Textile Insight

Intellifresh Cordura with Dow SIlvadur. "We are big fans of Cordura denim for the outdoors," says McNaull. "It used to be just about extreme outdoors, but it is now crossing over into lifestyle brands." A Denim for All Seasons Known for its rugged outdoor and workwear apparel, Carhartt is launching its Force Extremes jean this fall, featuring 37.5 technol- ogy. "This product feature makes this our fastest-drying jean, and it also comes equipped with ease-of-movement features," explains Deb Ferraro, Carhartt VP product development. "Our consumers have expressed a need for lightweight products that provide ease-of-movement and are appropriate for hot conditions. And given that it's from Carhartt, durability is always expected." Mountain Khakis' new 307 Jean Collection features an organic cotton selvage denim with one percent Lycra spandex for stretch. Performance is engineered into the design, with MK's signature diamond action gusset, and double-layered pocket bags for added durability. A new version for Fall 2017 incorporates a four-ounce wicking brushed polyester tricot lining, which provides cozy warmth against the skin, according to Noah Robertson, MK co-founder/director of product development and design. "We view denim as a vital part of everyone's wardrobe in today's market. The MK design team focuses on denim weights and blends that ensure the best-ever performance, comfort, and wardrobe flexibility," adds Robertson. CoolVisions dyeable polypropylene staple fiber is another option for creating lightweight performance denim. The polypropylene fiber adds performance attributes such as moisture management, thermal regulation, and abrasion resistance, according to Susan Lynn, CoolVisions global marketing manager. Lubrizol Advanced Materials has also introduced an expanded portfolio of water-based, durable coating technologies offering moisture management, abrasion resistance, or stretch control. Fashionable Functionality Dish & DUER's line of tech- nical denim was designed for active urbanites, and has become hugely popular with people who want to bike or hike after work, according to director of mar- keting Robin Rowley. The company's latest development is their Stay Dry collection, featuring their proprietary L2X stretch denim woven with CoolMax and Lycra spandex, and finished with a non- PFC DWR treatment. "It's an exciting time for our business because there's huge opportunity in the outdoor space for what we offer--functionality in fashionable clothing," confirms Rowley. "This is due to a couple of major trends: the general public demanding more comfort in their everyday clothing, and the outdoor retail space wanting to offer more crossover/lifestyle clothing." O "It's an exciting time for our business because there's huge opportunity in the outdoor space for what we offer—functionality in fashionable clothing." Robin Rowley, director of marketing, Dish & DUER textileinsight.com July/August 2017 ~ Textile Insight • 23

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