FutureFinders: Performance tech, close to norm in activewear materials

Anti-bacterial fabric

FutureFinders spots key emerging trends and the products on Global Sources that drive these trends.

The first FutureFinders episode focused on the latest developments in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

Watch FutureFinders Fashion

Over the past several weeks, we have taken a closer look at the hottest fashion trends and how these are interpreted in key product groups:

• Functionality in and
• Sustainability in
• Infusion of tech in

The infusion of tech in the industry is not limited to finished pieces. Performance technologies, have found their way into fabrics, driven by the rise in popularity of activewear and athleisure.

Foremost among these technologies are antimicrobial additives such as silver nanoparticles that kill bacteria or inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi.

Deodorizing capability is, quite understandably, very popular in active apparel. Cottonworks referenced Cotton Inc.'s 2016 activewear study that showed two-thirds of consumers likely to search for odor resistance when buying activewear.

Fabric manufacturers are staying on top of this trend. On GlobalSources.com, Verified Suppliers offer an extensive range of anti-bacterial fabric made of varied materials.

This jersey fabric from Lee Yaw, for example, is made of 91:9 polyester-spandex. It is yarn-dyed and suitable for yoga wear, polo shirts and sports jerseys.

Taiwan Textile Federation S.M.S.-Think Taiwan For Textiles, meanwhile, offers this melange pique fabric made of a blend of polyester and rich polyester. Designed for sportswear, the product provides a cool feel and protection against UV rays.

Changshu U-Sun International Trade Co. Ltd uses a 52:48 bamboo carbon fiber-polyester blend in model FC111-1, which is suitable for a range of apparel, including sportswear, and caps. It has a mesh construction and color fastness grade of 3 or 4.

Moisture wicking is another result of performance tech. In fact, it's pretty much a given that outdoor clothing is made of wicking fabrics, which draw away moisture from the body.

Such fabrics are easily found on GlobalSources.com, one of which is this 100 percent polyester fabric from Huangyuxing Textile Co.,Ltd Jinjiang. It has an eyelet mesh construction and is 155gsm.

Made of 88:12 nylon-spandex, the JFNW342-1 model from Fujian Jingfeng Textile Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd can be used to make leggings. Fabric weight is 200gsm but this can be adjusted.

Over the past several years, performance tech has expanded to include water repellence, self-cleaning and odor reduction.

A search for “water repellent fabric” on GlobalSources.com delivers hundreds of products, including this zebra-print woven fabric from BSP (Taiwan) Co. Ltd. It is made of 100 percent recycled polyester with a cire finish.

This waterproof twill fabric from Kinghood (Quanzhou) Textile Development Co. Ltd is made of 100 percent, and is suitable for women's dresses and men's shirts.

Product alert: New product notifications

Backed by experienced R&D teams, Global Sources Verified Suppliers release hundreds of products regularly, but keeping track of these releases is not a challenge with Global Sources Product Alert.

Signing up is easy. Simply provide your e-mail address to start receiving alerts.

Click to sign up for Product Alert

Global Sources Product Alert lets you choose from a wide range of product categories, which you can add and edit anytime to fit your sourcing requirements.

Click to sign up for Product Alert

Contacting suppliers via Product Alert notifications is similarly easy. The blue Inquire Now button brings you to our easy-to-use inquiry form that allows you to send directly inquiries and messages to suppliers.

Click to sign up for Product Alert

Start sourcing for performance fabrics today. Sign up for Global Sources Product Alert and get the #BestSourcing experience.