1. Smart Fabrics
Techno Textiles

3. Performance Enhancement
Spandex – invented by Du Pont’s Benger Lab in Waynesboro, Virginia in 1959
Word ‘Spandex’ is an anagram of expands
Modernised and transformed aspects of garment industry
Main property of fabric is elasticity, to allow the body to move freely
Remains stretchy and tight-fitting after being worn for a long time
Made popular in 70s and 80s by heavy metal bands and the aerobic culture

6. Lycra
During World War II scientists developed synthetic replacement for rubber
This was due to price an increase in the price of rubber
Supplies of rubber were also short due to being used in the construction of weapons and equipment for war use
Bayer was a scientist and pioneer in polymer chemistry
He produced the first spandex at an experimental level
This was copyrighted in 1952 in Germany
Later, DuPont and the US Rubber Company developed the final fibre and give it the name Lycra

7. Spandex is a synthetic polymer
It is made of long chain polyurethane
It is produced by reacting polyester with a diisocynate polymer
It is then converted into a fibre using a dry spinning technique
This makes is stronger, lighter and more versatile

10. Polyamide; polyester; viscose; cotton; spandex

11. Training Shoes
The ‘Athletic Shoe’ was specifically designed as footwear for sport/physical exercise
A rubber soled shoe that was flexible, allowing freedom of movement in the foot
They had the appropriate tread for function
This required design on the bottom of the shoe
Originally known as plimsolls and later, sneakers
First branded trainers appeared in 1968 by Gola

13. Brands
GK Elite Sportswear – gymnastics apparel; state of the art technical features with Stretchtek – a compression fabric which fits the body like a second skin
Moisture wicking properties to keep the body cool and dry
Flatlock seams for comfort; eliminates seam and label abrasion

14. Addidas and Stella McCartney collaboration

19. Addidas – glow in
the dark sportswear