Leading fibre and polymer producer Invista, is to continue the global roll-out of its Lycra Sport fabric performance program by showcasing the innovative fabric brand in conjunction with its Lycra T400 fibre offering at the ISPO trade show which runs from 6-9 February 2011 in Munich, Germany. 

Following successful launches in the United States, Latin America and Asia, Invista has again chosen ISPO, the first European Sport trade show of 2011, to highlight the benefits of Lycra Sport fabric to a European audience and to reaffirm its commitment to introduce innovative technologies to brands, retailers and mills. 

Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Marketing Account Director at Invista for Activewear and Outdoor Apparel said: “We are very excited about continuing our launch journey with Lycra Sport fabric. Not only are we showcasing Invista’s latest technology at ISPO this year but also celebrating the very best of our brand partnerships, such as with Canterbury of New Zealand. Visitors will be able to get a sneak peek of their impressive range of cutting-edge Mercury compression garments worn by players across the world and containing our Lycra Sport fabric.”

Chris Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer at Canterbury said: “We are delighted to introduce our cutting-edge Mercury Compression garments which showcase the high quality and toughness of Canterbury’s technical products. The range, which will be made available to players from Canterbury sponsored teams for the 2011 Rugby World Cup next summer, is designed to be worn during training, competition and recovery and fully embraces Lycra Sport fabric performances.

Working with Invista over the last year has ensured that our garments withstand the harsh conditions athletes face on the rugby field, allowing us to develop a competitively priced compression range that challenges our targeted competitors. We encourage you to come and have a sneak-peek at this new collection on the Invista stand at ISPO.”

Whitmarsh-Knight continued, “Since it’s unveiling in the second half of 2009, the interest and marketing momentum around Lycra Sport fabric is continuing to build and we are incredibly proud to share this innovation with the European markets.  Lycra Sport fabric is available from all leading mills, and garments can now be found in-store, which puts us in an excellent position to reach out and speak directly to retailers, brands and ultimately our consumers.”

Lycra Sport fabric has been specifically designed to meet performance and technology standards which are said to be the result of years of R&D experience undertaken by Invista.  Lycra Sport fabric must pass the following minimum standards reassuring consumers that the garment delivers exceptional quality and performance as expected from the Lycra fibre brand: Lycra fibre content – ensuring the highest fibre quality; fabric weight – confirming the fabric’s value; recovery power – giving the wearer more support; bi-directional elongation – allowing the wearer to excel in sport; and fabric set and shrinkage – extending the life-span of the garment

Also taking centre stage at ISPO 2011, will be Lycra T400 fibre which is the first in a unique class of offerings from Invista designed to add performance, style and lasting fit to active/outdoor apparel made of polyester fabrics.  According to Invista, sportswear made with Lycra T400 fibre can boost the fabric’s qualities of comfort stretch and moisture management. Lycra T400 fibre is also said to render sportswear wrinkle resistant, with a natural touch and appearance derived from core-spun yarn. The fibre’s adaptability means that it allows garments to be eligible for Lycra fibre or Coolmax fabric branding.