Dow Fiber Solutions Introduces Non-Iron Stretch Fabric

Say Goodbye to Ironing - DOW XLA Fiber Revolutionizes Ready-to-Wear Market

Horgen, Switzerland — With consumers continuing to seek ways to simplify their lives and cut back on time-consuming domestic activities, Dow Fiber Solutions presents DOW XLA™ fiber - a revolutionary fiber - the first and only stretch solution that can be combined with true non-iron finishes to create the ultimate shirt for today's busy lifestyles.

According to a national survey by Whirlpool Company(1), ironing ranks high on consumers' list of most hated tasks. In fact, nearly one in three people would rather go to the dentist than iron. Ironing ranks second, behind cleaning the bathroom, among most detested domestic chores. Thirty-one percent surveyed dislike ironing so much they never do it all. According to the Clothing Care Habits and Practices Survey(2), 75 percent of all clothes are sent to the dry cleaners to remove wrinkles and odors - not to remove visible stains. For these many people, DOW XLA fiber will greatly simplify their lives, their pocketbooks and their wardrobes.

Brad Miller, commercial director for Dow Fiber Solutions, said, "We are delighted to be partnering with the textile industry to provide truly differentiated solutions for brands, retailers and consumers. With ironing ranking so low on consumers' desired activities, we feel that we are providing real value to our partners and consumers. DOW XLA fiber is the perfect complement to easy-wear, easy-care textiles."

Brooks Brothers was the first U.S. retailer to use DOW XLA fiber, introducing it in fall 2004 by weaving it into its two-ply cotton shirt to create a new women's fitted shirt that doesn't require ironing. "We incorporated DOW XLA fiber into our two-ply cotton shirts to provide added value and the ultimate in comfort to consumers," said Joe Dixon, vice president of production and manufacturing for Brooks Brothers. "We can now offer our shoppers a shirt that doesn't require ironing and also retains its fit and shape."

Other major retailers are also now incorporating DOW XLA fiber into their garments and retailers in Europe, such as CasaModa in Germany, are also using the fiber.

DOW XLA fiber is the world's first olefin-based stretch fiber that is inherently resistant to harsh chemicals and high heat - enabling it to be combined with true non-iron finishes. Other elastic fibers can't survive the process and chemicals required to become non-iron. DOW XLA is the only fiber that behaves perfectly in this environment and the only stretch fiber to allow achievement of a DP rating of 3.5, even after 50 washing cycles. This rating defines a true non-iron fabric.

Visitors to the Dow Fiber Solutions stand 5F46-5F42, hall 5 at the Premiere Vision - Expofil show and to stand A04, hall 2 at Texworld have the opportunity to see ready-to-wear fabrics containing DOW XLA fiber.

SOURCE: Dow Fiber Solutions