May 2002 will see the launch of a new publication, Performance Apparel Markets, to coincide with Avantex in Frankfurt, the European trade show aimed at the performance apparel industry.

Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry, according to Textiles Intelligence, the world’s leading provider of business and strategy information on the global textile and apparel industries. This view is supported by a growing number of exhibitors at textile and apparel fairs around the world (including Preview In Daegu in Korea, March 2002 and Pitti Filati in Italy, January 2002) who have introduced ‘smart’ or ‘intelligent’ textile products during 2002. Garment producers are all too aware that they need to find new niche markets using new materials, if they want to protect their businesses against low cost imports of traditional textiles and apparel. This pressure will only intensify in the run-up to the elimination of quotas at the end of 2004.

The market for performance apparel fabrics is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. Market growth is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, running, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, ballooning, parachuting, snowboarding, and ski-ing.

Exciting innovations are emerging in fire retardant materials and those which protect against extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. The market for corporatewear is growing – and, in some cases, it is becoming increasingly fashion-oriented. Fashion designers are looking to high-tech fabrics to create more exciting and innovative ranges for the high street. The distinction between high-tech sportswear and leisurewear is no longer clearly defined.

Performance Apparel Markets will be published four times a year by Textiles Intelligence, and will provide decision makers with a regular source of in-depth information about developments in performance clothing and in the yarns, fabrics and finishes used in their manufacture.

Each issue of Performance Apparel Markets will contain research-based information on one of the following topics: moisture management; temperature regulation; stretch; strength; reflective wear; support wear; UV protection; windproof, waterproof and water-resistant technologies; flame retardancy; and 'smart' textiles.

In addition, each issue will contain an update on the major developments in the performance apparel sector, a profile of a company involved in the industry, and a summary of relevant business news.