Cotton Incorporated has developed a range of finishing technologies to help meet the growing demand for performance in cotton apparel.
As today’s consumer demands ever greater functionality, not only in their sports and outdoor wear but also in their everyday clothing, the opportunities for fibre and textile innovations are growing all the time.
Cotton, a long-established fibre with a range of natural qualities, is in a strong position to capitalise on this shift, and the global not-for-profit research and marketing organisation Cotton Incorporated is constantly developing new ways of ensuring cotton can maximise these qualities in a range of garments.
The organisation is known for its innovative finishes designed for cotton-rich fabrics and works with suppliers around the world to qualify and licence mills to run these technologies.
Three of Cotton Incorporated’s popular finishes are its STORM COTTON™, TransDRY™ and TOUGH COTTON™ Technologies:
STORM COTTON™ Technology
Designed to repel moisture, a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for any cotton garment that can outlast other standard finishes. It repels water from the surface of the fabric while maintaining cotton’s natural breathability.
TransDRY™ Technology
Combines the comfort of cotton with moisture wicking performance that is said to rival any competitive fibre in the market. It reduces cotton’s absorbent capacity to move moisture away from the body, keeping the wearer cool and dry.
TOUGH COTTON™ Technology
Offers increased durability and superior abrasion and wrinkle resistance that lasts the life of the garment.
“These finishes are available in specially formulated combinations that offer superior quality, performance and protection,” says Mark Messura, senior vice president, global supply chain marketing at Cotton Incorporated.
Two different options also provide durability benefits and moisture management or water repellency combinations by combining TOUGH COTTON™ Technology with TransDRY™ or STORM COTTON™ Technologies:
TransDRY™ + TOUGH COTTON™ Technologies
Moisture management meets durability by combining these technologies for a double boost of moisture-wicking action and increased protection. This technology combination allows for extra moisture management benefits that reduce cotton’s absorbent capacity and move moisture away from the body to keep the wearer cool and dry.
STORM COTTON™ + TOUGH COTTON™ Technologies
The performance power of these technologies creates a durable duo, providing a water- repellent finish with superior abrasion resistance that offers protection from moisture and dries faster than untreated cotton.
“Both the TransDRY™ + TOUGH COTTON™ finishes and STORM COTTON™ + TOUGH COTTON™ finishes provide extra protection for cotton, all while maintaining breathability and the natural comfort of cotton that last the life of the garment,” Messura says.
“Both combinations can be applied to knits and wovens for endless possibilities. Combining these technologies elevates cotton’s performance while still offering everything that consumers love about cotton, including breathability, softness and comfort. Now cotton is bringing double the protection by combining technologies that offer performance against the toughest challenges.”
Messura adds: “People know and love cotton for its comfort – but we can go further with comfort, performance and a great natural fibre that works for brands, retailers, consumers and the environment.”
Everyday performance
Studies have found that consumers are placing a greater emphasis on functionality in all types of garments:
67% say performance features are important in their clothing purchase decisions.
57% prefer cotton-rich activewear.
80% of parents feel that durability and quality play an important role in purchasing decisions for children’s clothing.
77% of consumers say that better quality garments are made from all-natural fibres such as cotton.
Sources: Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, and CCI and Cotton Incorporated 2016 Activewear Study
Source: www.wtin.com