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Performance fabrics are fabrics engineered for a wide variety of uses where the performance of the fabric is the major parameter. Performance fabrics may be used in for all active wear, sports wear, summer and winter wear, mountain activities, trekking, work wear, in military, as well as urban wear and protective wear. Performance fabrics are meant for providing extra comfort and protection to the wearer under normal to extreme conditions.
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The performance of the fabric/garment is enhanced or achieved by a number of processes like selection of fibers and blending of the performance fibers during spinning, knitting or weaving along with other yarns like cotton, viscose, bamboo, polyester, acrylic, nylon, and elastane and also by processing and finishing with chemicals (also known as functional finishes) during dyeing or at finishing stages by padding or coating and some of them also possible at the garment stage. Nanotechnology can provide high durability for Performance fabrics,because nano-particles have a large suface area-to -volume ratio and high surface energy,thus presenting better affinity for fabrics and leading to an increase in durability of the function.The potential of nanotechnology in the development of new materials in the textile industry is considerable. On the one hand, existing functionality can be improved using nanotechnology and on the other, it could make possible the manufacture of textiles with entirely new properties or the combination of different functions in one textile material
These fabrics are also known as value-added textiles. The high performance and cost-effectiveness of smart fabrics and interactive textiles have enabled them to replace traditional materials and become popular among many end-users.The author analysts forecast the global smart fabrics and interactive textiles market to grow at a CAGR of 20.18% by revenue during 2014–2019. These fabrics can perform extraordinarily different than their natural behavior or what they were meant for. For example, a polyester garment can absorb water like cotton and a cotton trouser can gain the ability to repel water (both of these characteristics differ from their original nature). Smart textiles are an advanced type of performance fabrics.
Usage
These fabrics may have dual or multi-functionality so they are primarily used to increase the fabric's versatility. Sporting apparel moving out of the sports wear context and into fashionable street wear, for example yoga leggings may be used as casual wear. Also, active-wear can also be used for the purpose of formal clothing or casual clothing, and one fabric may certify all the criterion used to judge a fabric's appeal—for example, style, feel, comfort, appearance, flexibility and utility.
High performance fabrics, (such as those which are both flexible and flame retardant) are being used in the armed forces, in firefighting forces, and in the welding industry. They are also used for making workwear for industrial purposes due to their stain repellancy.
Characteristics
Different performance fabrics have various characteristics. Some varieties of performance fabrics are capable of blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation, and they often have protection from ticks and mosquitoes, moisture wicking,Quick Dry, temperature control and antimicrobial and anti-odor properties. Performance fabrics may also possess pilling-resistance,Antistatic, wrinkle resistance, stain (water, dirt and oil) resistance,Self cleaning and flame retardation. In some cases, they can be resistant to wind, heat and abrasion.