Fast track: advances in insulation materials for performance apparel

Features such as light weight performance, moisture management, thermal management and compression are becoming increasingly important as wearers of functional apparel demand greater comfort and performance. In the case of clothing for winter sports and for other outdoor activities, one of the most important ways of improving wearer comfort is to provide thermal comfort. Modern materials such as synthetic microfibre based nonwovens are increasingly being used as insulation material as they provide superior properties compared with traditional materials such as down, or duck feather. A number of new developments in insulation materials for performance outerwear and equipment were on show at ISPO Munich, a sportswear and equipment show held in Germany during January 29-February 1, 2012. Among the new developments featured in this report are: Thinsulate Platinum and Thinsulate Insulation Type R by 3M; PrimaLoft; TMK and Rinnova by Thermore; eco2sy by Singtex; and Quix Down by Toray.

Fast track: advances in insulation materials for performance apparel

• Importance of thermal comfort in performance apparel
• Role of insulation in achieving thermal comfort in performance apparel
• Materials for insulation in performance apparel on show at ISPO Munich

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