Impressions - October/November 2023 - 16

Athletic fl eece
hoodies are ideal for
warming up. Photo
courtesy of Augusta
Sportswear
What was once an industry buzzword is now
an absolute must: sustainability. Since most
garments are constructed from synthetic fibers,
the manufacturing process becomes
the difference maker
Th e eff ect has turned to an overstock. We are also seeing a lot of inventory
and merchandise coming in from overseas, and some of it is
very cheap and of low quality. "
With this in mind, Botello says YazbekUSA now has a goal of continuing
to promote garments manufactured in North America to get
customers excited with new styles and off erings in performancewear.
Stock issues aside, COVID-19 has also seemingly changed the way
people look at their clothing year-round. If comfort has become the
most important feature for any garment, fashion is right on its heels.
" Performancewear is evolving from a basic 100 percent polyester tee
or short to blends that include some spandex for stretch and recovery,
and fi bers that have a super-soft hand that mimics ring spun cotton, "
Davis says. " If the product is designed right, it can be worn to work,
while running errands or for going out and to the gym, eliminating
the need for multiple outfi ts or changes throughout the day. "
Staying Sustainable
What was once an industry buzzword is now an absolute must: sustainability.
Since most garments are constructed from synthetic fi bers,
the manufacturing process becomes the diff erence maker. Th e reuse
of resources and the cleanliness of the process can render a product
more sustainable. Mixing a percentage of organic fi bers, such as cotton,
with the synthetics can also help create a more sustainable product.
" Performancewear tends to lean heavily into synthetic fabrics, " Davis
says. " Th ere is a lot of attention on the sustainability around the
manufacturing of the materials and the end-of-life impact the product
has on the environment, once it is in a landfi ll. "
Currently, numerous developmental innovations incorporate recycled
materials, low-impact dyes and bio-based synthetics. Th e expected
performance characteristics are an eco-focused way to be as carbon
neutral as possible.
" Th e biggest issue is the increased cost of the sustainable garments
or the increased cost for decorating them, " LaFave says. " Th e public
does not seem ready for the increased cost related to them. "
Botello says manufacturers must also explore alternative regions for
their supplies. Many times, the merchandise coming from overseas
has undergone no quality control, with no audits on the processes.
" Other countries' standards can be lax regarding their production of
synthetic fi bers, like polyester, " LaFave says. " Th is is why it is imperative
to strengthen North America-based manufacturing, to be able
to care for sustainability thanks to the agreements between North
American countries. "
Fashionable Function
Consumers continue to drive the design and development of performance
apparel, and manufacturers make every eff ort to keep their
fi ngers on the pulse of that demand.
" At the end of the day, performance apparel has become a niche
market, " Botello says. " Th e diversity of sport activities and the rise of
P.16
ImpressionsMagazine.com Oct./Nov. 2023
http://www.ImpressionsMagazine.com
Impressions - October/November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - October/November 2023
