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Fabric Technology

Women's Chamois Systems

All three systems feature:

  • specific women's "baseball" cut
  • thin, friction-absorbing, open-celled foam
  • durable bottom layer
  • contour sewn
  • two sizes to ensure proper fit

bioSUEDE Chamois System also has

  • extremely soft and supple bioSUEDE top layer
  • superior Ultrasensor moisture-transfer base layer

ProSuede Chamois System also has

  • brushed hydrophobic top layer
  • superior Ultrasensor moisture-transfer layer

StealthQuest Chamois System also has

  • brushed hydrophobic top layer

Men's Chamois Systems

All three systems feature:

  • specific women's "baseball" cut
  • thin, friction-absorbing, open-celled foam
  • durable bottom layer
  • contour sewn
  • two sizes to ensure proper fit

bioSUEDE Chamois System also has

  • extremely soft and supple bioSUEDE top layer
  • superior Ultrasensor moisture transfer layer

ProSuede Chamois System also has

  • brushed hydrophobic top layer
  • superior Ultrasensor moisture-transfer layer

StealthQuest Chamois System also has

  • brushed hydrophobic top layer

Supplex Lycra

  • Microfilament Supplex nylon durability
  • Lycra spandex stretch and recovery form fit

Our blend of DuPont's Supplex nylon and Lycra spandex fabric gives you the best of both worlds: synthetic durability and form fit with the feel of a natural fiber. Supplex nylon is composed of microfilament yarns that are soft and supple yet incredibly durable. With the uniform stretch and recovery of Lycra spandex added, function and comfort are the result.

SugarloafMicro Fleece

  • High heat insulation value
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Anti-pilling
  • Super stretch
  • Breathable
  • Machine washable and dryer safe

The soft, luxurious feel of this fabric is complemented by its incredible performance and thermal qualities provided by its microfilament construction.

Pearl Izumi Base Fabric

  • Durable
  • Finer yarns
  • Uniform stretch and recovery
  • Tightly knitted
  • Exclusive nylon/spandex blend

Each year we receive glowing testimonials regarding the fit and durability of our base fabric.

We are often asked to quantify our weight and materials, but comparing our base cloth to others on the market is, 99% of the time, like comparing apples to fish. Our yarns are finer in size. They are more finely knit yielding long-lasting stretch and recovery while providing incredible comfort and durability.

TopoG

  • Cordura Plus nylon yarns are 2 times more durable, and have up to 7 times greater bursting strength than conventional fabrics
  • Lycra spandex for uniform stretch and recovery
  • Knit construction provides soft, supple comfort

This is a unique Spandura fabric that combines DuPont's rugged Cordura Plus nylon fiber with Lycra spandex in an innovative ripstop knit construction. The result is incredible durability - up to seven times greater than conventional nylon and spandex blends.

PolySENTRIC

  • New family of hydrophobic polyester fabrics
  • PolySENTRIC jersey fabric is used in cycling jerseys with a pique' knit for comfort
  • PolySENTRIC jersey fabric is excellent for printing

Lightweight, PolySENTRIC fabric features quick drying hydrophobic polyester yarns that speed the evaporative process. The textured yarns offer exceptionally soft comfort while allowing it to drape well for fredom of movement.

PolySENTRIC Mesh

  • New family of hydrophobic polyester fabrics
  • PolySENTRIC mesh is brushed offering a soft hand and comfort

Ultrasensor

  • Hydrophobic polyester yarns speed evaporation
  • One-way capilary moisture moving action
  • Larger yarns next to the skin, finer yarns on the face

The following fabrics are exclusive, high-performing, moisture-transfer constructions in the Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor family of fabrics that will tackle any weather condition.

Brushed Ultrasensor Mesh: Lightweight mesh construction is used in base layers as a brief.

Stretch AirOh! Mesh: Specially constructed stretch mesh used in tops, accessories, and shorts

Brushed Ultrasensor: Summer and light winter-weight fabric for tops and jerseys

Stretch Ultrasensor: Originally pioneered by Pearl Izumi in 1981/Blended with spandex for shorts, tights, and accessories

Kodiak Light Ultrasensor: Medium fall/winter weight for longsleeved tops and jerseys

Microsensor

  • 15-20% faster moisture-transfer rate than Ultrasensor
  • Extremely soft hand
  • Microfilament, hydrophobic polyester yarns speed evaporation
  • One-way capilary moisture-moving action
  • Larger yarns next to the skin, finer yarns on the face

Part of our Ultrasenrsor family of fabrics, Microsensor takes performance to the next level by having a 15-20% taster moisture-transfer rate. Moisture is pulled away from the skin through a unique capilary action with larger yarns next to the skin and finer microfilament yarns on the face of the fabric.

Aloft

  • Ultrasensor's moisture transfer function
  • Ceramic particles provide sun-reflective cooling
  • UV block

Aloft is a space-age fabric that keeps you cool and dry, even on the hottest days.

The construction of Aloft fabric begins with Ultrasensor fabric's moisture-transfer capabilities. We then add tiny ceramic particles and suspend them evenly within the yarn. These miniscule particles cool the body by actually reflecting the sun's rays. This technology keeps you several degrees cooler than you would be wearing conventional fabrics.

In addition, Aloft fabrics can actually block UV radiation. However, because all of our Aloft garments are made using mesh constructions to speed the evaporative process, they will not completely protect you from the sun. We suggest you frequently apply a sunscreen or sunblock product.

Zephrr

  • Hydrophobic microfilement construction
  • Breathable water resistant fluropolymer coating
  • Highly wind resistant
  • Extremely lightweight and compactible

Few places in the world are free from quick changes in temperature and conditions. Because Zephrr styles can be easily compacted into a jersey pocket or fanny pack, you can prepare for inclement weather ahead of time. Zephrr's balance of water resistancy, breathability, and wind protection creates an extremely quiet and comfortable garment. Zephrr fabric is a woven polyester microfilament construction that is very soft and supple.

WindStopper Fabric

  • WindStopper fabric from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is totally windproof.
  • It slows conduction (dry heat loss) and convection (wet heat loss)
  • WindStopper fabric is a laminated membrane that is breathable

WindStopper fabric stops the cold wind. Pearl Izumi's introduction of partial WindStopper garments has shown the potential for this classification of fabrics with styles combining windproof and nonwindproof features.

PR-2

  • 100% polyester is naturally hydrophobic and quick-drying
  • Lightweight for performance and comfort
  • Ripstop construction for durability

What fabric qualities do you look for in a functional running short? Weight and breathability as well as quick-drying and nonchafing features. Our PR-2 fabric meets all of the demands and is offered in our Team Running Shorts.

Phin-Tech

  • Fully hydrophobic (.05 moisture regain) polyolefin
  • Extremely low thermal conductivity provides insulation
  • Soft, comfortable, textured yarn
  • 1 x 1 rib knit provides form fit

Our Fall 1995 introduction of this fabric met with immediate success. Its fully hydrophobic moisture-transfer characteristics provide excellent comfort next to the skin.

AmFIB

  • Lightweight, hydrophobic (water-hating) shell fabric provides an excellent moisture barrier and will not become saturated
  • Durable PU-based AmFIB laminate for windproof and waterproof protection
  • Extremely high vapor permeability for superior breathability

Pearl Izumi's exclusive AmFIB fabric meets the foul weather challenge in every respect.

This lightweight, hydrophobic shell fabric provides a moisture barrier, eliminating the possibility of the fabric saturating.

The durable, polyurethane-based AmFIB laminate provides total windproof and waterproof protection with extremely high vapor permeability.

The three-layer rigid construction features a diamond ripstop shell fabric and a durable, hydrophobic inner layer that provides comfort and durability.

Pittards Leather

  • Pittards' unique process permanently bonds water repellent chemicals to each fiber.
  • Microscopic pores between fibers allow water vapor to pass
  • Tremendous combination of durability and supple softness
  • "ip" embossing provides better grip

In northern Africa there is a species of sheep that does not have a true fleece, but a hide with a thin covering of hair. Through the evolutionary process, these sheep have adapted to the arid conditions of their environment by developin the lightest yet most durable hides known.The English-based Pittards company uses a proprietary tanning process to transform these hides into their WR100X leather. WR100X is sweat and water-resistant and breathable. The special Pearl Izumi "ip" pattern embossed into the leather provides superior grip action for cycling and cross country skiing. It dries soft and supple through many cleanings.

Pittards leather is the lightest, strongest natural leather in the world and yields an unparalleled degree of glove comfort and fit.

Cascade Fabric

  • Mediumweight ripstop construction
  • Nylon ensures durability
  • Cotton provides comfort
  • Rugged fabric for outdoor applications

There is often the need for a fabric that is comfortable for casual use yet functional when you need it to perform. Cascade fabric fills these needs with its rugged durability and comfortable performance features.

Journey Fabric

  • Polyester lowers moisture regain and helps hold the fabric shape
  • Lycra spandex offers uniform stretch and recovery for a form fit
  • Cotton provides comfort and a soft hand

Journey fabric has been specially engineered to offer a soft hand and excellent comfort. At the same time, features have been added to make this fabric perform when pressed into active service. The result is comfort without compromise to performance.

Pearl Izumi Light

  • Hydrophobic microfiliment construction
  • Superior woven construction drape
  • Quick drying
  • Extremely light and quiet

Comfort can be measured in many ways. To Pearl Izumi it means not having to think about your apparel so you can concentrate on your workout. Pearl Izumi Light provides the ultimate in comfort.

An even lighter ripstop version of Pearl Izumi Light is found in our revolutionary Record Running Shorts.

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