British Olympic fencing hope for 2012 Richard Kruse, who is ranked number one in Britain and seventh in the world, has been testing a seamless base layer made from ThermoCool yarn. The garment was supplied by London based Leon Paul Equipment Co. Ltd., the official sponsor of British Fencing and The United States Fencing Association and supplier of official uniforms to the UK and US Fencing Teams.

Leon Paul, a major supplier to the fencing industry is launching a hi-tech brand incorporating ThermoCool seamless base layers and socks for use in fencing to help it achieve its goal of delivering high quality equipment and professional clothing to the fencing community. Established in 1921 in London as a family business, Leon Paul has always and still is run by Olympic fencers. Members of the family have competed in 20 Olympic Games and 30 World Championships and have won 25 national titles.

“We are always looking for introducing a premium selection of exciting new products. In terms of apparel, the requirements of our clients are protection, as well as functionality, comfort and top quality; therefore we have decided to introduce into our collection, which will really improve our current offering,” said Ben Paul, Advertising Manager of Leon Paul Equipment Co. Ltd.

British fencing hope Kruse said: “With all the protective layers needed in fencing it can get very hot but the venues for fencing are always very cold. Something that keeps me at optimum temperature is ideal.”

The Leon Paul selected Thermocool for its multi-functionality properties, designed to optimize the body’s natural thermoregulation capabilities through smart fibre cross sections: providing evaporative cooling or thermo-buffering according to the fencers` activity.

Avoiding chemical treatments, Thermocool is said to provide enhanced air circulation coupled with moisture management during physical exertion. It consists of a unique blend of fibres with different cross sections inside the same yarn that will interact with the user of the garment. Manufacturer of Thermocool Advansa claims the intimate fibre blend in the yarn provides the mentioned dual functionality.

“We are very pleased that Leon Paul Equipment chose for these exceptional performance clothes,” said Silvia Toledo of Advansa. “In response to the growing demand of consumers for technically advanced apparel for sporting and outdoor activities, with ThermoCool we grant a maximizing of the wearer’s performance at highest level by adapting its properties to the wearer’s needs.”

Leon Paul’s seamless base layer garments have been manufactured on Santoni seamless machines by Spanish producer Lurbel. The company, which is based in Ontinyet (Valencia) is a ‘precision garment’ manufacturer specialising in seamless underwear and functional sportswear, as well as technical socks.