Real innovation in fabrics – always presented first at PERFORMANCE DAYS

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The famous "PERFORMANCE WALL" at the PERFORMANCE FORUM is a special highlight of PERFORMANCE DAYS. In May 2014 to be presented the latest major trends from the world of functional fabrics under the motto "A Step Ahead". Whatever new idea is presented on "the Wall, " will soon be an important element in highly functional clothing and will find its way into the top-collections. The very best of these new ideas receive the PERFORMANCE AWARD - and this time, it goes to the Korean specialist SianTex.

The PERFORMANCE AWARD is a prestigious trophy in the world of functional fabrics. Every season it is awarded for truly pioneering discoveries that are sure to revolutionize functional clothing. The names of many now renowned top products were first recognized here, and in May 2014 the winning entry from SianTex will open a whole new range of perspectives in the area of laminated fabrics.

The jury selects the extremely innovative and advanced developments from many nominations to the PERFORMANCE FORUM, posting them on the Wall where they are summarized and presented in various categories. The May trade show, opening from May 13-14 at the Munich MTC, shows major topics of innovation: Thermal Regulation, Anti-Static, Chlorine Resistance, and Visibility.

Topic: Thermal regulation
Too warm is just as uncomfortable as too cold in terms of the effect on sports performance. This explains why several manufacturers have given thought to the topic of thermal regulation and come up with fabric designs with particularly smart features.
Some manufacturers that present cooling fabrics, by design or with the help of additives, include Ourtex, TexTile, Asiatic Fibre, Betatex, Rih Jan, or LMA. Ourtex, TexTile, and Asiatic Fibre achieve this effect by integrating cooling particles such as mineral powders in the filaments. Betatex uses fibers with special cross sections, which by means of slots create a drawing action. Rih Jan adds zinc oxide particles to the fibers to improve the heat transfer. At LMA, mineral additives are used to positively influence the far infrared rays of the body (FIR technology) and help to regulate the body climate. Xylitol, a widely known sweetener in the food industry, is also expected to uncover the cooling effect in the textiles of the future.
On the subject of heat, there are also more sophisticated approaches: Tolin works with reflected body heat, LMA combines thermocool with merino, even for use in softshells. It is the fiber mix that provides the advantages here; the fabric is soft and light and has a wonderfully natural feel. Primaloft deals with the subject of heat by developing its insulation concepts and combines the advantages of down and synthetic insulation in the hybrid material Primaloft Gold Down Blend. The concept behind 3M Thinsulate succeeds without any help from the animal world - the new "featherless insulation" provides the feel and warmth of goose down with a 600 fill power.

Topic: Visibility
Visibility is an important factor in the dark winter months and in the evening hours for sports as well as for work safety. If it were possible to provide sports clothing with reflective properties, (until now limited to trimming or piping), the entire surface would be available for the current reflective or self-illuminating concepts (glow in the dark).
A groundbreaking new development comes from JRC Reflex, specialist for retroreflective materials. These materials are available as softshells with soft backings like merino or fleece, so that complete jackets can now be produced from such materials. Similarly, the fabrics from Rih Jan, Paltex, or Chia Her are also suited for full surface processing. Chia Her develops its elastic woven fabrics with reflective prints, just like Paltex, which adds fluorescent yarn to stripe patterns. The same principle is evident in the knitwear from Rih Jan. Paltex even offers a reflective printing ink with tiny glass beads. Pantera presents a thread that shines in the dark, while Duraflex has a similar zipper puller. 3M Scotchlite, a longtime specialist for reflective textile materials, shows a significantly expanded color palette on the occasion of this edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS.

Topic: Anti-static
Dyntex is bringing a special, new downproof liner material to the trade show. Tightly woven microfibers do not only prevent the migration of the down, but achieve a permanent anti-static effect due to the fine metal fibers running through the material. Electro-static charge caused by friction is a common phenomenon in synthetic materials. When this is present, it is easier for down to migrate through the material because they stand perpendicular to the fabric surface. To counter this condition, lining materials are often treated with an anti-static coating, which can be lost after multiple washings. These incorporated fibers, however, retain their anti-static effect for the entire life of the garment.

Topic: Chlorine resistance
Carvico is introducing a new fabric for sports that is said to be absolutely resistant to chlorine. Unlike classic swimwear with spandex, this material uses a polyolefin based elastic fiber called XLA. This has long been known in the fashion industry. Now it has the chance to show its abilities in sports, because even 240 hours in chlorinated water cannot harm this fabric and this is just as valid for sweat or suntan lotions.

PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNER: New Garment-Dye Technology from SianTex
Besides the many exciting ideas submitted in the categories named above, the jury was particularly enthusiastic about the new three-layered laminate from SianTex. Because of their special design, these fabrics allow piece dyeing of already manufactured items of clothing (garment dyeing). Three different concepts have been developed and all use the garment-dye technology to enable a brand new stylish look for highly functional fabrics:
The Soffio 022 grade is dyed as a ready processed, three layer, bonded model. Due to the dyeing process, the backing intentionally comes off and you are left with a two layered, laminated item of clothing with a loose lining. This shell-lining effect is especially appropriate for stylish functional clothing, because the fabric appears even more flowing and flattering.
The Soffio 038 grade U-shell has a polyamide surface material and a polyester backing. The result is an exciting two-color combination in the dyeing process and stylish inner workings with all types of functions.
The three layered CC372 grade comes with a cotton surface material and a polyester backing. The fabric is impressive because of the ultralight membrane and natural feel. Thanks to the specially prepared fabrics, the dyeing process achieves a beautiful tone-in-tone effect.

About PERFORMANCE DAYS
The PERFORMANCE DAYS "functional fabrics fair" was launched by textile trader Weichert Agencies in 2008. It is the first and only trade fair created as a special platform for functional fabrics, yarns, finishes, and accessories for sport and workwear sectors. PERFORMANCE DAYS has become a semi-annual event that gives high quality and innovative textile manufacturers and suppliers a direct presence in one of the major centers of the European sportswear industry. The platform showcases new fabrics and innovations and is a place to renew and develop business relationships. Presently, the exhibition is located in Munich. Since April 2012, it has also be accessible 365 days per year online - as a brand new, virtual trade fair.
The visitors – sports fashion designers, product managers, and decision-makers representing almost every European active clothing and functional wear manufacturer find a complete selection of high quality materials available at the right time and at convenient locations to meet sourcing needs for their Spring and Autumn collections. The relaxed and focused workshop-like atmosphere at PERFORMANCE DAYS differentiates it from other sport and textile trade fairs which are larger and often stressful, and makes it the perfect meeting point for the active wear industry for identifying trends and innovations. The unique Performance Forum with freelance designer Alexa Dehmel gives visitors an inspiring and informed overview of the latest fabrics, trends, and innovations by the various exhibitors. In addition, top quality talks and collaborative ventures provide the full range of information.

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