Cordura teams with Triple Aught Design for Combat Wool sweaters, GlideWear technology to help avoid brain injuries, SKIIN introduces smart underwear and bras, and VF sets collaboration with NC State.
Cordura
Triple Aught Design has adopted Cordura’s Combat Wool yarn that blends merino wool with high tenacity nylon fiber to raise the standard for resiliency in wool garments for use in a mini collection.
The collection features two sweaters–the Echelon and the Journeyman–that will be on display at Winter Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show 2018 later this month.
“With a heritage rooted in the military, Triple Aught Design is incorporating its knowledge of strong, rigorous gear and apparel to expand in outdoor products,” said Phil Adams, marketing and interactive services at Triple Aught Design. “We apply thorough design, high attention to detail, and strict tolerances to ensure our products meet our consumer’s most rigorous needs. When we combine this expertise with the traditional feel and durability of Cordura Combat Wool yarn, the outcome is apparel that enables versatility, whether our consumers are on their toughest mission or an everyday adventure.”
The Triple Aught Echelon sweater is versatile and reliable, designed to meet the demands of cool weather. The specially designed construction featuring Cordura Combat Wool yarn technology helps provide enhanced resiliency combined with the natural thermoregulating properties of wool. With a subtle reverse bamboo knit detailing this classic raglan crew has a modern edge.
The Triple Aught Journeyman, inspired by the Type A-1 sweater issued by the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, the sweater style made for engineers and mechanics, then pilots and other aircrew to wear under their leather flight jackets, has now been updated for everyday use. Featuring contrasting ribbing details, signature slotted buttons for improved functionality, and Cordura Combat Wool yarn technology for long-lasting durability.
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“Today’s consumers are looking for gear that allows them to adapt from one environment to the next–design driven, versatile functionality with a built in endurance edge,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “Incorporating Cordura Combat Wool yarn technology into this specialized gear offers seamless integration of a time-tested traditional favorite such as wool, blended with high performance man-made fiber technologies for enhanced durability.”
GlideWear
MIPS, a brain safety technology company, will incorporate GlideWear, a patented low-friction fabric technology, to develop new products designed to protect the brains of athletes wearing hard shell helmets. The agreement between MIPS and Tamarack Habilitation Technologies Inc., the manufacturer of GlideWear, will combine two innovative technologies.
MIPS brain protection products are incorporated in cycling and snow sport helmets to protect athletes’ brains. The technology works by addressing the rotational forces and energies that are linked to brain injuries, like concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. GlideWear is a two-layer, multi-directional stretch, low-friction fabric that absorbs the harmful friction and shear that contribute to brain injuries.
“Companies worldwide have been using GlideWear fabric technology to reduce the harmful friction and shear that cause pressure injuries, blisters, and skin breakdown,” says Joe Hofmeister, chief executive officer of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies. “Using GlideWear to reduce shear forces and protect the brain is a natural extension of the technology.”
Models featuring the MIPS-E3 GlideWear liner will come to market in spring of 2018 with several new and current helmet brand partners.
[Read more about textile innovations: Top Textile Innovations of 2017, From Tencel to Polyester and Beyond]
SKIIN
Myant, a provider of end-to-end textile supply chain with a state-of-the-art 3D digital fabrication and robotic knitting division and a printed electronic lab, is introducing SKIIN smart clothing.
SKIIN is a digital intelligent interface to connect people to themselves, others, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. Like a second skin, this new textile computing platform can read, record, analyze, and respond to one’s needs.
SKIIN products are designed with a diverse sensor and actuator mix that enables the wearer to gain “holistic insight” into their physical and mental state. SKIIN is comfortable, washable and wearable.
The company’s first SKIIN products, smart underwear and smart bras, are designed with six sensors that allow wearers to comfortably track daily activity, sleep, and stress levels, and to connect their body to other smart IoT devices.
SKIIN brings some of the technology of a sleep lab to the wearer’s everyday life, helping understand changes during the sleep stages throughout the night. SKIIN can also control the connected environment such as thermostats and lighting, while the user is sleeping.
By using a combination of sensors, SKIIN identifies whether wearers are stressed, focused or calm—allowing them to gain insights to optimize their day, increase productivity, and practice techniques to improve their mental health.
VF Corp.
VF Corp. and North Carolina State University have formed a collaborative, strategic partnership that will support student development at NC State and advance apparel and textiles innovation within VF.
Steve Rendle, chairman, president and chief executive officer of VF, said, “Through our shared expertise in research and consumer insights, we aim to stimulate apparel innovation while also developing a consistent pipeline of exceptional leaders for our company.”
While VF and NC State have had a long-term relationship, the new multi-year agreement strengthens the partnership by including NC State’s Poole College of Management, which brings particular expertise in business analytics and supply chain management. The new partnership adds structure to existing collaborations and creates new opportunities for students in both Colleges.
This includes facilitating industry-leading research that will elevate apparel and textile products and experiences; providing executive education opportunities for VF associates and establishes a VF presence on Centennial Campus, NC State’s nationally recognized research campus.