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TENCEL® in Active Wear

20.02.2006

Nanofibrils are the secret
TENCEL® is quite unique among cellulosic fibers. Nanofibrils in the actual fiber guarantee perfect moisture management when performing sports. Submicroscopic canals between the individual nanofibrils regulate the absorption and release of moisture.

No overheating when practicing sports
The absorption and release of moisture are the basic principles for the regulation of the individual body temperature when performing sports. The human body clocks up a performance of around 60 Watt when sleeping. A sportsman records more than 1,000 Watt. Excess body heat when doing sports has to be shed by the body to prevent overheating. This is done by perspiring. And this is precisely where TENCEL® enters the game since up to 1.8 liters of liquid are released during peak sporting performances.
The nanofibrils of the TENCEL® fiber guarantee optimum moisture transportation and thus excellent temperature regulating properties. Thus TENCEL® optimizes the body’s performance and regulates the skin temperature. With synthetic fibers on the other hand, the skin temperature increases as a result of the low absorption of moisture which leads to a deterioration in performance.

Moisture Management
Compared to synthetic fibers the moisture management of TENCEL® is quite unique since TENCEL® absorbs moisture quite naturally and then releases this again quickly into the environment. In comparison, synthetic fibers absorb no moisture at all. With synthetic fibers the moisture stays on the fiber in the form of a film on the surface.

TENCEL® - the skin sensor
TENCEL® is particularly soft on the skin due to the combination of outstanding moisture absorption and a smooth fiber surface. Particularly when it comes to peak sporting performances, sports clothing has to be functional and pleasant next to the skin. Rough fiber surfaces can lead to skin irritations and can impair sporting performances as a result of rubbing against the skin.

The stay-fresh fiber
The high moisture absorption of TENCEL® is responsible for lots of different properties. For example it nips the formation of bacteria in the bud since the moisture on the skin is immediately spirited away to the inside of the fiber. Thus no water film can form on the fiber which could be the basis for the growth of bacteria. 
Tests have demonstrated that TENCEL® has the lowest bacterial growth. TENCEL® prevents an increase in the number of bacteria without the use of chemical additives. If one compares TENCEL® and synthetic fibers, the risk of bacterial growth is 2,000 times higher with synthetic fibers than with TENCEL®.

Say goodbye to static charges
If the surfaces of materials rub against each other, static charges are produced as a result of charge separation. When performing sports these electrostatic charges can have a negative impact. TENCEL® prevents electrostatic charges due to the natural moisture content of the fiber. The moisture level of TENCEL® is 13% and in polyester only 1%.

Versatile use in sportswear
TENCEL® is used in a variety of different ways both in High Activity and in the Sports-Lifestyle sector. Following manufacturers already have TENCEL® in their collections:

Adidas (Stella McCartney Kollektion)
Chillaz
Columbia Sprotswear
Jack Wolfskin
Lafuma
Löffler
Salewa
Schiesser
TBS
Nike

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Nanofibrils in the TENCEL® fiber
guarantee optimum moisture transportation.
Picture: Lenzing AG