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IN THE MARKET | EURO REPORT Experience Is All 18 • Textile Insight ~ July/August 2017 textileinsight.com Creativity, Sustainability & Technicity Define the Season Ahead. By Louisa Smith Seersucker textured knit with chemical- free cooling from Coolcore. Econyl bio sustainable yarn features in the Summer '19 collection from Schoeller. he performance textile industry is already embracing Spring/Summer 2019, and from a trend perspec- tive there is expected growth in the outdoor and summer sports sectors as consumer demand continues for textiles that can go the distance with today's active lifestyle. "Experience" is a mega trend sweeping the sector as consumers – millennials, in particular – shift from shopping and hoarding to experiences that they can share through social media. From running to stand up paddling, and yoga to camping, the types of activities vary, but the levels of performance desired in apparel fabrics are relevant in all sectors. The "Experience" mega trend isn't confined to active experiences; it is also very much about the experience of touch, wearability, optical aspects, color and duality to the consumer. Fabrics are very sensual, even the new high tenacity denims for street sports incorporate durable yarns that are incredibly soft, while classic performance twills get a peach finish, especially when using air textured yarns. Today's educated consumer relies on brands to deliver both performance and a strong sense of style. But increas- ingly, this consumer is also looking to brands that are prioritizing sustainability and pushing eco products downstream through the textile chain. Eco Performance Bio-synthetic and recycled synthetics are the latest sus- tainable route for outdoor brands to pursue, and this new generation of responsible synthetics has a superior eco footprint compared to its virgin synthetic counterparts, yet maintains the performance desired by consumers. Incorporating Econyl recycled nylon into collections is a good example of this trend. Textiles with Econyl yarn made by Schoeller are genu- inely up-cycled products produced from regenerated waste material. The Econyl regeneration system reduces global waste by reclaiming reusable material from oceans and returning it to the production cycle, resulting in yarn that is indistinguishable in quality and appearance from conventional yarn. The Schoeller Econyl fabric family includes ultra-light, bi-elastic Schoeller-dynamic wind- breaker type function and very soft, fine Schoeller-dryskin for high-tech sports. Sophisticated Naturals & Cool Looks Natural fibers continue to push performance. Südwolle's latest collection incorporates pure summer merino wool qualities highlighting the anti-bacterial properties of wool combined with thermal regulating aspects, proving that wool products aren't just for winter. In addition, Südwolle has incorporated wool with Modal for a sensational touch as well as incorporating recycled polyester for added engineered technicity and performance. Surface effects are really updating the fabric offering for sport and outdoors markets. Engineered physical effects vie with 3D optical effects for an illusionary look. When reflectivity is included in the mix, safety performance is also featured. Embossed fabrics along with digital prints deliver an exciting aspect, especially when teamed with this season's expected brighter color palette, from shock- ing through to intense tones. For Summer 2019, the experience of water sports is expected to reach new heights. A new development in this sector comes in the form of Sileather, a brand represented by Siotech Corporation, an American com- pany based in Atlanta and awarded Best Product from ISPO Textrends. Consisting of a 100 percent silicone face fabric manufactured by Guangzhou Xibo Chemical Technology, applied to varying weights of backing polyester, Sileather is suitable for footwear, backpacks, swimwear, diving suits and wetsuits. What stands out are the roster of built-in performance features that include: lightweight, chlorine resistant, moisture management, UV protection, abrasion resistant, waterproof, recyclable, anti-tear and salt resistant. Other performance finishes can also be applied. With the outdoor and sports looking strong for the season, essential performance requirements for warm- weather activewear must feature. As Gershwin's lyrics go: "Summer time, and the livin' is easy." With the latest textile developments this is now a reality. O Photos: Schoeller; ISPO Textrends.