The company is now expanding the range by introducing two additional tiers of performance standards focused specifically on the fast-growing compression and shaping categories within sports apparel categories: Lycra Sport Energy fabric and Lycra Sport Beauty fabric.

Invista will be exhibiting at two tradeshows in late January - one in North America at OR and one in Europe at ISPO Munich - where the new tiers will be launched.

The Lycra Sport fabric platform combines stretch fibre technology and demanding fabric performance requirements designed specifically for sports and outdoor apparel. The program was originally developed in response to feedback from athletes and active people who expect freedom of movement, fit and shape retention in their athletic apparel - the same benefits that they also associate with the Lycra fibre brand.As a result, purchase interest for garments with Lycra Sport fabric reach 60 percent in consumer surveys*.

"We are very excited to be moving the Lycra Sport fabric brand forward with new tiers that have clearly defined performance standards for the growing active and athletic audience that is looking for well-made garments, with excellent fit and freedom of movement," said David Capdevila, Invista Apparel's Global Marketing Director for Active and Outerwear.

"We are confident that both the industry and end-consumers, both men and women, will find our tiers are the solution they are looking for to fill the gap in the market," he said.

The new performance standards that make up the new tiers, built from the original Lycra Sport fabric platform, were developed in recognition of the more unique requirements of the compression and shapewear sub-categories.

The new three differentiated tiers of Lycra Sport fabric are as follows:

Lycra Sport fabric

The current performance standards enabling fabrics to maintain their original properties for longer, and delivering freedom of movement, bi-directional stretch, comfort and long-lasting fit. New to this tier is the qualification of natural fibres in fabrics meeting the required performance standards. All existing Lycra Sport fabrics will qualify for this tier.

Lycra Sport Energy fabric

The new performance standards designed specifically for compression fabrics used in high intensity and high energy sports, maintaining the right balance between fabric compression power, freedom of movement and outstanding comfort. Lycra Sport Energy fabric enables the creation of high performance compression garments.

Lycra Sport Beauty fabric

The new performance standards designed specifically for sports apparel where shaping performance meets beauty and style. This tier helps to improve the shaping impact of fabrics while maintaining the freedom of movement and comfort required in sporting activities.

Hangtags for all three tiers will be available for garments made with Lycra Sport fabric and that meet the demanding standards of each category.

*Source: 2008 Global survey with 2,000 consumers practicing sport and aged 18-45 (men and women), Pinnacle Marketing.