Extending Range of LYCRA® Beauty Qualifying Fabrics in Intimate Apparel

WICHITA, Kan. - July 15, 2011 - INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated producers of fibers and polymers, continued the success of its innovative LYCRA® beauty fabric certification program, The Science of Shaping™, at Mode City in Paris, July 9-11.

As of June 2011, more than a thousand high performance and specialty fabrics for intimate apparel applications have been certified as LYCRA® beauty fabrics throughout the world. The certification program for shaping intimates was launched with great success at Mode City in September 2010 after INVISTA commissioned global research*   on what women consider to be important attributes in their shapewear, and how well their expectations were met. The study found that there is a large gap between importance and satisfaction across all attributes of the shapewear market.

This year, the platform enters new frontiers to meet the consumer increased desire for shaping with more comfort and style, with a wider selection of intimate apparel materials, ranging from delicate lace or ultra-lightweight fabrics to seamless garment construction technology.

The launch of our LYCRA® beauty fabric certification program at Mode City in September 2010 showed not just great success, but also a great potential for growth, and we are proud to be offering an innovative platform that is being used by mills to increase the development of high quality and comfortable lightweight fabrics that give freedom of movement, and that feature both shaping performance and improved comfort,” said Steven Stewart, INVISTA’s global segment director  for intimate apparel and swimwear.

“The trust in our brand has led to more mills seeking  brand approval ,  and thanks to years of research, INVISTA has been able to increase options for garment design to help the mills meet market needs,” Stewart said. “They can now provide ideal fabrics for close to the body sculpting applications, based on scientific understanding of shapewear technology, to meet demanding performance standards.”

LYCRA® beauty fabric samples from mills from various continents were showcased at the INVISTA stand at Mode City (Hall 1/M64 – N75). Visitors learned about the diversity of the LYCRA® beauty fabric platform, including:

• Latest commercial adoptions of shaping intimates with LYCRA® beauty fabric
• Latest commercial and concept garments showcasing the new LYCRA® beauty seamless developments
• Launch of LYCRA® beauty fabric for swimwear and first commercially available garments

INVISTA continues to lead the fashion industry by regularly updating its innovation portfolio, bringing added value to customers throughout the apparel value chain.

LYCRA® is a trademark of INVISTA.

*Source: Strategic Insights. Global Consumer Shapewear Study 2009. 1,133 female participants from US, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany and UK.

Do you know the LYCRA® fiber brand?

The LYCRA® fiber brand is an integral element in many of the world’s leading fashion brands but is often misunderstood. “LYCRA®” is not a fabric or type in its own right. It is not the name of the category of stretch fabrics or clothing. It is the world’s leading brand of elastane fiber and other premium stretch fibers and fabrics that can be combined with many other fabrics such as cotton, wool, leather or even cashmere. It is a brand that delivers the consumer promise of comfort, fit and freedom of movement. A touch of LYCRA® fiber ingredient can help make garments and the people that wear them look better and feel better.

LYCRA® branded fibers are essential ingredients in fashion today, driving innovation and working with designers and brands to produce stylish, beautiful clothes. LYCRA® branded fibers are found in all types of garments from underwear and swimwear, jeans and tailored suits to sportswear, hosiery and sweaters.

The LYCRA® fiber brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish “LYCRA®” as a brand, the word “LYCRA®” must be reported in all caps and with an ®, and always used in connection with the appropriate generic term.

About Mode City

The Mode City show is the leading international trade fair for intimates, swimwear and well-being. It is the most important business platform in the world for the swimwear and lingerie market. This year over 25,000m2 of exhibition space will host exhibitors representing 500 brands. Nearly 25,000 buyers are expected to attend, 70 percent of them international.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® THERMOLITE® and TORZEN™. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.