Demand for fabrics with performance characteristics is growing. The customer for outdoor gear is becoming more demanding for fabrics that look better, feel better, perform better and enhance their outdoor experience.

Camouflage printing, scent control, insect repellent and moisture management are just several of the performance characteristics currently in demand by the Hunting Industry and other outdoor activities.

Underlying this demand for performance characteristics is the demand for value.  Improving the customer’s outdoor experience requires fabric that is developed with the proper yarn… producing acceptable greige fabric… proper dyeing, printing and finishing… utilizing reliable, well managed and properly equipped factories in strategic locations.  Additionally, comprehensive quality control including 3rd party testing and inspection must be in place to assure all fabric specifications are met in bulk production.

Getting the right fabric with the right printing and finishing at the right place in a timely manner is a complex undertaking.

The staff of Schott Performance Fabrics has many years of collective experience in global fabric sourcing and supply chain management.

Is your current fabric supplier able to assist you in keeping up with the rapidly changing global outdoor fabric market?  If not, maybe you should contact Schott Performance Fabrics (How to contact SPF)

What performance characteristics are your customers looking for?

Soft and Quiet

There are a variety of ways to produce fabric that is soft and quiet (both natural fiber and synthetics).  Our staff has many years of combined experience in developing fabric that is soft and quiet and also durable and functional.

Breathable Waterproof Laminates and Sandwich Fabrics

Variables include the type of fabric to be laminated, the type of laminate, the method of applying the laminate and the type of finish to be applied on the fabric.  We will be glad to discuss with you the performance specifications required and logistical considerations for your BRWP needs.

Moisture Management

New fibers and textile finishes provide many possible combinations to enhance the wicking characteristics of apparel fabric. Wicking draws moisture through the fabric by capillary action transporting moisture to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. This wicking process results in keeping the user drier and more comfortable in cold and hot weather. Wicking is measured by dipping fabric specimens in water and measuring the distance water travels in the specimen at timed intervals. The farther and faster the water travels, the better the wicking characteristics of the fabric.

Other Performance Characteristics

Odor Control

There is a growing demand for performance fabrics that inhibit and reduce odor. Byproducts of bacterial activity (especially sulfur and phosphorus) are some of the principle sources of odor. Antibacterial applications on or in fabric inhibit or suppress the growth of bacteria, thus reducing odor. There are currently many compounds being used as antibacterial agents for fabrics including triclosan, sily quaternary ammonium salt, sliver compounds, titanium dioxide and bamboo charcoals. Each of these antibacterial compounds has their own special properties, benefits and durability.

Schott Performance Fabrics has much experience supplying fabric with antibacterial finishes and we can offer assistance selecting the appropriate finish and corresponding testing data. 

Insect Repellents

Schott has recently introduced an economical and eco-friendly mosquito repellent. This textile finish uses a natural mosquito repellent in a microencapsulated delivery system for application to fabrics.