Swim Wear Fabric – Toray Develops New Nylon

Toray Industries, Inc. has developed a unique nylon fabric MIRAMATTE* that realizes a new feel of materials. In addition to the softness and feel of nylon, the product features a high-quality plumage-like touch ("Fine Feather Feeling"), with a refreshingly comfortable dry feel, and optimum drape. At the same time, MIRAMATTE* has excellent anti-ultraviolet and anti-transparent properties, and gives full play to its characteristics even if thin textile is used. The product is thus ideally suited to production of lightweight clothing.

The company will begin marketing MIRAMATTE* as apparel material designed for spring and summer seasons 2003 in both the domestic and offshore markets, while also targeting apparel products used for sports and casual wear in autumn and winter seasons 2003.

The company anticipates initial-year sales of approximately 1 million meters (about 500 million yen) and third-year sales of approximately 5 million meters (about 2.5 billion yen). Toray will first supply the product on a textile basis and expand it in the future to knitting, including the swim wear and yarn businesses.

Regarding the nylon fiber to be used in MIRAMATTE*, Toray has increased the inorganic particles, which are effective for anti-ultraviolet and anti-transparent properties in the nylon polymer, by approximately three times (equaling the world's highest density), which is as much as the maximum density achieved with existing mass production. In addition, the particles are distributed uniformly not only in the fiber but also on its surface. In this way, Toray has succeeded in realizing an unprecedented plumage-like touch by processing inorganic particles on the textile surface to form microscopic unevenness.

In addition, MIRAMATTE* displays an ultraviolet covering ratio of more than 90% even if micro fibers are used. Owing to its high anti-transparent property, it is suitable for the manufacture of thin and lightweight textile products. It can be perfectly designed to develop cross section-variations and fine denier because of the uniform distribution of the inorganic particles at the stage of polymerization.

In view of the consistent popularity of nylon materials for sports and casual wear in the fashion industry, Toray as the top producer of nylon fiber in Japan has been carrying out research and development on new nylon materials. The company plans to continue developing new nylon products to assure customer satisfaction in the future.

Author Notes:

Sharon Grant contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.bikini-bikini.com.  Bikinis and bathing suits for every body type plus accessories, maternity and special fits.