Moisture management fabric technology has entered a new era as manufacturers and retailers respond to growing demand by consumers for ever greater levels of performance from their garments, according to Issue No 49 of Performance Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence.

In recent years, fabric manufacturers have concentrated much of their research effort on devising high-tech methods for enhancing the moisture handling properties of their products, while also incorporating other properties such as ultraviolet (UV) protection, antimicrobial efficacy and stain resistance.

Manufacturers are now able to modify fibres at the molecular level and alter fabric constructions in order to meet specific end user requirements.

Garmatex Technologies, for example, has invented a new system for manufacturing synthetic textile materials which uses advanced processes to manipulate molecules in the polymers from which microfibre filaments are subsequently extruded.

In the years ahead, there will be a significant increase in the affordability, availability and choice of multifunctional garments, and this should foster continued growth in the market for moisture management fabrics.

The pace of development in moisture management technology is likely to accelerate as fabric and garment manufacturers compete to enhance the comfort properties of their product offerings.

Also, suppliers of fabrics and apparel will aim to capitalise on the advantages of biomimetic technology, nanotechnology and smart textile technology.

The use of these technologies should pave the way to the development of garments which are capable of performing a multitude of functions while keeping the wearer cool and dry.

These technologies were originally targeted at the sportswear market. However, there is huge potential for them in the casual wear market -- which is substantially bigger.

The companies most likely to succeed in this expanding market will be those which are able to commercialise products that represent true innovations rather than new versions of existing products.

Issue No 49 of Performance Apparel Markets includes the following reports: "Fast track: innovators and trendsetters at OutDoor 2014"; "Product developments and innovations"; "Moisture management fabrics: key to wearer comfort"; "Profile of Garmatex Technologies: a specialist in high tech fabrics"; and "Business update".

Performance Apparel Markets is a quarterly publication from Textiles Intelligence. Each issue provides an independent and worldwide perspective on the global performance apparel industry.

A year's printed subscription to Performance Apparel Markets costs £745 / Euro1,295 (Europe, Middle East or Africa) or US$1,640 (Americas or Asia Pacific). An electronic supplement is also available. Single issues are available on request.

For further information, please contact Belinda Carp at Textiles Intelligence, Alderley House, Wilmslow SK9 1AT, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; Fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; Email: info@textilesintelligence.com

For press copies and editorial enquiries, please contact Robin Anson at Textiles Intelligence. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136. Fax: +44 (0)1625 536137. Email: editorial@textilesintelligence.com