Specialty Fabrics Review March 2022 - 39

do so throughout the garment.
Additionally, textiles integrating this
technology can be machine washed
and repeatedly stretched without
damaging the functionality.
Pasquali says the threads/fibers can
be incorporated into all manner of
fabrics although tight-fitting garments,
such as those worn by athletes, are best.
Enhancing performance, comfort
Combining technology, research,
manufacturing and development,
Ekoten, headquartered in
Izmir, Turkey, offers sustainably
manufactured, functional fabrics
to apparel, medical and sportswear
markets worldwide. The company is
divided into two divisions-Ekoten
Fashion and Ekoten Technic. The latter
belongs to the activewear and technical
side of the company and provides
fabrics to manufacturers of outdoor
wear, performance running, horse
riding, performance yoga pants/tops
and performance T-shirts.
Among the company's fabrics
targeting these markets are those in
the Cordura® line which includes
Cordura NYCO Knits, Cordura NYCO
Fleeces and Cordura 4Ever Knits.
Within each are iterations that differ
by fiber composition and performance
characteristics. For example, the
Cordura NYCO fabrics tout their
lightweight strength and abrasion
resistance, the 4Ever fabrics stress
their softened strength, tear resistance,
stretch and comfort, in addition to
abrasion resistance.
" The Cordura knit collect is the
product of our latest R&D studies, "
says Buket DEĞIRMENCI, athletic
product sales manager. " We've also
created an innovative line using
Cordura in circular jacquard knits with
their recycled, sustainable approaches
for a performance tee line. "
Ekoten divides its sportwear into
four groups:
* Performance sportswear:
Included here are fabrics-Cordura,
recycled and natural blends among
others (Pima cotton, Tencel™, recycled
polyester)-intended for activities like
jogging, exercise, mountain hiking,
etc. The fabrics offer qualities like
UV protection and are antibacterial
and breathable.
* Comfort/Yoga sportswear:
Included in this segment are ultra-fine
knits and jerseys, modal and micro
modal fabrics and Cupro. They're
designed for shape retention,
softness and breathability.
* Outdoor sportswear: The segment
combines lightweight high-abrasionproof
fabrics with comfort parameters
such as thermoregulation, moisturewicking
and breathability. These
include Cordura, recycled and natural
blends, wool and wool blends, and
membrane laminated hybrid jerseys,
polar fleece components, among others.
* Sustainable sportswear:
Eckoten's primary " development titles "
include EcoVera™, SeaCell™, Tencel x
REFIBRA™, as well as hemp, among
other fabrics. " Sustainability has
always been a part of our DNA, " says
DEĞIRMENCI. " For sportswear we
aim to provide our customers with a
range of sustainable products. "
Ekoten has a dedicated sportswear
team tasked with closely following
innovative industry developments, she
says. This team undertakes research
into yarns, reviews customer requests
and conducts field visits to keep up
with sports fashion.
" Season trends are kept up-to-date
on written and visual platforms, "
says DEĞIRMENCI. " Participation
in related fabric fairs is ensured. In
this way, new yarn developments and
process improvements are shared. "
www.SpecialtyFabricsReview.com 39
Shown are various fabrics from Ekoten,
a provider of sustainably manufactured,
functional fabrics. TOP: A Cordura®
diagonal
single-knit jersey. MIDDLE: A Cordura NYCO
double knit. BOTTOM: A pique interlock.
The front side of the fabric is made from
Cordura to achieve high-abrasion resistance,
the inner lining is Tencel for comfort.
Photos: Ekoten Technic.
http://www.SpecialtyFabricsReview.com
Specialty Fabrics Review March 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Specialty Fabrics Review March 2022
