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NOBLEBIOMATERIALS.COM sales@noblebiomaterials.com + State-Of-The-Art Citric Technology + Commercially Proven and Tested + 50x Wash Durability Rating + EPA Registered with Pending Certifications + Permanent Silver Yarn Technology + Professional Athlete Grade Performance + Industrial Wash Rating. Does Not Wash Out + EPA Registered, OEKO-TEX, Bluesign TOPICAL BOTANICAL ANTIMICROBIAL + ODOR CONTROL PERMANENT MINER AL ANTIMICROBIAL + ODOR CONTROL OVERUSED. UNDER-RESOURCED. OUR PORTFOLIO OF ODOR CONTROL TECHNOLOGY REMOVES ODOROUS BACTERIA FROM THE FABRIC. THIS MEANS YOU CAN USE IT OVER AND OVER WITHOUT NEEDING TO WASH IT AS MUCH. THE RESULT IS LESS DEMAND ON OUR PLANE T'S RESOURCES LIKE WATER + ENERGY. WE CALL THIS BEING PLANE T POSITIVE. like polyester fiber, is all about accessibility. "e soness, and the versatility of the fiber, is the road this trend is traveling on," remarks Adrienne Mercante, a technical apparel designer, who has held a variety of high-level design positions for clients specializing in performance lifestyle and active apparel, modern and sustainable outdoor apparel, and technical outerwear. She adds, "Polyester fiber is more affordable and lends itself to a bigger and broader availability of treatments, than nylon, for instance. Also, the fiber takes color well so you can print on polyester successfully." e lightweight, knit polyester used by brands popular today is brushed to enhance the "hand feel" of the fabric. "is look and feel is more accessible, especially to an entry level consumer," observes Mercante, who draws parallels between the fit and feel of apparel with what's happening with footwear in the run space. "People are walking into run specialty looking for On and Hoka to wear for everyday comfort, not because they are runners. Running footwear has transitioned into the realm of comfy, and that pairs well with garments made with these super-so, brushed polyester fabrics." Sustainable Sweats Awareness of material content and manufacturing methods is increasingly on runners' radar. From her viewpoint as a consumer, Brennan explains, "this is a recent development, but I now pay attention to fabric content in all of my clothing and prefer natural fibers when I can." A new collection of sweatshirts and joggers from Champion is a prime example of how athletic wear makers are elevating the sustainability factor in a big way. Champion's Eco Future Reverse Weave apparel features CiCLO, a science-based additive that is mixed into the making of the clothing. e innovative technology helps polyester and nylon behave more like natural fibers, so that materials can break down over time and go back to nature. Expanding the use of recycled polyester for garments and exploring recyclable packaging are other ways running brands are promoting to advance sustainability to appeal to eco-savvy everyday runners. n "Running footwear has transitioned into the realm of comfy, and that pairs well with garments made with these super-soft, brushed polyester fabrics." sportstylemag.com • sportstyle March/April 2024 • 15

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