DuPont CoolMax(R) Performance Fabrics DuPont Performance Fabrics: A Guide to "Smart" Technology Today's "smart" fibers and fabrics have simplified the way active individuals dress for a day on the slopes, a round of golf, a walk in the park and any other activity that comes to mind. However, with these advancements in technology have come a new crop of industry buzzwords that are often difficult to define. A basic understanding of the following terminology will go a long way toward improving your fiber and fabric technology IQ. MOISTURE MANAGEMENT. The ability to move moisture and speed evaporation is crucial to keeping the body dry and comfortable. It is important that if the body works up a sweat, the moisture is transported away from the skin to the surface of the garment where it can evaporate quickly. DuPont has four brands that address the need for moisture management. CoolMax® is appropriate for year-round use and will keep the body dry and comfortable. CoolMax® is made from tetra-channel fibers which draw moisture to the fabric's surface and promote evaporation. CoolMax® is found in activewear and accessories, including shorts, singlets, T-shirts, knit shirts, fleece, socks and performance linings. ThermaStat(TM), designed for advanced comfort control, combines moisture management properties with the added benefit of warmth without weight. ThermaStat(TM) is also breathable enough to prevent overheating. ThermaStat(TM) performance underwear is often worn as the first step in a layering system. Activewear garments made of ThermaStat(TM), including turtlenecks, pullovers and tights, can be worn alone or layered for added warmth. Thermax(CM) long underwear and accessories are always worn next to the skin and layered underneath other garments. Thermax(CM) prevents heat loss by trapping a layer of warm air around the body while transporting perspiration to the next layer of clothing for evaporation. Tactel® Aquator is based on a unique two-layered construction. The inner layer of Tactel® fibers wick moisture away from the body to the outer cotton layer. The moisture is then dispersed over a large surface area away from the skin where it evaporates. LAYERING SYSTEMS. Lightweight layers are the key to any activewear wardrobe. A good layering system should include three basic elements: Moisture management, warmth and weather protection. The moisture management layer is worn next to the skin to keep the body dry and comfortable. Often this layer can provide additional warmth as well. In truly cold climates, however, a layer of insulation is important. Insulations should be selected based on the activity and the weather. Heavyweight insulations, for instance, are most appropriate for low aerobic activities in cold climates. For the outer layer, durable nylon fabrics, such as DuPont certified Supplex® fabrics and Tactel® nylon fabrics, are appropriate for a wide range of end uses. The nylon fabrics are often finished with an invisible layer of DuPont Teflon® to protect against rain and stains. These fabrics work well in garments designed for the activewear market. Layering systems are ideal because they can be tailored to meet any needs through a wide range of weather conditions. SHAPE RETENTION AND FIT. Garments that hold their shape and maintain a comfortable fit wear after wear, wash after wash, are important attributes to activewear apparel. Lycra® brand spandex, used in combination with other fibers, enhances the fit of a garment and allows it to maintain its shape over an extended period of time. Lycra® brand is also being added to the collars and cuffs of fleece sweatshirts. Lycra® has long been an important fiber in swimwear, bodywear and other activewear. Compression shorts, often worn as support garments under loose-fitting shorts, team uniforms, tennis skirts and warm-ups have high percentages of Lycra® brand for increased movement, comfort and proper fit. QUICK-DRYING. Quick drying fabrics, like Supplex® nylon and Tactel® nylon, are water resistant. These products keep moisture on the fabric's surface making it easy for the sun and/or air to lift moisture out and promote evaporation. This process differs from "moisture management" in that it works on the outside of the fabric. Moisture management fabrics wick perspiration moisture from the inside out. Quick-drying fabrics keep moisture on the fabric's surface. Used in outerwear, warm-ups, bodywear, swimwear and activewear, these performance fabrics often compete head-to-head with cotton fabrics which absorb moisture and dry slowly. LIGHTWEIGHT. Innovations in fiber design have led to lightweight, breathable and durable fibers. Microfibers, such as DuPont Micromattique(TM) microdenier polyester, are the "cream of the crop" within this category and offer the most advanced design. Other examples of lightweight and breathable fabrics include: CoolMax®, Thermax(CM), ThermaStat(TM), Supplex® and Tactel®. EASY CARE. Despite all the advancements in fiber and fabric design and garment construction, the garments are all machine washable. These garments can stand up to multiple washings without losing their shape, color durability and other performance and aesthetic attributes. Modern performance fabrics don't shrink, pill or retain odors. Teflon® fabric protector, an invisible, water-based finish that resists water and stains by bonding to the fibers of virtually all fabrics, is also easy to care for. Garments protected with Teflon® won't soil as easily and don't require special cleaning. VERSATILITY. The idea of "cross-training" takes on new meaning. Advancements in technology have broadened the end use for most man-made fibers and fabrics. A CoolMax® singlet works as well for a game of tennis as it does for a 5-mile run. A Supplex® warm-up is appropriate for a round of golf or a walk around the block. A few basic pieces can make up a wardrobe for a full range of activities. Because these fibers and fabrics work when the highest level of performance is required, they also work under less strenuous conditions. Thus, many activewear garments are doing double-duty as streetwear and/or casualwear. If you have questions or comments, contact us by email at or by phone at DuPont Performance Fabrics: 1-800-342-3774. Copyright © 1996 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. All rights reserved. DuPont CoolMax® is a high-tech fabric that is made from tetra-channel fibers. And that's cool. Because it's this fiber that makes CoolMax® work so well. The proprietary tetra-channel fibers in CoolMax® are what pull moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric. This is called 'wicking' and the way it works is pretty wicked. Once the moisture is in the outer layer, the larger surface area of the tetra-channel fibers cause the moisture to quickly evaporate. The result of these two actions, wicking and evaporation, is that you stay dry, so you're comfortable. Plus, CoolMax® breathes and it's easy to care for. Where staying dry is important, DuPont CoolMax® is the fabric to choose for sports, casual apparel, hosiery, sports accessories and career apparel. Moves moisture out and air in to keep you cool and dry. Close-up of four-channel fiber used in CoolMax® fabric. Channels speed moisture to outer surface. No other performance fabric even comes close to keeping you as comfortable through wicking and evaporation. Other fabrics are capable of wicking moisture quickly, but they don't dry as fast as DuPont CoolMax®. Evaporation is what it takes to stay comfortable during all types of activities and in all weather conditions. If you have questions or comments , contact us by e-mail at info@dupont.com or by phone at DuPont Performance Fabrics: 1-800-342-3774 Copyright© 1997 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. All rights reserved.