Lycra fibre and innovations from Invista are positioned to play a prominent role in the spring and summer ready-to-wear fashions for 2013. Invista's apparel experts have identified four focus areas for the next generation of ready-to-wear styles. A diverse selection of Lycra fibre innovations are specifically prepared to meet the performance demands of these anticipated developments.

Invista describes the focus areas and innovations as follows:

Playing with the past

The first trend, Playing with the Past, is retro reminiscent - addressing the desire to look fresh and pretty, in the spirit of the hopeful 50s and 60s. This includes prim summer fabrics in fresh shades and well-rooted, traditional patterning. Swirled dresses, flared pants, flowing skirts, pristine shirting and fancy knits are some of the many styles within this category. Easy Set Lycra fibre can enhance softness and natural drape for such designs. The recovery properties of Lycra fibre allow knits to retain their shape.

For shirting and suiting, Lycra Freefit fabric also helps garments keep their shape while delivering a crisp new feel and fresh whiteness. Fabrics that require a graphic, jacquard weave or other textured effects can utilise Lycra T400 fibre, which adds comfort stretch and long-lasting shape retention for enduring appeal.

Patterns rely on sharp, fresh and bright colour contrasts. Lycra fibre achieves this surface effect while also addressing fit. Unique colour effects and richer colours for knit tops are available through Lycra T400 Black fibre. Other Lycra fibre advantages for retro fashions include freedom of movement and dimensional stability for soft knits.

Shape Up

The second design tendency, Shape Up, turns sportswear garments into city attire with luxurious appeal. These fashions rely on compact fabrics that shape the silhouette, and other aspects such as glued seams, taping, welding, moulding and embossing.

Easy Set Lycra fibre minimises the fabric discolouration that can be caused by heat-setting, bonding and moulding. Lycra Black fibre adds depth and vibrancy to the bright shades of sporty designs.

Garments containing Lycra fibre can be wrapped and knotted freely, which also adds sensuality, shapely fit, and all-over stretch and comfort. Rigid utilitarian details such as pockets, flaps and zips can also benefit from the comfort provided by Lycra fibre.

Relaxed Elegance

Third is the category of Relaxed Elegance, which includes styles that possess a timeless quality. They are quiet and luxurious, with a powerful contemporary touch in cut, make and materials. Lycra fibre can add a clear feminine aspect to garments, while Lycra Freefit fabric helps maintain a new feel.

Lycra T400 fibre allows comfort fit, stretch and drape, and enables finishing effects that help maintain the texture and quality of the fabric. A combination of refined tailoring and comfortable ease in wear is made possible with Lycra fibre.

Birds of Paradise

The fourth trend, Birds of Paradise, is ethnic and folkloric influences applied to modern fashion silhouettes, exhibiting craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage. Examples include travel suits, tunics, shifts and tanks made mostly of natural materials, or nature inspired. Lycra Freefit fabric combines moderate stretch with natural aesthetics.

With Lycra fibre, designers can add comfort and contouring stretch to fabrics inspired by traditional crafts. For unique marl and patterning effects, Lycra Black fibre can be used as a design tool.

After more than 50 years of performance in the textile industry, Lycra fibre is still evolving to create new possibilities for designers and consumers worldwide. As Invista researchers and apparel experts strive to offer additional value within ready-to-wear and other fashion segments, the company's innovation portfolio is constantly updated to serve changing needs.