Shima Seiki
LGL Electronics

Free membership

Receive our weekly Newsletter
and set tailored daily news alerts.

Warp Knitting/​Crochet

Style icons reimagined

Karl Mayer showcases new stretch tricot fabrics for modern classics.

13th October 2025

Knitting Industry
 |  Obertshausen, Germany

Intimate Apparel, Sports/​Activewear

High-stretch fabrics produced on 2-bar tricot machines are redefining the comfort and style of traditional clothing items, according to Karl Mayer. Known for their elasticity, breathability and quick-drying properties, these warp knits are already leading materials in sportswear, athleisure and swimwear.

The supple, silky fabrics are soft to the touch, easy to care for, and deliver excellent sun protection. Dense constructions in fine gauges, such as E44, offer a UV protection factor more than twice that of comparable circular knits—a quality that is driving growing demand for outdoor apparel.

Now, this performance-driven innovation is finding new applications in conventional fashion. Designers of suits, shirts, dresses and skirts are embracing the same comfort, durability and ease of maintenance that make these textiles so desirable.

Karl Mayer will highlight the potential of these warp knits with a reimagined pleated skirt at the forthcoming ITMA ASIA. The garment transforms a timeless wardrobe staple into a flexible, crease-resistant piece with a sporty edge. Crafted from a super-stretch tricot fabric, the skirt moves effortlessly with the wearer while maintaining its distinctive pleated design.

The upgraded fashion piece will be displayed alongside Karl Mayer’s new 2-bar tricot machine, which produced the fabric in gauge E36. The machine features an unconventional concept and an exceptional price-performance ratio. Additional garments and fabric samples will be showcased at the company’s booth A301 in Hall 5 at the Singapore EXPO.

www.karlmayer.com

Latest Reports

Business intelligence for the fibre, textiles and apparel industries: technologies, innovations, markets, investments, trade policy, sourcing, strategy...

Find out more