The European textile shows are giving us a sneak peak into
swim trends for the 2004 season. Presented in three fabric-oriented chapters—
STREAMLINE, ENERGIZE and FANTASIZE—all of these new trends incorporate the key
performance benefits of LYCRA® and Tactel® including comfort and fit, shape retention, visual design
freedom and quick-drying ease of care.
Streamline
STREAMLINE is all about shape—both the body-beautifying shaping and support
of fabrics elasticized by LYCRA® and silhouette enhancing visual effects such as
shiny, reflective and metallic finishes. The streamlining is intensified by
rippling surfaces and iridescent, marled and crystalline touches. Leathery and
skin-touch surfaces and rubbery coatings also play important roles. Streamlined,
second-skin styling further emphasizes the silhouette through contouring, bold
seaming or totally seamless constructions, and dramatic asymmetrical cuts.
Energize
ENERGIZE concentrates on performance, strongly influenced by the bold,
graphic, competitive look of active sportswear. Fabrics are dense and compact
featuring honeycomb, piqué mesh and inventive bonded constructions with the
total comfort and freedom of LYCRA®. The competitive swimming world contributes
novel high-tech touches such as speed-enhancing surfaces that replicate
sharkskin. There is a strong team spirit in assertive colors and geometric prints with
an artificial sheen.
Fantasize
FANTASIZE has a highly decorative, imaginative quality based on flowery
jacquards, lace, bodyrevealing mesh, dimensional trims, ethnic and
animalinspired prints, crochet, and handcrafted details. Fabrics combine the
sensuous body-clinging fit of LYCRA® with the versatile visual aesthetics of Tactel® and Tactel® metallics. Fringes, embroidery, transparent overlays, laser cutouts and creative
collages of contrasting prints, textures and colors heighten the decorative
quality.
Special thanks to INVISTA (formerly DuPont Textiles &
Interiors) for compiling the Swim Trends 2004. For more information about the wide range of DuPont LYCRA®
and Tactel® products, log on to www.lycra.com.
The European textile shows are giving us a sneak peak into
swim trends for the 2004 season. Presented in three fabric-oriented chapters—
STREAMLINE, ENERGIZE and FANTASIZE—all of these new trends incorporate the key
performance benefits of LYCRA® and Tactel® including comfort and fit, shape retention, visual design
freedom and quick-drying ease of care.
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