Advantages of functional yarn
Functional yarns offer several advantages over traditional yarns due to their specialized properties. Here are some of the main advantages of functional yarn:
Moisture management: Many functional yarns have moisture-wicking properties that can help keep the wearer dry and comfortable, making them ideal for athletic wear and outdoor activities.
Temperature regulation: Some functional yarns have thermal regulation properties that help to regulate body temperature, keeping the wearer warm in cold conditions and cool in hot conditions.
Antibacterial and odor control: Functional yarns can be treated with antibacterial agents that help to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce odors, making them ideal for clothing worn during physical activities.
UV protection: Some functional yarns have UV protection properties that can help to block harmful UV rays from the sun, providing additional protection to the wearer.
Sustainability: Functional yarns can be made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled polyester or organic cotton, reducing the environmental impact of textile production.
Enhanced performance: Functional yarns can enhance the performance of clothing by improving fit, stretch, and durability.
Functional Yarn Trends
Functional yarns refer to fibers that have been engineered to provide specific performance characteristics beyond their basic textile properties. Here are some of the current functional yarn trends:
Moisture-wicking yarns: Moisture-wicking yarns are designed to pull sweat away from the skin and move it to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. These yarns are popular in activewear and athletic apparel.
Antibacterial yarns: Antibacterial yarns are treated with agents that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, reducing odors and preventing the spread of germs. These yarns are popular in socks, underwear, and other garments that come into close contact with the skin.
Temperature-regulating yarns: Temperature-regulating yarns are designed to help maintain a comfortable body temperature by insulating in cold weather and releasing heat in warm weather. These yarns are popular in performance apparel and outdoor gear.
Stretch yarns: Stretch yarns are designed to provide a greater range of motion and flexibility in garments. These yarns are popular in activewear, dancewear, and other garments that require a full range of motion.
Reflective yarns: Reflective yarns are treated with materials that reflect light, making the wearer more visible in low-light conditions. These yarns are popular in athletic apparel, outdoor gear, and safety clothing.
Recycled yarns: Recycled yarns are made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, fabric scraps, and other waste materials. These yarns are popular in sustainable fashion and are often used in activewear and casual clothing.
Smart yarns: Smart yarns are embedded with sensors or other technology that can monitor body temperature, heart rate, and other health metrics. These yarns are popular in fitness tracking and medical apparel.
Industry standard for functional yarn
There are several industry standards for
functional yarns that ensure their performance and quality. Some of the key standards include:
ISO standards: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed several standards for testing functional yarns, including standards for measuring moisture management, antibacterial properties, and thermal insulation.
ASTM standards: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed standards for measuring the performance of textiles, including standards for moisture management, thermal insulation, and abrasion resistance.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This is a certification system for textiles that ensures they are free from harmful substances and safe for human use. Many functional yarns are certified to this standard, indicating that they are safe for use in garments that come into contact with the skin.
Bluesign? System: This is a certification system that ensures the environmental and social sustainability of textiles. Many functional yarns are certified to this standard, indicating that they have been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Overall, the industry standard for functional yarns is to ensure that they provide the performance characteristics that they claim, while also meeting environmental and safety standards.