While searching for a fabric for Iwi Athletica I started in NZ, I wanted to create a fabric that allows for multiple attributes to support the high intensity activities of my customers.

Working with one of our mill partners we looked into Silver plated yarns as an option.  I wanted a base yarn that could run through numerous constructions to give the flexibility.  I have been huge fan of the silver technology and its characteristics make it an amazing yarn for high sweat activities.

Silver releases ions which inhibit the growth of bacteria.  During high intensity activities our body releases sweat to cool our regulate our body temperature.  This sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria and generates that sweaty smell.  So by using the ion release of silver we can reduce the bacteria and eliminate odor.

Silvertech fabrics we create are able to incorporate wicking, quick dry and comfort idea for base layers.  We wear tested the core fabric for Iwi Athletica in the most extreme environment of the summer squash court, where you sweat up to 1 litre of sweat in 45 minutes.

The challenge was not about wicking and quick dry but about being comfortable while wet.  We found the garment and fabric construction wicked sweat away and did not cling to the body, the players did not have to cage shirts between sets as they felt the garment did not cool when movement stopped like other synthetic and cotton shirts.  What more they garments did not stink while playing, nor did they retain stink like polyester does after washing.

We are now launching Iwi Athletica in January 2021 at the Tournament of Champions in NY.  Where Silvertech fabric will be the mainstay of our Tops business.