Impressions - October 2016 - 27

"Activewear
brands are trying
to find that sweet
spot of not falling
completely into the
lifestyle category."

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- Leah Hulon, Expert Brand
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mid-tiered products. Wearable technology
will be a unique area to keep tabs on as it
grows, he says.
"The ability to wear a garment that can
reduce inflammation, increase blood flow or
monitor your body's vitals already exists," he
says. "Once clinical testing proves the value,
combined with increased demand, higher
production volumes will make this more affordable to the public. Also, with the aging
Baby Boomer population, I see this market
expanding beyond the elite athlete and [offering] value and a broad appeal to many."

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Fabrics and Treatments
Hulon says while performancewear still is predominantly constructed using polyester, she has
seen a wealth of new polyester-based blends in
the market that have improved both stretch and
hand when compared to traditional options.
Holloway still is a polyester-based manufacturer, according to Minnick, though it also uses
yarns, knits and some non-traditional treatments.
As far as performance characteristics, Hulon
and Minnick agree that the moisture-wicking
property is critical. Hulon added that antimicrobial properties are most prevalent but
new technologies also help protect wearers.
For example, apparel supplier Nobitech
has introduced a line of athletic apparel using Skintex technology, a treatment approved
by the Environmental Protection Agency to
repel mosquitoes, including those that may
carry the Zika virus. In fact, Expert Brand
recently partnered with Nobitech to provide
fabrics and designs for the new collection
(see page 10).
When it comes to performancewear options, the ability to, well, perform, always will
be important. But Wheatley acknowledges
other functions that shouldn't be overlooked.
"The key characteristics are light, dry,
stretch, soft, breathable and, most importantly, comfortable to wear, regardless of your
activity," he says. 

New Styles: Performancewear
7. Expert Brand Women's All-Purpose FullLength Pant
Style AQ 1013  Made from microfiber poly/
spandex power stretch jersey knit  Smooth,
wide waistband with drawcord for a personalized
fit  Inherent moisture wicking and BodyFreshé
antimicrobials  Available in sizes XS-2XL in
graphite, black and charcoal heather
Use Info⋅Action #306 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

8. Hanes X-Temp Performance T-Shirt
Style 4200  Made of 60/40 ring-spun fabric
 X-Temp technology enables adjustment to
temperature, environment and activity for
maximum comfort, according to the company
 Available in men's, women's and youth sizes, as
well as adult tanks

10. Champion Double Dry Interlock Tee
Style CW22  Made of 4.1-ounce, 100% polyester
jersey  Features moisture-wicking properties and
rapid-dry interlock fabric  Available in men's and
women's styles in four camo colors
Use Info⋅Action #309 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

11. adidas Collegiate Heather Cap
From Kati Sportcap & Bag  Style A625
 Features 100% cotton crown and 100%
polyester, heathered visor  Structured cap
has mid-profile and six-panel construction, and
precurved visor has moisture-wicking sweatband
 One size and seven color combinations available
in case packs of 144
Use Info⋅Action #310 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

9. Holloway Sportswear Echo Hoodie
Heather fabric body featuring high mechanical
stretch with snag-resistant technology
 Lightweight and decoration friendly, according
to the company  Available in adult and ladies' sizes
in 12 colors

12. JERZEES Dri-Power Shooter T-Shirt
Style 29SR  Made of 50/50 cotton/polyester
preshrunk jersey with advanced moisturemanagement performance  Seamless 1×1 rib
collar with two-needle cover stitching on front
neck  Tearaway label, shoulder-to-shoulder
taping, and two-needle hemmed sleeves and
bottom  Nine colors available in men's sizes
S-3XL

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OCT./NOV. 2016

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Impressions - October 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - October 2016
