NEW YORK — DuPont, whose Lycra spandex fiber has had its biggest impact in the circular knit market, recognized 10 knitters Thursday that the company said are “setting the pace for the future expansion of this category.”
Fifty executives attended a luncheon and fashion show at the Equitable Building here, where the knitters got DuPont’s 1994 Lycra IQ (for innovation and quality) awards. The presentation was a first. DuPont executives said it will become a yearly event.
Knitting mills cited for their efforts were Baras Jersey, Burlington Knitted Fabrics, Fabrictex, Guilford Mills, Liberty Fabrics, Lida Inc., Milliken & Co., Shara-Tex, Symphony Fabrics and Texollini.
Firms considered for the award submitted selected fabrics containing Lycra. To be eligible, each mill had to produce at least 10 styles with Lycra during the last year. Eighty percent of the styles submitted had to meet Lycra’s ready-to-wear certification standards for stretch, recovery and shrinkage. Certification lets the mill use the Lycra brand name on the fabric.
Finally, DuPont executives judged the fabrics for innovation and style, considering such factors as color and drape. More than 60 mills submitted fabrics for the competition, according to DuPont.
“We see accelerating growth opportunities for circular knits with the Lycra brand for the future,” said Wally McWalter, regional director, Lycra North America. “Leggings with Lycra are a staple in women’s wardrobes, and circular knits are moving into new end-uses — from loose-fitting sportswear to dresses and men’s wear.”