LYCRA® Beauty Fabrics Extend to Shaping Swimwear

WICHITA, Kan. - July 15, 2011 - INVISTA commissioned a consumer research study* earlier this year as a follow-up to the success of its LYCRA® beauty fabric launch in shaping intimates. The results showed that 96 percent of women rate ‘fit’ as the most important swimwear feature; the study also highlights that there is a large gap between the perceived importance and the level of satisfaction across all attributes among women who were interested in shaping swimwear. Overall, women want more comfort, improved shaping performance and more emotional satisfaction from their swimwear.

With the aim to bridge that satisfaction gap, LYCRA® beauty fabric for shaping swimwear meets both the Xtra Life LYCRA® fibre brand standards - to resist suntan lotion, body oils, UV exposure and chlorine, for long-lasting, beautiful shaping -  as well as the shaping and comfort requirements of the LYCRA® beauty fabrics platform.

Two categories of dedicated LYCRA® beauty fabric for swimwear can now help brands and designers choose attributes that are designed to meet their specific needs:

• Firm:  LYCRA® beauty fabrics for beautifully slimming bathing suits with comfort in motion
• Extra Firm: LYCRA® beauty fabrics for swimwear outfits needing a high degree of recovery power for specialized shaping designs

“After its resounding success within the intimate apparel segment, INVISTA is extending its Science of Shaping™ insights to other types of shaping garments,” said Ninabeth Sowell, INVISTA’s global marketing director for intimate apparel and swimwear. “The LYCRA® beauty fabric platform is following a natural progression by combining proven LYCRA® beauty fabric shaping performance with the benefits of our premium Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber, creating a perfect fit for shaping swimwear,” she said.

Leading swimwear fabric mills have already embraced the platform, including Brugnoli Giovanni SpA, Carvico SpA, Darlington Fabrics, Eurojersey SpA (Sensitive® FIT), Guangdong Charming Co. Ltd, Guangdong Derun Textile Co Ltd, Gwo Jyh Warp Knitting Industry Co Ltd, Jersey Lomellina SpA, Liebaert, Maglificio Ripa Srl, Piave Maitex SpA, Wegal & Tricotel SpA and Rosset Group.

Newly-approved LYCRA® beauty fabrics for swimwear from mills from four continents were showcased at the INVISTA stand at Mode City (Hall 1/M64 – N75), as well as the first commercially available garments qualifying for LYCRA® beauty fabric in swimwear. Visitors also learned about the diversity of the LYCRA® beauty fabric platform, including:

• Latest high performance and specialty fabrics for intimate apparel
• Latest commercial adoptions of shaping intimates with LYCRA® beauty fabric
• Latest commercial and concept garments showcasing the new LYCRA® beauty seamless developments

INVISTA continues to lead the fashion industry by regularly updating its innovation portfolio, bringing added value to customers throughout the apparel value chain.

LYCRA® is a trademark of INVISTA.

*Global Consumer Swimwear Study 2011 Strategic Insights

Do you know the LYCRA® fiber brand?

Do you know the LYCRA® fiber brand? The LYCRA® fiber brand is an integral element in many of the world’s leading fashion brands but is often misunderstood. “LYCRA®” is not a fabric or type in its own right. It is not the name of the category of stretch fabrics or clothing. It is the world’s leading brand of elastane fiber and other premium stretch fibers and fabrics that can be combined with many other fabrics such as cotton, wool, leather or even cashmere. It is a brand that delivers the consumer promise of comfort, fit and freedom of movement. A touch of LYCRA® fiber ingredient can help make garments and the people that wear them look better and feel better.

LYCRA® branded fibers are essential ingredients in fashion today, driving innovation and working with designers and brands to produce stylish, beautiful clothes. LYCRA® branded fibers are found in all types of garments from underwear and swimwear, jeans and tailored suits to sportswear, hosiery and sweaters.

The LYCRA® fiber brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish “LYCRA®” as a brand, the word “LYCRA®” must be reported in all caps and with an ®, and always used in connection with the appropriate generic term.

About Mode City

The Mode City show is the leading international trade fair for intimates, swimwear and well-being. It is the most important business platform in the world for the swimwear and lingerie market. This year over 25,000m2 of exhibition space will host exhibitors representing 500 brands. Nearly 25,000 buyers are expected to attend, 70 percent of them international.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® THERMOLITE® and TORZEN™. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.