Seamless knitting and stitch-free seaming technologies in performance apparel

21 pages, published in Issue 16, 1st Quarter 2006   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

Apparel with a seamless appearance is gaining in popularity. The benefits?greater comfort and durability, combined with reduced bulk?are finding favour in different sectors of the apparel market, including performance apparel. In the performance apparel sector there are two main reasons for the growing popularity of garments with a seamless appearance. One is that close fitting active wear?such as running or cycling apparel?needs to feel as smooth as possible when worn next to the skin in order to minimise the possibility of chafing. The other reason is that technical outerwear is becoming less bulky and more form-fitting while retaining the latest advances in waterproof and breathable capability.

Apparel which has a seamless appearance is produced using two different approaches: seamless knitting, and welding. Seamless knitting involves the production of a whole garment in one piece on a knitting machine such that little or no sewing-up is required. Welding involves the fusing together of layers of fabric by applying heat and pressure?using technologies such as ultrasonic heating or high frequency radiation. In addition, thermoplastic films or tapes?which are sometimes referred to as adhesive films?are commonly used to reinforce the weld or to bond non-thermoplastic materials such as cotton.

Using seamless knitting or welding, a garment without any stitched seams can be made. Some commentators are going so far as to predict the gradual demise of the needle and thread. But seamless and stitch-free seaming technologies still have some way to go in terms of capability, quality control and market penetration before they replace sewing.

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• Profile of Bemis: a leader in bonded seam technology for stitch-free apparel, (1st Quarter 2006)

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides an overview of the sector for performance apparel and corporatewear. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for performance fibres, fabrics and clothing, and is essential reading for executives who are working in (or supplying) this fast growing sector. It is also an invaluable one-stop-shop where people who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis can find an authoritative source of relevant information which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies in this sector.
Reports in Performance Apparel Markets include:
	reports on major developments in the global performance apparel market, focusing on new products and technologies, innovative fibres and key players;
	detailed, independently-researched reports on one of the following topics: antimicrobial fibres and fabrics, anti-static technology, flame resistant fibres and fabrics, high strength fibres and fabrics, high visibility apparel, microencapsulation, moisture management fabrics, performance swimwear, seamless knitting and stitch-free seaming technologies, smart and interactive textiles, stain protective apparel, stretch fibres and fabrics, surfwear and surf-inspired clothing, temperature regulation, UV protective fibres and fabrics, and waterproof breathable fabrics;
	company profiles, outlining the business, product, market and manufacturing strategies employed by key players in the performance apparel industry; and
	business news and developments affecting global performance apparel markets, majoring on innovations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and financial performances.
Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry ? and market growth is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. The market is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, ballooning, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, parachuting, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and windsurfing.
Exciting innovations are emerging in smart textiles and nanotechnology ? and the sector?s growth prospects are helped by the trend in increasing demand for performance features in mainstream fashion.
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