Description
The technical developments in the sports clothing industry have resulted in the use of engineered textiles for highly specialised performances in different sports. With high-functional and smart materials providing such a strong focus in the textile industry generally, companies are increasingly looking for ‘value added’ textiles and functional design in sportswear as well as intelligent textiles which monitor performance with in-built sensors. Combining clothing functions with wear comfort is a growing market trend, and for all active sportsmen this constitutes one of the vital factors for achieving high level of performance. Textiles in sport is divided into five parts. Part One explores the current sportswear market, starting with a market overview then going on to look at current design, material requirements and functional footwear. In Part Two the innovative fibres and fabrics available are outlined, including high performance and high functional fibres, smart and intelligent textiles and coated and laminated textiles. Part Three focuses on the need for comfort in sportswear. The physiological comfort of sportswear can affect not only a wearer’s wellbeing but also his performance. The role of elastic can also play a part in providing comfort, through minimising the garments resistance to the wearer’s movements. The important issue of protection is looked at in the next section, with chapters on impact protection, protection against the cold and water resistance and water vapour transfer. Finally, part Five offers outlines of specific applications, with case studies of textile composites, textiles in sailing and textile use in sports shoes. Written by a distinguished editor and an international team of authors from the cutting edge of textile research Textiles in sport is invaluable for a broad range of readers ranging from scientists, designers and technical staff at academic institutions, biomedical researchers, material buyers, designers and product development staff working in companies that manufacture sportswear to serious sportspersons.
