#Functional Fabrics

2026-02-19

lululemon introduces Unrestricted Power™ — A new sensation for strength training

lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) has unveiled Unrestricted Power™, a new innovation platform engineered for heavy lifts and demanding gym sessions. The assortment, which launches in North America, is backed by thousands of hours of research and development, providing secure support without compromising comfort and mobility, enabling a distraction-free fit built to match every move.

"Through deep collaboration with our Ambassadors, we identified the specific demands they face during their most intense training sessions. Unrestricted Power delivers unparalleled support paired with the luxurious feel and freedom of movement our products are known for,” said Antonia Iamartino, Senior Director, Franchise Innovations, lululemon Research & Product Innovation.

The product features a new lululemon proprietary performance fabric called PowerLu™, which is crafted with the brand’s highest filament-count yarn to provide the ideal balance of engineered stretch, unrestricted motion, and stability. The unique dual-action design stretches effortlessly with every rep, providing targeted support for the body while reducing the sensation of riding up, slipping down, or pulling even in the deepest squat position.

Unrestricted Power was developed through rigorous wear-testing with lululemon’s Ambassador athletes, including strength and performance athlete Kayla Jeter and seven-time Formula 1™ World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who both contributed real-world feedback to the fit, construction and performance during their toughest workouts.

“As an athlete, training is integral to my daily routine, and I'm always searching for gear that offers a performance edge. Unrestricted Power complements my training perfectly and feels amazing during every set,” said Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1™ World Champion and lululemon Ambassador.

“Unrestricted Power is the tight I’ve been missing in my collection. When I’m in a deep squat and lift, I don’t have to adjust anything and can focus on my movement. These tights feel so buttery soft, but also durable, so you get the best of both worlds,” said Kayla Jeter, Strength and Performance Athlete, Run Coach, and lululemon Ambassador.

The brand’s newest train assortment will feature both women’s and men’s styles including:

Unrestricted Power High Rise Tight 25” (W): Secure support with engineered stretch, a no-inseam construction to eliminate pulling in deep squats, raised yoke for enhanced glute support, and a no-dig waistband that stays in place.

Unrestricted Power Short 7” Lined (M): Developed from the inside out with a liner designed to provide support while reducing the sensation of riding-up during squats, paired with a durable, four-way stretch outer shell.

Unrestricted Power Cropped Long Sleeve (W) & Long Sleeve (M): Lightweight, second-skin tops designed for uninhibited movement, featuring ultra-flexible, soft-brushed fabric that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and breathes easily.

With the release of Unrestricted Power, lululemon continues to expand their high-performance training assortment designed to fuel every workout, including Wunder Train™, Glow Up™ and Licence to Train™ collections and Chargefeel ™ shoes.

Lenzing unveils three-tier cellulosic fiber portfolio for next generation protective wear

The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, today introduces Lenzing Solutions for Protective Wear. This integrated three-tier portfolio is anchored by LENZING™ FR fibers at the highest protection tier for inherent flame resistance and brings together complementary solutions including TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, both EU Ecolabel-certified² and derived from certified or controlled wood sources³, within a unified protective wear architecture for the first time. The launch marks the most significant expansion of Lenzing’s protective wear business since the company pioneered inherently flame-resistant cellulosic fiber in 1977, and comes as the global personal protective equipment (PPE) market accelerates toward an estimated USD 130 billion by 2033⁴.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.