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Research and Markets: Snow Sports Apparel 2010

THURSDAY, 22 JULY 2010


Research and Markets has announced the addition of Textiles Intelligence's new report "Snow Sports Apparel" to their offering.

Clothing and accessories worn for snow sports and leisure activities in the mountains are designed not only to keep the wearer warm and dry but also to enhance performance and protect against the dangers often encountered on mountainous terrain.

Thanks to innovations in fabric technology and the increasing use of new materials, snow sports enthusiasts are able to spend many hours in below-freezing temperatures without becoming cold or wet. Garments capable of keeping out rain and snow while allowing perspiration to escape have revolutionised the snow sports apparel industry.

High technology and sophisticated laminates, such as Gore-Tex, are used in conjunction with moisture-wicking base layers and insulating middle layers to make sports such as skiing and snowboarding a safer and more comfortable experience.

In recent years, garments made from high-tech fabrics such as lightweight soft shells which combine insulation with the durability and weather resistance of a hard shell have gained widespread appeal and consigned duvet-like ski jackets to 1980s history.

The availability of clothing which is more comfortable has, no doubt, contributed to the strong popularity of skiing and snowboarding, and companies in the industry are racing against each other to develop the perfect solution for cold weather apparel.

Looking ahead, manufacturers face a number of major challenges, not least of which is the impact of climate change on snowfall and hence participation rates in skiing and snowboarding. Nonetheless, the future is bright for those companies which can drive technological developments and thereby gain a competitive advantage in an overcrowded marketplace. For other companies, the key to success lies in targeting niche segments in the market such as clothing designed specifically for women or specific sports categories.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com

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