The Optical Motion collection, presented at Performance Days in Munich over the past two days, combines Eurojersey’s expertise in producing technical knitted fabrics with Petratex’s experience in developing and manufacturing technical clothing, according to a statement from Eurojersey shared by Petratex. «The aim is to explore a new idea of performance wear, where fabric and garment are no longer considered as separate elements, but as integral parts of one creative and design process», it adds.
Cycling was chosen as the starting point for the project, given the sport’s demands in terms of speed, aerodynamics, comfort and freedom of movement, which require close coordination between the materials used and garment construction, Eurojersey points out.
The collection incorporates materials with different levels of elasticity, compression and ventilation, combined with construction techniques adapted to specific areas of the body and the movements performed during sporting activity.
[©Eurojersey]
Aesthetics were also integrated into the development process. Inspired by Op Art, Optical Motion’s visual identity draws on three-dimensional textures, graphic patterns, contrasts and surfaces that interact with light to create visual effects associated with movement and speed.
An evolving partnership
With a history spanning more than 65 years, Eurojersey specialises in developing technical warp-knitted fabrics, manufactured through an integrated industrial process in Italy. The company works with polyamide yarns and elastomers, developing materials designed to offer properties such as elasticity, breathability, strength and durability.
As for Petratex, based in Paços de Ferreira and with 37 years of experience, it «has been transforming garment engineering into high-performance apparel solutions. While product design and development are based in Portugal, production can be carried out in either Portugal or Tunisia, depending on the client’s preference, utilising certified Industry 4.0 facilities where digitalised processes, cutting-edge technology, and rigorous quality control ensure the highest international standards», the statement highlights, adding that «this fully integrated approach combines flexibility, efficiency and manufacturing precision to deliver technical garments and high-performance apparel solutions».
Within the Optical Motion project, these capabilities were brought together in a development process that began in March with an analysis of the cycling market’s needs and research into materials and textures. In April, work progressed to defining the collection concept, garment architecture and body mapping.
[©Eurojersey]
The use of digital development tools and 3D prototyping made it possible to incorporate assessments of garment fit, comfort and construction into the design process. However, the project documentation does not provide quantitative test results that would allow the collection’s performance to be compared with other solutions available on the market.
More than the development of a specific cycling collection, Optical Motion is «a first tangible demonstration of what a new model of collaboration between Eurojersey and Petratex could become: a joint service capable of supporting brands from defining their performance objectives through to the development of the finished product», states Eurojersey’s communication.
According to the companies, this model will make it possible to develop solutions tailored to the needs of each product and market, integrating material characteristics and garment manufacturing processes from an early stage, rather than adapting them in separate stages.
Following the international launch of Optical Motion at Performance Days in Munich, the project will also be presented in Shanghai in November, bringing it to the Asian market.
