London - Invista, owner of the Lycra brand, has unveiled a number of new technologies for the legwear sector, including Lycra Fusion True To You, a patent-pending innovation allowing the creation of transparent 3D hosiery that delivers a natural-looking luster or shine to the legs.

The latest developments were revealed at the recent the 5th edition of Lycra Fiber Moves which took place in Lake Como, Italy.

Held every two years, this exclusive, invitation-only event attracted around 200 representatives from leading knitters, coverers, distributors, brands, retailers and trade media excited to learn about new market insights and trends, as well as Invista’s latest innovations for socks and hosiery.

Lycra Fiber Moves is described as not-to-be-missed seminar where global legwear industry insiders gather for networking, inspiration and ideas.

Invista representatives are introducing three new hosiery innovations designed to meet consumer needs, add value to any collection, and create new opportunities for business growth. The three are:

• Lycra Fusion True To You technology is a patent-pending innovation allowing the creation of transparent 3D hosiery that delivers a natural-looking luster or shine to the legs. The innovation is a combination of a new Lycra Fusion yarn with new knitting construction therefore combining the ‘no ladder/ no run’ benefits to the premium fit and uniformity of a 3D construction, all in a natural shine sheer hose.
• Thermolite FIR technology is a spun dyed black fibre embedded with special ceramic pigments that absorbs the wearer’s infrared radiation and reflects it back to them as heat energy. This improves the body’s heat retention and keeps legs warmer, longer. Knitted with Lycra Black technology, it fulfills consumers expectation for true black leggings that won’t fade or wash out after wearing or washing.
• Lycra Made To Fit You technology, originally created for knee-highs, is being expanded to offer the same benefits to stay-ups (thigh-highs). The key to delivering enhanced comfort and fit is the top band’s construction, which is engineered to fit a variety of thigh shapes. The hosiery stays in place all day without roll over and dig in, so the wearer experiences a “second skin” effect that will appeal to new consumers and revitalize the category.

The Lycra Fiber Moves conference opened with an exploration of Financial Macro Trends by author and columnist Alan Friedman, followed by a look at Consumer Mega Trends for Millennials by Euromonitor’s Alison Angus. Professor Ada Ferri discussed Garments for Cold Climates, and Euromonitor’s Miles Agbanrin explored The Millennial Consumer and How They Shape Retail. Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam presented 2019/2020 Fashion Trends for hosiery and socks that are powered by Lycra fiber and Thermolite technology innovations.

During the evening’s festivities, key Lycra fibre customers were honored for their contributions to the legwear industry and their loyalty to the Lycra brand. This year’s award winners were Patrizia Giangrossi, owner of Pierre Mantoux, and Cathleen Moxham and Antonio Iandolo of Hanes Brands Inc.

“The Lycra brand name has been associated with game-changing, market-driven innovations that have redefined what’s possible for 60 years,” said Sybille Bald, global segment leader – legwear. “Whether we’re introducing new fibres, developing new construction techniques, or improving on leading technologies in our portfolio, Lycra Fiber Moves demonstrates how innovation is still at the heart of everything we do today.”