GORE-TEX®, LYCRA® Organic Cotton-Recycled Plastic, OrthoLite, Polygiene
Favored apparel labels of Millennials -includes hybrid athlete- athleisure brands...which imo...implies a casual lifestyle AND clued in consumers -reading the info mandated on labels...like listing country of origin (manufacturing), garment care, fiber content and other finishings/treatments. Just like reading the ingredients label on foods/liquids...savvy customers demand transparency.
Hangtags that hang with those of the maker- usually adds to a garment's caché...and helps explain the prices commanded by premium products-in apparel and footwear.
Some of the most common that we see...
Gore-Tex® was the first lightweight waterproof/breathable membrane addition to our winter wardrobe ...back in the 80s. Their GTX appearance on hiking and winter boots=game changer.
via GIPHY
source imgur.com
Today there are many Gore-Tex fabrics with varying degrees of windproof/waterproof/breathable-from proprietary tech...selecting-depending on product's performance needs. And budgets.
Award for biggest boom in usage- seems to be stretchy elastane fiber (aka spandex/USA)...woven in everything from active + swim wear (percentages ranging from 5%-20%), compression pieces-like socks (30%+) to as little as 1%- 2% of the mix- appearing in premium dress apparel and RTW-like denim...for comfort/durability that permits human movements in today's fitted silhouettes. Without ripping.
Trademarked, name brand wise-Lycra® (Invista)-is most the recognizable name...in that category-engineered as long wearing stretch addition...that we saw up close at the preview of Coco Reef and Beach House Swimwear that uses Lycra® XTRA LIFE™fiber for the perfect fitting no sag/bag swimwear that outlasts better- the sun's UV rays, or exposure to 'stuff' like chlorine laden or salt waters, tanning oils, or summery heat.
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| Tough Max™ technology by Lycra® in Lee's premium platinum denim-low shrinkage, consistent fit-big pluses for this wardrobe staple |
Another award winner(s) -big and niche labels using organic cotton and polyester blends made from recycled plastic...as matter of course...not limiting eco fabrics to limited edition collections launched for Earth Day.
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| Outdoor labels abound in eco minded materials-with Bluesign® certified fabrics, and organic source materials sustainably made- and traceable - practically a must now (YAY). Pictured above-a fashion-y take from mountain-climbing/trail running fav La Sportiva-for Spring, CLASS TANK $39 a cute tie-back tank just right for multiple outdoor activities-and casual wear hanging out couch surfing--made of 100% organic cotton. |
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| NAU's sustainable materials' philosophy and urban edge design is finally getting the retail recognition deserved-imo inspiring 'imitators' beyond its devoted outdoors' enthusiasts following. Pictured above... Slight Anorak - in Poppy- has a snap to it collar in flattering funnel shape. PFC free water repellent, wind resistant-made from 100% recycled polyester risotto shell.front pockets has zipper, right hidden cell pocket, packs into its own pocket-attached hood with drawcord. Key travel piece lightweight+breathable $145 |
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| NAU's Men's Slight Jacket PFC free water repellent, wind tough too-made from 100% recycled polyester risotto shell.Packs into its own pocket, drawcord hem-attached hood with drawcord+elastic back. Key travel piece lightweight+breathable$149 |
Military and workwear need tough fabrics with multi-tasking attributes including good skin feel. Fortunately textile knowledge has trickled down into what makes consumer wardrobes too. One example we see more and more of in lightweight spring/summer jackets as well as insulated winter wear and sleeping bags -is Pertex Quantum-that is lightweight, strong and windproof.
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| Adidas Terrex Agravic Alpha Hooded Shield $159 blocks wind-w/ durable Pertex Quantum-and provides just enough cozy warmth for outdoor activities like trail running, mountain hiking+climbing- with Polartec®Alpha padding in front core-lightweight warm when wet-with front zip pockets, center zip that goes all the way up w/ volume adjustable hood, packs into inner pocket...great travel piece. |
Exercise and outdoor gear/wear and footwear with anti-odor treatments are a gift for sweaty athletes, trekkers- and any nearby people.
In footwear, OrthoLite 's assorted cushioning insoles in athlete and fashion shoes are very popular ...with... "A patented salt-based antimicrobial is added to all OrthoLite foams to fight against the presence of fungus, bacteria and odor. The antimicrobial inhibits the buildup of the bacterial fungi associated with the cause of odor.
IMPORTANT: This Ortholite Sockliner has been treated to limit the development of odor. Based on: Dimethyloctadecyl[3- trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride." (Quoted from the website-interesting, European label requirements clearly require more info).
Another anti-odor specialist is Polygiene -with its recycled silver based tech in everything from protective helmets (from racing SOL helmets and bike/sbowsports specialists POC), treated textiles to wear from dozens of brands, and sleep on (mattresses), chic luggage (Delsey)- to supportive flip flops.
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| Comfy LD Foam lining |
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| one slick looking Snow Helmet-POC-w/ patent pending defector panel with multiple impactEPP adnPOC's VPD 2.0 compound in the front for racing gate hitters....maybe standard issue for passengers in self driving cars (joke). |