Sportswear

Second paper – Tuesday

June 22nd

10 marks.
Product Analysis Theme for 2010: ‘SPORTSWEAR’
Papers 3 and 4 will contain a compulsory product analysis question set
on the theme: ‘Sportswear’.

To assist students in their preparation for this examination, it is

suggested that the
following aspects of ‘Sportswear’ are considered:

• Fabrics and fibres used for sportswear.

• Performance characteristics of fabrics and fibres.
• Functional and aesthetic design features of
sportswear.
• Design features of winter sportswear.
 Performance characteristics of fibres
and fabrics used for Sportswear
• Every fibre and fabric construction has
difference performance characteristics (what
they do) It is useful to know what these are so
that you can choose the best fibre and fabric
construction for the product you are
designing.
• If you consider what happens when playing
sports you can decide which fibres and fabrics
are best to make sportswear.
 What happens when you play sports?
• Move easily.
• Get hot
• Get cold
• Sweat
• Sweat can lead to you getting cold
• Get dirty
• Rubbing/chaffing
• Possible falls, knocks etc.
• It might rain, windy, sunny, snowy.
• Day and night visibility
• You might need keys or money
 Fibres and Fabrics often used for
sportswear
• The following fibres and fabrics are usually
used for sportwear due to their performance
characteristics.
• You need to know what these are and why it
makes them suitable for sportswear.
 Polyester
Performance characteristics
• Abrasion resistant – durable and hardwearing
• Non Absorbant – Doesn’t soak up sweat but is resistant to
rain
• Crease resistant – Reduces ironing, good for clothes in
sports bag
• Reasonable insulator – keeps heat in quite well
• Moth and mildew resistant – won’t rot if left damp
• Resistant to acids – sweat is an acid
• Collects static – not good if rubbing against other fabrics
• Strong
 Nylon (Polyamide)
Performance characteristics
• Strong
• Elastic so stretches
• Does not absorb water
• Crease resistant
• Durable – hardwearing
• Not very warm to wear.
 Cotton
• Strong
• Not very elastic so doesn’t stretch
• Absorbent –soaks up water.
• Creases easily
• Durable
 Lycra / Elastane
• Very elastic so stretches well.
• Crease resistant
• Durable so hardwearing
• Medium strength
• Not very absorbent so doesn’t soak up sweat
• Usually combined with other fibres to make a
stretchy, form fitting fabric.
 Weft Knitting
• Loops linked to rows above and below.
• Insulating – traps air in-between loops
• Warm
• Stretches – loops extend
• Unravels and forms ladders
• Crease resistant

Circular knitting Flatbed kniting Hand knitting

 Warp Knitting
• Loops are linked together from side to side.
• Can be made to be firm or stretchy
• Fast way to produce fabric
• Does not ladder
• Can be designed and made to many different
constructions so suitable for technical sports wear.
• Very popular way to make sports fabrics

Warp knitting machine

 Knitting
• Different textures can be created as there are
a lot of different stitches.
• Patterns can be created by introducing
different coloured yarn into the stitches.
• Different textured yarns also create pattern
and texture.
• Computers control knitting machines making
it easy to create pattern and shape.
 Weaving
•Strong
•Doesn’t stretch
•Cool to wear
•A close weave will resist water
and is hardwearing.

The outer fabric on sports

jackets/trousers is usually woven
as it won’t stretch out of shape
and will resist light showers.
 Components
• Elastic – stretches and grips to shape
• Velcro – easy to do up/undo, fibres get stuck in
it stopping it working. Not a strong fastening,
adjustable.
• Toggles- Adjustable, grip cord.
• Buckles – Strong, adjustable, decorative.
• Reflective ribbon / webbing
 Flatlock seam
When applied to underwear and sportswear, the
finished garments will look good and make the
wearer feel comfortable.

Flat-fell seams
A flat-fell seam has the seam allowance
tucked under and sewn down with a
second row of stitching. It’s useful for
reversible garments, sportswear,
menswear or where added strength is
required.
 Overlocked seam
• Used on knitted products as it stretches with
the fabric
• Strong – combination of 3 or 4 threads
• Neatens seam as cuts off and overstitches raw
edge
• More expensive than normal lockstitch as
more thread used
• Complicated to thread machine
 Fabric Finishes
• Brushing – A series of wire covered rollers brush the fabric to raise
the fibres to form a pile. Produces a soft fluffy fabric which is warm
to wear. The process weakens the fabric and makes it more
flamable. Often used for the lining fabric of gloves.
• Waterproofing – Silcone is applied to the fabric to form a barrier to
water.
• Easy care – chemicals applied to the fabric to make it easier to wash
and iron.
• Anti felting – Wool fibres felt or matt together if not washed
properly. Anti felting finishes stop this happening by either
softening the scales on the wool so they don’t grip each other or
covers the wool with a polymer film to stop the gripping.
• Anti bacterial – Products such as Coolmax are applied to fabric to
stop bacteria growing on clothes leading to smells. Often used on
sportswear. Lasts up to 40 washes.
 Technological Textiles
• Used in sportswear especially winter sports to
help athletes cope with extreme weather
conditions (cold and warmth) as well as sweating,
visibility and fun applications such as electronic
textiles where ipods/phones can be integrated
into clothing.
 Goretex
Fabric used in skiwear, hiking jackets etc.
Performance characteristics of Goretex
•Durably waterproof
•Very breathable
•Highly cold resistant
•Extremely light
•Resistant to flexing
Goretex
 Warm Shell
Lightly insulated with brushed fleece or brushed
tricot lining, warm shells are designed for variable
Thinsulate Insulation environments. While slightly less insulated than
Thinsulate insulation Type G Descente 40 gram insulation, warm shells
provide the perfect balance of temperature for
are comprised of 100% versatile skiers. So whether on the top of a wind
polyester fiber. chilled 14,000 ft peak or at the base of the
Exceptionally soft and mountain on a sun-soaked day, your core
temperature will be under control.
luxurious.
Traps and holds body heat for
superior warmth.
Effective even when damp and
after repeated washings.
Fibres absorb less than 1% of
their weight in water and dry
easily.
Breathable.
Polartec® Classic® fabric is a very breathable, quick drying
and non-pill fleece material. Wearing a Polartec® Classic®
fleece underneath your waterproof enhances the
breathability of the garment.
Functional and aesthetic design features
of sportswear
Sportswear Design Specification points
• Allows ease of movement – stretches, good fit
• Protects from the weather- sun, wind, rain
• Easy to get on and off – openings, fastenings
• Comfortable to wear - Wicks away sweat, keeps
you cool/keeps you warm
• Storage for key/ipod/money
• Doesn’t rub – flat seam, smooth fabric
• Keeps athlete visible in all conditions
• Washable
Ladies Shorts
The Asics Ladies Eikoku 2 Sprinter
is designed for the athlete who
likes the support of a tighter fitting
short in the style of the modern-
day short distance runners. Made
from a flexible but highly
supportive polyamide/elasthane
combo, the sprinter features
flatlock stitching, a drawstring
waist and key pocket for superb
comfort, convenience and
durability.
The T8 Team Jacket is a very
comfortable jacket which features
a ForMotion 3D engineered
pattern for enhanced fit and
performance. The jacket has 2
pockets, a full length zip with storm
flap for adjustable ventilation, wind
protection and is made from 100%
polyester.
This jacket offers innovative Pro-Fit technology that creates
optimum freedom of movement to the wearer. With its
combination of lightweight fabric and stretchable insert panels
this jacket enhances comfort and movement during
performance.
The Top Impact Line Men's jacket features laser cutting detail
to keep you cool under pressure while a combination of
materials present optimal freedom of movement and quick
drying.
Benefits:
Quick dry
Freedom of movement by fit and combination of materials
Ventilation at centre back
Front and back visibility by reflectivity
Construction:
Material: Stretch woven
Content: 100% Polyester, 121 gr/sqm
2.Material: Woven cubic mesh
2.Content: 100% Polyester, 111 gr/sqm
Features: Pro-fit technology, Unlined, Stretch insert panels,
Centre front zipper, Raglan sleeve, flat locking, Front pockets,
Front pockets, Elasticated cuffs, Chinguard, Laser cutting detail
for ventilation, Reflective ASICS logo, Top Impact Line logo.
The Men’s Active Run Vest utilises a zonal construction
that ensures different anatomical regions of the body
have the most suitable fabrications to provide superior
performance. This top is ideal for those changeable
conditions or for those who feel a full length jacket is
too restricting and hinders performance.
The front panel features Vapor + fabric that is
designed to offer protection against the elements with
silicone impregnated water resistant yarn giving
maximum protection.
Sensormesh utilises a high Lycra content providing
enhanced flexibility and a comfortable soft feel.
Increased moisture management is achieved via a high
filament polyester yarn.
SMD Thermo fabric incorporates denier graded tactel
yarns for unparalleled moisture management allowing
you to concentrate on your rhythm. Extreme mesh
panels on the back of the garment create a micro
climate to meet the highest demands on your run.
360 degree visibility ensures your safety and
confidence when training in the twilight of winter.
'WP' stands for windproof, and ASICS has
pulled out all the stops in designing a jacket
that is both lightweight and limber, while also
capable of stopping a brisk wind.
Benefits:
Light weight
Wind protection knit fabric is anti-bacterial
Snag-free
Permanent 50+ UPF
Wind panel and zipper garage protect from the
elements and provide next-to-skin comfort
Features:
Strategically designed reflectivity results in
visibility in most weather conditions
Articulated sleeves offer unrestricted
movement
Security pockets ensure safe storage for media
and other valuables
Design features of winter sportswear
Winter Sportswear has to perform as well as other
sportswear but also needs to protect from the cold,
snow and wet, protect against falls in difficult conditions
and make sure that the wearer is visible in difficult
weather and lighting conditions.
This all has to be achieved as well as allow the sports
person ease of movement, storage for keys, lift pass etc
and be easy to get the clothes on and off.
Not only is it warm, breathable and
waterproof, but it features a detachable
snowskirt (so that you can use it as an
everyday winter coat), stylish Dare2b
design and a detachable hood.

Features
Fully taped seams
Part metallic mesh / part warm touch
lining
Detachable snow skirt
Full length studded and velcro storm
baffle
Detachable technical hood with
adjuster
Inner stow pockets
Ramskn Stretch Twill fabric, Heatflex 40
Insulation, Airdrive Moisture Control, Ion-
Bodies, 20000 Water/Windproof, 4 front
exterior pockets, back storage pocket, coin
pocket, detachable hood, goggle pocket, head
phone loop, phone pocket, pit zippers, powder
skirt, zipper poly deck, quick wrist adjuster,
side mirror window.
Oxkin fabric, Heatflex 40 Insulation, 10000
water/windproof, 2 front exterior pockets,
detachable suspender, edge guard, full length
side zippers, waist adjusters.
Stunning ladies Descente ski jacket,
with a flattering cut and shape which
will look great teamed with white or
black salopettes on the slopes. The
unique Titan Thermo Layer will
provide superior insulation whilst the
DT 20,00 fabric will keep you dry and
protect against the elements.
Additional features include snow skirt,
zip off hood, goggle pocket, zipped
inner pocket, multiple zipped pockets
& velcro wrist.
Featuring Eider’s exclusive
’Defender’ fabric, which is
over 18,000mm
waterproof and highly
breathable, this jacket has
it all! Great looks and
technical features that
include powder skirt, lycra
cuffs with thumb hole,
articulated elbows and
multiple pockets.
Big Air Lithium thermals are
designed to regulate body
temperature. They wick
moisture away from the
body when you are too hot,
and allow warm air to
circulate and keep you
warm in cold conditions.
Flatlock seams and
contoured panels ensure a
comfortable fit that is close
to the body and allows for a
full range of motion.
Features
Body in Polartec Powershield: this
fabric offers the ultimate protection
against harsh weather conditions and
provides resistance, water repellence,
windbreaker effect and warmth.
Attached and fully adjustable 3D hood
with retaining peak: for maximum
protection and comfort with or without
a helmet.
Seat, front and side full openings with
waterproof zips: to facilitate the
opening and slipping on/off of the suit.
Animal Reggie Snowboard Pant - French Blue
You can rely on the Animal Reggie Snowboard Pants to
keep you warm, dry, and protected from the elements.
Not only that, but they are designed to maximise your
riding enjoyment through unbeatable comfort, rock solid
style, great technical features. With a hefty 5/5K
waterproofing/breathability rating, fully taped seams,
and features like the Link-to-Jacket System, the Animal
Reggie Snowboard Pants are unbeatable!
5,000mm Waterproofing
5,000g Breathability
Fully Taped Seams
100% Nylon Twill
Anitex Technical Fabric
Suspension Gaiter with Lace Hook
Ankle Zips
Reinforced Hem
Inseam Zip Vents
Adjustable Waist Band
Extra-wide Belt Loops
Jacket-to-Pant Linking System
Articulated Knee
Bonfire Echo Womens Snowboard Jacket - Black/Opal
Like to layer? The Bonfire Echo is a lightweight, fully
waterproof shell for those first cold days of winter . Echo
Snowboard Jacket's soft feeling woven shell is critically seam
sealed and ready to stand up to any weather.
10,000mm Waterproofing
10,000g Breathability
Critically Taped Seams
Plain Weave
Classic Fit
Lined Shell Construction
Brushed Tricot Lining
Fine Tune Cuff and Hood Adjust
Snap-Tite System
Lift Ticket Loop
E.G.O Media Pocket
Ear Toaster Panels
Pass Pocket
Goggle Pocket
Mesh Backed Pit Vents
Inset Fleece Collar
Goggle Lock
Snap-Back Powder Skirt
Trekmates® Thermal Pro® Balaclava provides
warmth without the weight and offers
excellent breathability and quick drying to
minimize heat loss. Provides comfort and
warmth and is appropriate for a broad range of
activities.
Highly breathable
Traps air to retain body heat
Dries quickly
The Osprey GTX combines warmth and waterproofness to produce a classic
snowsport glove using some of the finest components and materials
available.
Features:
Gore-Tex® liner provides a waterproof and breathable inner layer

Leather palm, fingers and wrapped-over finger ends

Sonic welded patches on knuckles maximum protection

Primaloft® insulation soft handle and high warmth retention, low bulk

Polysoft lining comfortable, soft and warm with excellent wicking properties

Elasticated wrist provides a close and comfortable fit

Pre-shaped fingers provides a great fit, maximising comfort

Zippered pocket on right hand cuff safe storage of lift pass and other small
items
 Thinsulate Heated Gloves and Mitts

The heated gloves have built in heating elements which become warm within about 3
minutes of connecting the batteries. Each glove is powered by 1 D battery which fit
snugly on the back of your wrist. For added warmth, the gloves have a thermal lining
and water resistant outer. Ideal for skiing or just cold days

The gloves have adjustable cuffs to keep the warmth in and have 3M 40 gram
Thinsulate™ insulation. You also have a choice of two heat settings, high and low, 6
hours on high and up to 8 hours on low
 Sportswear
Second paper – Tuesday June 22nd
10 marks.
This powerpoint will be on
www.textiles4u.wikispaces.com
And accessible via Longslade Textiles on Facebook

Make sure that you revise all the information before

the second exam.