Textile technology specialist X-Bionic, which specialises in highly technical knits created on Santoni seamless knitting machines, is continuing to develop functional fabrics that cater to niches within the sportswear sector. The Swiss company, which has now developed approximately 200 patented concepts in its 20 year history, has teamed up with Spanish retailer Oysho to develop an exclusive ski underwear collection that encapsulates its various thermoregulation technologies. Through this partnership, the duo has created garments tailored to ensure the comfort and thermal protection of users whilst on the slopes.
Key pieces, for example, include ankle-length leggings which feature X-Bionic’s Turn Sweat into Energy technology – that claims to cool users cool during activity and warm during recovery – as well as sweat traps to offer a cooling sensation through the abdomen and ‘expansion knees’ that insulate the joints whilst bent. There is also a matching long-sleeved seamless top with high collar and socks with Helixcoil technology, where concentric spirals ensure that pressure is applied in certain areas and that others remain without pressure.
Finally, the utilization of X-Bionic’s 3D Bionic Sphere system, with Thermo Syphon technology, is said to support ventilation throughout the torso, preventing dampness or the sensation of overheating.
Professor Dr. Bodo Lambertz, founder of X-Bionic, commented: “By integrating our award winning, patented technologies into this collection for Oysho, the Oysho x X-Bionic ski collection, we allow their customers to feel comfortable and to enjoy their winter sports regardless of the climate conditions. A feeling, unlike anything they have experienced before.”
X-Bionic uses a highly technical range of advanced three-dimensional knits produced by its partners. Italy’s Norman Group, for example, which specialises in producing seamless apparel on Santoni knitting machines, has teamed up with X-Bionic to develop new ranges of highly technical seamless knits. Under the terms of the joint venture with X-Bionic, the companies have established a new, multi-million dollar ‘Future Factory’ in Castel Goffredo, Northern Italy.
The Norman Group uses the latest generation Santoni seamless bodysize knitting machines to create its collections including TOP 1, TOP 2, TOP 2V and EVO technology. Operating at 28G with diameters ranging from 13 to 19ins, the company claims fabrics can be made with finer yarns and filaments in order to yield a larger surface area and therefore a higher capillary effect.
X-Bionic products are also now produced with ‘Retina High Definition Technology’ with a particularly fine knitting resolution achieved through the use of a considerably higher number of needles. According to X- Bionic, this efficiency allows the Norman Group to deliver a production volume of 40,000 items per day, which is equal to 12 mn products per year.
