino wool fabric.
To demo the Combat Wool™ fabric innovations in a stylish capsule collection-the Cordura® x
Alex Valdman-was on display…in decidedly cross-over pieces
Beyond the outdoors market-Cordura® brand is onboard of many fashion-y hauler brands. Retailer ALERT -we blogged about this Osaka, Japan brand of carry-alls in a
color-print trend report…and got lots of "likes"---
 |
| Master-Piece-Surpass No. 12164-a Japanese based company-Invista®'s Cordura® Fabric and a whole lotta style-company celebrating 20 years in the biz-with foldaway main storage function, side access panel (good for grabbing that laptop), adjustable belt plus leather+felt straps---around $270. |
 |
| Hedge leather and Cordura® tough canvas-Master Piece Surpass No. 12162-internal/external zipped pockets, leather+felt handles-not a household name but a stunning satchel…in Japan-this is priced at $250 but what we found-prices skew $385-$475 online----(Mr. Porter-source-male version of Net-A-Porter, fyi) |
 |
| Cordura®denim…in Levi Skateboarding Collection=4x more abrasion resistant than cotton denim fabric-nice as we have enough shredded knees on pricey Euro jeans- that are intentional |
 |
| iconic Levi Trucker jean jacket |
Burlington® Durapel™ Eco is joining the exclusive list of DWR treatments that's fluorocarbon free…
Part of
International Textile Group™ Global---Burlington® Labs and sister label Cone Denim® are both kinda rather cleverly re-defining its marketing MO for different apparel industries-who probably shop for textiles at different trade shows- and maybe are more interested in fab fits- draping, color ability etc vs. functional…at least at first.
WHAT: the in-house designed
Hendry Bishop™ collection shows just how denim, worsted wool and performance fabrics from Burlington® and
Cone Denim® can be…one stop shopping for clothing designers/companies "comfort of cotton, elegance of wool, and performance of synthetics."Lifestyle-textile incubator---we grabbed these images from an email we got ---IMPRESSED.
Another smart marketing re-brand--
-37.5™-the old Cocona---showed off some of the labels that use its patented thermo-regulating, moisture wicking-breathable technology-made from naturally derived materials-no harsh chemicals (YAY)-that can be incorporated into a variety of materials.
FYI: 37.5Cº optimal core-body temp to maintain during exercise---as is 37.5 percent relative humidity ...
 |
| expedition ready |
Red hot
Under Armour…and
Adidas Outdoors- some of brand partners...
 |
| Black Diamond |
Schoeller®'s modern knits, advanced fabric technologies and high tech fabrics are used by plenty of fitness and outdoors brands...
EXPECT-the new
Cool Fabrics to play a big part in keeping wearers less sweaty---
next year---and not just the sporty brands…as the offerings include schoeller®-
dryskin double fabrics, bonded and light-summer wool
WB-400 summer soft shells, bi-elastic
shape (golf pants, jackets with silk-like qualities, and
spirit down proof qualities.
 |
| Armani-esque??? clean design lines in men's jacket---- |
P.S. A new corporate parent for eVent fabrics=expect big things for its DVStretch collaboration with Italian textile manufacturer-now partner Trapuntatura Bel Punto S.r.L. …for its new active cycling friendly fabrics- that will deliver windproof, waterproof and breathable benefits…via ePTFE membrane technology with new C6-based oleophobic treatment-all conjured up eco-lly-having received Oeko-Tex 100 certification.
Because we train year round and appreciate wearing less than 6 layers when out in the cold.
