News & Blog

Cifra, an Italian company renowned for its production of Warp Knit Seamless (WKS™) apparel, presented its new “Thermo Project” collection at ISPO Munich in February. Made with WKS™ technology, the experimental seam-free apparel line generates high interest. The garments feature a blend of 44% THERMOLITE® technology to keep the wearer warm, quick drying properties, as well as 10% LYCRA® fiber to deliver lasting comfort and fit to keep the wearer moving freely.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- Maidenform, America’s No. 1 shapewear brand owned by HanesBrands, in partnership with The LYCRA Company, has introduced the new Magic Slimming collection. The new shapewear provides innovative ultra-lightweight fabric, and targeted ultra-firm control powered by LYCRA® FitSense™ technology.

We recently interviewed Ni Aihong, Luthai Textile’s head of design and R&D, and recipient of the Science and Technology Workers of Shandong Province Award of Excellence, to share her expertise in developing the shirting business. Ni is primarily responsible for the R&D of Luthai's new products and has supervised the research of over 200 new products and projects.

On 24 February, retailers, trade press and industry insiders gathered for the 14th annual Sterne der Wäsche® Awards, the glamorous “Oscars” ceremony for intimate apparel and swimwear retailers in Germany.

THE CHALLENGE

In a recent study* commissioned by The LYCRA Company, female respondents in five countries indicated that important denim purchase drivers were being able to move comfortably in their jeans and lasting shape retention. But the study results showed a sizeable gap existed between women’s expectations and their wearing experience.

Zhangzhou Wei Yi Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd. (Wei Yi), a member of the LYCRA EXCHANGE™ program*, was established nearly 16 years ago as a covered yarn producer with 20 sets of Japanese spinning machines. As it grew, Wei Yi Group introduced 2,100 sets of advanced chemical fiber production equipment to combine its advanced equipment with advanced technology. The new fibers and fabrics developed by Wei Yi in cooperation with world's well-known high-end brands are widely used by famous garment and hosiery brands worldwide.

Long-time LYCRA® brand customer Liebaert, a Belgium-based producer of premium elastic fabrics and narrows, launched its new collection of EBC (Electronic Beam Control) Jacquard fabrics at Interfilière Paris in January. Liebaert’s EBC Jacquards are fine gauge performance fabrics powered by LYCRA® fiber that are ideal for intimates, sportswear and swimwear. The versatile fabrics have been either LYCRA® BEAUTY brand or LYCRA® SPORT brand certified depending on its intended end use.

Eurojersey made a hit at ISPO Munich on February 3-6. On their booth was showcased the Absolute Move collection of Sensitive® Fabrics for sports bras powered by LYCRA® SPORT technology. The entire line of innovative fabrics is LYCRA® SPORT PCE™ certified and provides active women with exceptional comfort, fit and support for a variety of activities. The collection was being promoted with a robust co-branded marketing program developed to raise awareness and drive foot traffic during the show.

THE BACKGROUND:  For years, stay-ups and thigh-highs have been worn primarily for special occasions and have remained a small sub-category in the hosiery segment. The LYCRA Company saw an opportunity to transform the category with an innovation that improved garment comfort and performance—not just appearance.