21 July 2009, Hong Kong - A major cotton apparel
manufacturer has introduced Australian Merino wool into a range of cotton yarns
to give its trans-seasonal garments a softer and more luxurious feel. The new
series of yarns, developed by the Hong Kong-based Esquel Group with Australian
Wool Innovation (AWI) support, is indicative of a trend among cotton apparel
manufacturers to give their garments a more comfortable feel by using
cotton/merino wool blends instead of 100 per cent cotton, says AWI.
By blending Australian Merino wool with cotton, AWI and
Esquel say they have created yarns that are softer to touch and more
comfortable to wear than 100 per cent cotton. It is also claimed that the yarns
are also lighter in weight and have more breathability, more elasticity and
better UV protection.
Esquel has blended Merino wool grown in Australia with its
own extra long staple (ELS) cotton grown in China to create 90/10, 80/20, 70/30
and 45/55 cotton/wool blend yarns, known as Comerino. AWI’s General Manager Key
Accounts & Innovation, Jimmy Jackson says: “By combining Merino wool with
cotton, Esquel has created a softer yarn with a better hand-feel, which is also
easy care”. “The Comerino yarns are ideal for trans-seasonal garments, casual
and outdoor fashion and men’s and womenswear, added Jackson.”
Jimmy Jackson says the launch of the Comerino yarns this
year is particularly significant because 2009 is the United Nations
International Year of Natural Fibres. “The blending of Merino wool and cotton
in the Comerino range is yet another textile platform where Australian Merino
wool demonstrates its reputation as one of the world’s most versatile and
technically dynamic natural fibres.”
Esquel and AWI are launching the Comerino range this week at
the Spin Expo trade show (20-22 July) in New York. “The yarns are being
strategically unveiled at Spin Expo in New York to target buyers throughout the
lucrative Americas region”, Jackson says, adding: “Spin Expo is a mecca for
leading knitwear designers, product developers, textile executives, retailers
and merchandisers from across the USA, Canada, Central and South America.”
The Esquel Group is one of the world's leading producers of
premium cotton apparel. Based in Hong Kong with production facilities in China,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, the group manufactures for some of
the world's best known brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Nike and
major retailers such as Marks & Spencer.
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