Impressions - April 2019 - 23

You Gotta Feel It

When you get right down to it, the central
benefit for every person who wears athletic
wear or a team uniform is performance. This
continues to be a major driving factor for using synthetic fabrics in such apparel.
"Every athlete is looking for an edge,"
Waugh says, "something that helps make
him or her better. If the uniform can do that
by keeping them cooler, maximizing mobility or enhancing recovery, then it will win.
Synthetic fabrics provide those benefits in
ways that cotton, for instance, just doesn't.
The blends are purpose-driven and specific
to the needs of the sport."
Synthetic fabrics offer benefits that are
critical in sports, as it's easier to engineer
wicking, antimicrobial and UPF features right
into the fabric. Today's textile-construction
technology can deliver these characteristics
not only better than in previous generations,
but also at a lower cost, Edwards says.
For those reasons, performance polyester
will continue to have a strong presence in the
market. But that doesn't mean there isn't a
market for cotton and cotton blends, which
are making a comeback in some areas on the
field, HanesBrands' Davis says. Take Hanes'
X-Temp baseball tee, a retro style that features
a soft, ring-spun cotton blend that also wicks
moisture. Another example includes new releases to classic Champion styles, such as the
ringer and baseball tees. Champion elevates
these retro favorites with a lighter-weight
(4.7-ounce), 100% ring-spun, textured fabric and new colors like bright sage and chalk
white to add fashion pop.
In the fashion/lifestyle segment of athletic apparel and fanwear, cotton plays more
of a role, too. Traditional ultra-heavyweight
cotton-poly fleece now is on-trend, especially
in streetwear. Color-blocking and increased
use of drawcords, grommets and other trims
are key.
"These styles often call for more updated fabrics with cotton and cotton blends,"
Davis says. 
Michael J. Pallerino is an award-winning writer
who has written for a number of national consumer and trade publications. For more information
or to comment on this article, email Michael at
mpallerino@gmail.com.

New Styles: Athletic Wear
7. ANVIL Midweight Curve Tee

10. Cotton Heritage Unisex Baseball Tee

Adult style 900C  Wicking and antimicrobial

Has an ultra-soft hand  Side-seamed and

properties  Made of 100% polyester with a

tightly knit  Made of 30-singles, 4.3-ounce,

curved bottom hem for an urban twist and side

soft-washed, 100% combed, ring-spun cotton

seams to help retain shape  Sizes S-3XL are

 Graphite heather is made of 80% cotton/20%

available in five colors

polyester and athletic heather is made of 85%

Use Info⋅Action #306 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

8. District Made Perfect Tri Racerback Tank

cotton/15% viscose
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Ladies' style DM138L from WildSide  Made

11. Vantage Vansport Zen Pullover

of 32-singles, 4.5-ounce, 50% polyester/25%

Men's style 3450; women's style 3451

ring-spun cotton/25% rayon  Rib-knit trim at the

 Lightweight, breathable and stretchy  Made

neck and arm openings  Scalloped hem  Sizes

of 4.75-ounce, 94% polyester/6% spandex,

XS-4XL offered in a variety of fashion colors

heather jersey with sanded finish  Moisture

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management  Men's sizes S-5XL available in

9. J. America Ladies' Relay Fleece Collection
Style 8651  Classic look has a modern feel,

eight colors; women's sizes XS-3XL are available
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according to the company  Made of 6.5-ounce,

12. Expert Brand Eyelet Racerback Tank

60% cotton/40% polyester, lightly heathered

Women's style AQ224  Cut-out back detail,

fleece  Yarn-dyed stripes on cuffs and waist

athletic fit and flat seams for maximum comfort

with a pouch pocket  Available in six colors and

 Made of 88% microfiber polyester/12% spandex

three coordinating styles

 Sizes XS-2XL are available

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APRIL 2019

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Impressions - April 2019

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