As wellbeing continues to drive the increased interest in sports, it is only natural that the active intimates market is forecast growth. What is different now is it isn’t just about performance, a lot more attention is being placed on a stronger fashion accent especially for the womenswear market. There is a distinctive feminine approach, mirroring the activewear sector as the unisex offering of the past is slowly replaced and this is reflected in fabric surfaces and graphic relief. Men’s active intimates still features but this also gets updated as prints and textures are incorporated, combined with new colorways as we move away from classic sporty white to a new energetic spirit.

While performance fibers deliver a powerful function when teamed with creora® spandex/elastane, as with all textile sectors qualities are becoming increasingly lighter in weight but continue to deliver the desired performance. As it evolves, this relatively new market, which more intimate apparel brands are embracing, is transferring technology from other successful sectors including fashion lingerie and shapewear in creating a new generation of active intimates.

PRODUCTS

• · creora® Power Fit - high power spandex/elastane for core stability performance
• · creora® Black - black spandex/elastane for intense dark tones
• · creora® Color+ - dyeable spandex/elastane for vibrant tones

COMPANION FIBERS

• · MIPAN® aqua-X mélange for cool touch finish combined with interesting surface effect
• · MIPAN® aqua-X for cool touch and moisture management
• · aerocool® - comfortable and cool polyester
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  aerowarm® lightweight polyester for added warmth for winter intimate base layers – blend with creora® and merino wool for the perfect collaboration

• · Cotton-touch cotna® polyester – performance with a natural hand
• · Polypropylene – super lightweight options

CONSIDER

• · Spacer fabrics – plain, mélange and jacquard for molded cup in sports bras
• · Circular knit sports bras with higher zoned power fit from creora®
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  High compression warp knits inspired from shapewear sector deliver the option of shaping, support and clean cut technology combined with high performance synthetics

• · Sporty true and mock mesh structures for zoned ventilation
• · High powered warp knits for core stability but in new lighter weight qualities
• · Super soft, high powered mesh for liners and zoned inserts
• · High power circular knits with built in moisture management
• · Glossy and matte surface details feature
• · Mélange and space dyed yarns for a classic look
• · New generation digital prints – an easy option in updating high performance bases
• · High performance decorative jacquards
• · Brushed technical side of knits or incorporate textured yarns for a super soft sueded effect
• · Clean cut technology continues to offer a smooth finish and the opportunity for heat sealed seams
• · Featherweight circular knits – matte through to silky for a sensational touch against the skin
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  Graphics range from abstract but there is also a new direction to more feminine relief including corsetry styling and lace aspects

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  Optical aspects appeal from the core of the fibers used through to innovative open delustered prints on bright bases to laminated membranes

• · A physical emotion can be found when touching fabrics with the cooling factor

TARGET MARKETS

• · Shaping active intimates
• · Power packed performance for active intimates for men and women
• · Sport-styled fashion intimate apparel