Images Magazine Digital Edition July 2018

www.images-magazine.com JULY 2018 images 65 SPORTS & TEAMWEAR 15. The Athens Tracksuit Jacket from R Activewear provides the perfect layer, says Regatta Professional. This lightweight jacket has a polyester mesh lining to lock in warmth, a durable water-repellent finish and a chin- guard. Reflective piping to the shoulder seams keeps the wearer visible, while stretch binding to the collar, cuffs and hems keeps wind and rain at bay. It can be matched with the coordinating Athens Tracksuit Trouser, which has an elasticated, drawcord waist and multiple pockets. www.regattaprofessional.com 16. The Team Base Layer (LV260) from Finden+Hales is made from 88% polyester/12% elastane CoolPass single jersey, an intelligent permanent wicking fabric that is both durable and breathable. “This low turtleneck in a compression fit is the perfect performance top with micro- flatlocked seams for added comfort,” says the brand. It is available in seven colours and in sizes S/M–2XL. Also from the brand is the Crew Neck Warm Up Drill Top (LV845), a good layering option made from 100% polyester microfibre. www.findenandhales.com 15 16 P erf ormancewear is the fastest growing segment of the apparel industry globally and this can be attributed to the increasingly blurred lines between functionality, sportswear and fashion, with 93% of consumers wearing their sportswear for activities other than exercising. Marshall Cohen, chief retail analyst at market research firm NPD Group in New York, states: “This is not a fashion trend, it is a lifestyle trend. There is functionality mixed with fashion.” Functionality in sync with technological advances is a key driver to this growth. New developments in smart- wearables, such as the new HC (highly conductive) thread from Madeira, are facilitating further integration between garment and technology. The HC thread allows circuits to be created within the garment through embroidery, carrying vast potential in sportswear and medical body monitoring, as well as in fashion. Such continuously evolving fabrics need to have moisture-wicking, compression and ultra-lightweight properties; however they are also slippery, shiny, unusually stretchy and super skinny, making them notoriously difficult to embroider. Puckering, holes forming and fabric slipping are difficulties regularly encountered during the embroidery process, but by taking the following pre-emptive actions, embroidering can be made easier. Low stitches Always digitise embroideries with the lowest stitch count possible. Loosening thread tensions can also help reduce stress on fabrics. Stability Using a light yet super strong backing, such as Weblon, can achieve high stability. When hooping, do not over-stretch your fabric. Needles Use ball point needles for relaxed weave fabrics to help eliminate holes. Using the correct size needle, ie a needle that is as small as the thread allows, will reduce needle damage and stress on the garment. Threads A common misconception is that polyester embroidery threads work best with synthetic performance fabrics – in fact, the naturally occurring fibres in rayon viscose are equally able to be washed at high temperatures and will produce a softer finish. Rayon is not bleach-resistant, however, therefore polyester threads should be used when bleach resistance is required, such as on swimwear. Managing your customers’ expectations is key when embroidering performancewear, as some designs cannot be replicated successfully on these advanced fabrics. Encouraging customers to choose a more simple, ‘embroidery friendly’ design will reduce the likelihood of encountering these difficulties. www.madeira.co.uk KNOWLEDGE BASE: DECORATING PERFORMANCEWEAR | Danielle Park and Natalie Greetham of Madeira discuss how to successfully navigate the problems that arise when embroidering performancewear