Fibers for Sportswear and Influence of Smart Materials on Sports Performance

Abstract

The progression of fibers developments has gone through the phases of conventional fibers, highly functional fibers and high-performance fibers. Polyester is the single most common fibers used for sportswear and active wear. Other fibers suitable for active wear are polyamide, polypropylene, acrylics and elastane. Wool and cotton fibers are still finding applications in leisurewear. Synthetic fibers can either be modified during manufacture, e.g. by producing hollow fibers and fibers with irregular cross-section, or be optimally blended with natural fibers to improve their thermo-physiological and sensory properties. Synthetic fibers with improved UV resistance and having anti-microbial properties are also commercially available for use in sportswear. New technologies for producing micro fibers have also contributed towards production of high-tech sportswear.”