The LYCRA Company presents new technologies for sportswear fabrics at Febratex 2026

COOLMAX CloakFX™ reduces the appearance of sweat marks, while ITEMA’s new fabric uniquely combines COOLMAX® EcoMade and LYCRA® ADAPTIV technologies

The LYCRA Company is showcasing two textile innovations at Febratex 2026, held from August 18 to 21 in Blumenau (Santa Catarina). The launches include COOLMAX CloakFX™ technology—designed to reduce the visibility of sweat marks on clothing—and a new activewear fabric developed by the Brazilian knitwear manufacturer ITEMA, which combines COOLMAX® EcoMade and LYCRA® ADAPTIV technologies for the first time on the global market.

The solutions presented reinforce the textile industry’s move toward developing materials that combine performance, comfort, sustainability, and new functionalities. The aim is to meet the demands of consumers seeking garments capable of keeping up with various activities while offering greater comfort and practicality for everyday use.

New activewear fabric combines two technologies

Developed by ITEMA, the new activewear fabric combines COOLMAX® EcoMade and LYCRA® ADAPTIV technologies in a single construction. This combination delivers moisture management and thermal comfort, while incorporating recycled raw materials and offering adaptive stretch.

The result is a fabric developed to combine performance, comfort, and sustainability—characteristics increasingly valued in the sportswear segment.

The new feature will be showcased at Febratex in a garment created specifically for the fair, allowing the application of the technologies in the final product to be visualized.

“By combining two technologies that had not previously been used together, we supported the development of a solution that brings together sustainability, performance, and comfort in a single fabric. This launch demonstrates the potential of collaboration across the textile supply chain to create innovative products that are relevant to the consumer,” says Michelle Wild, Commercial Manager at The LYCRA Company.

COOLMAX CloakFX™ reduces the appearance of sweat marks

Another highlight from The LYCRA Company at Febratex 2026 is COOLMAX CloakFX™, a technology developed to make sweat marks less visually noticeable on garments.

The solution employs an optical mechanism that diffuses light at the fiber level, reducing the appearance of moisture on the fabric. At the same time, the technology provides moisture management and thermal comfort, helping garments maintain a drier appearance during wear.

Because it is embedded within the fiber, the technology retains its benefits even after wear and washing, extending its durability as a functional product attribute.

Technology combines performance and recycled material

In addition to aiding moisture management, COOLMAX CloakFX™ can offer superior UV protection compared to conventional polyester fibers. The solution utilizes a Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified fiber composed of 80% recycled material.

The technology can be applied across various apparel categories, including sportswear, casual wear, and professional clothing. This opens up opportunities for textile mills, manufacturers, and brands to develop products with functional attributes and consumer-perceived points of differentiation.

“COOLMAX CloakFX™ addresses a real consumer need by combining performance and discretion. It is an innovation that transforms the user experience and offers brands a concrete opportunity to develop products with an easily perceived benefit,” highlights Carlos Fernandes, Commercial Director for South America at The LYCRA Company.

Textile innovation showcased at Febratex: With these two launches, The LYCRA Company expands its presence at Febratex 2026, offering solutions tailored to diverse market needs. While COOLMAX CloakFX™ introduces a novel approach to managing the visual appearance of moisture, the fabric developed by ITEMA demonstrates the potential of combining technologies focused on thermal comfort, moisture management, elasticity, and sustainability.

These new developments underscore the importance of technological innovation in creating higher-value fabrics and illustrate how collaboration across the textile supply chain can help transform technologies into products that meet evolving market demands.

Event Details
Febratex 2026
Date: August 18–21, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Parque Vila Germânica – Blumenau (SC)
The LYCRA Company Booth: Sector 2, spaces 266 and 271

About The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns leading consumer brands: LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its high-quality products, technical expertise, and marketing support. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the needs of consumers seeking comfort, performance, and durability. Learn more at www.thelycracompany.com