2014年1月22日

何謂S.Cafe咖啡紗? | What is S.Café?

何謂S.Cafe咖啡紗?


咖啡與紗線的結合

當咖啡加上紗線,會是什麼樣的情形?若是在過去,當紗線遇上咖啡,可能只會有一種結果,意外潑撒在身上的咖啡帶來難以清洗的髒衣服。而今天,咖啡與紗線的結合,出現了另外一種可能,將使用過的廢棄咖啡渣添加至紗線中,創造出一種全新的機能性紡織品。值得一提的是,這咖啡紗線的催生者不是有著數百年咖啡飲用歷史的西方人,而是由台灣在地的機能性紡織品公司,歷時四年半開發而成。台灣興采將這款咖啡紗線命名為S.Cafe。而S代表的是simple,意指回收其實可以很簡單的在生活中被發想然後實踐。

哪來的想法?

許多發明或偉大發現多半都搭配著一個有趣的故事,阿基米德因為泡澡證明了浮力原理、牛頓被蘋果打到而證明地心引力,S.Cafe(r)也不例外。一日午後,興采實業總經理陳國欽與太太在等待表演開始之前,在星巴克享受悠哉午後。那時的機能性紡織品以竹碳纖維最為火紅,這樣的時空背景之下,陳太太拿著手中的咖啡,隨口說出:「竹碳可以加到紗線裡面做成竹碳纖維紗,那咖啡可不可以?」之後「咖啡可不可以加到紗線之中」的想法便一直在腦中旋轉。

回收咖啡渣是個綠色環保的行為,相當簡單明瞭,但是將咖啡渣添加到紗線之中可以為衣物帶來什麼樣的效益呢?其實只要稍加注意,咖啡渣的功能性早就有跡可循。儘管大多數的時候,人們對於咖啡渣的處理方式就是丟棄,可是有少部份的民眾會去咖啡店收集咖啡渣,帶回家中可以當肥料或是放置在鞋櫃、冰箱之類容易產生臭味的地方。

研究與開發

異味控制,就表面上看來,這是咖啡紗S.Cafe所能提供的一個機能。隨著大筆的人力與資金投入,在研究中漸漸發現一些跟咖啡相關的趣事。咖啡要能夠被飲用,必須要先經過烘焙,從生豆、未爆、一爆再到二爆,而每經過一個階段就會讓咖啡豆膨脹一些,膨脹代表的是比表面積增加。經過沖煮之後,咖啡內含的物質被熱水帶出,又更進一步的增加比表面積。團隊研究過後,比表面積正是異味控制這項功能的關鍵性因素。利用咖啡店和便利超商的廢棄咖啡渣,抽取其中油脂、雜質,經過奈米化過程產生母粒,再製成環保科技S.Cafe咖啡紗及布料,平均下來,每三杯咖啡的咖啡渣,便足夠做成一件衣服。

環保的概念

由於咖啡渣本身即具有除臭效能,可不經過高溫碳化,結合環保回收之再生材料,S.Cafe咖啡紗的製程可減少二氧化碳排放約2.7公斤,更加環保。同時可將萃取出之有機物質再利用,製作清潔用品等。

S.Cafe咖啡紗除了具有異味控制的功能,同時還擁有速乾以及優異的紫外線防護效果。更重要的是,咖啡的廢棄物也因為這個步驟而產生了更多的價值。此舉為了這個地球環保付出更多心力,試圖去解決地球上過度消費而產生的大量廢棄物。具備這樣概念與功能的商品一推出瞬間就取得許多品牌的認同,第一年就有超過四十個品牌採用了S.Cafe這項全新素材。像是EiDER, GIANT, Helly Hansen, Mountain Equipment Corporation(MEC), PUMA, Timberland, Tzuchi(慈濟), VAUDE等等。可以應用的產品涵蓋了發熱衣、涼感衣、外套、包包、內衣等等。(前往了解聚酯纖維尼龍涼感衣布料)


What is S.Café?


Roasting is the most amazing part of coffee. While green bean during roasting, which not only opens the gate of its aroma and flavor, but also gives more possibility to coffee grounds. After roasting and patented process, S.Café® could offer far more than your imagination.

Where it comes from?

When did coffee become a daily drink? No one can tell the exact time, but there’s one thing we can make sure is that people have already taken coffee as an element of life for a long while. It is culture that couldn’t be erased from our life. And now, coffee is not only for drinking, you can also wear it!

Singtex found out one thing that no one has ever noticed before, that is, coffee grounds odor control ability might be combined with fabric. Once noticed that, they started to recycle the waste and tried to make this imagination come true.

During eight generations in four and half years. Coffee grounds eventually could be added into fiber. Surprisingly, S.Café® not only can control odor, but also have the ability of UV protection and fast drying.

Where it comes from?

Since the team started to research the possibility of adding coffee grounds into fiber, coffee grounds were collected from coffee shops near. Once the demand growth, they collect these coffee waste from coffee factory, keep turning waste into useful material to make people live better.

編排整理 Edited: ACOTEX Fabric Talks 布料指南

2014年1月8日

認識防火纖維 | What is Fire-retardant Fiber?

認識防火纖維



隨著現代科技和社會的急速發展,火災對於我們的威脅已經急劇地增加,對於防火纖維的需求也相對的提高,運用高性能防火纖維材料來保護人們在生活上、工作上的需求正在快速增加之中。防火纖維性能評估的指標係以限氧指數LOI值(Limit of Oxygen Index)為依據,LOI=O2/O2+N2 ×100(%),為原料在燃燒筒中持續燃燒所需的最低氧濃度的%值,指數越高的纖維在燃燒時需要高濃度的氧,換言之,LOI值愈高,纖維較不易燃燒。目前市面上常見的纖維原料其LOI值分別如下表所列。

纖維的種類

纖維的種類 LOI值
17~19
羊毛 24~26
嫘縈 17~19
聚酯 (認識聚酯纖維) 20~22
尼龍 (認識尼龍) 18~20
亞克力 18~20
聚丙烯 18~20
改質亞克力防火纖維 34~35


通常當纖維材料LOI值達到26以上時,就具有自行消火性,難燃性較佳,可視此材料本身具有自行撲滅火燄的特性,故稱之為具阻燃性,在大氣中具不燃的特性,故亦稱之為半非可燃性纖維(semi-non-flammable fiber),一般產業用纖維都使用LOI值30以上之原料。

台灣紡織廠近年來發展以壓克力纖維特殊經熱裂解氧化後所製造出一種獨特的防火纖維布,其LOI值高達50以上,以某台灣製的防火纖維為例,註冊商標名稱為 KoTHmex,具有似羊毛的柔軟、易彎的特性,更同時維持著優秀的耐燃性質,再者,其亦比碳纖維及無機纖維輕了許多,在性能上超越一般傳統的防火纖維,而且其質料輕、柔軟、加工性優良。而且當該纖維達到近乎焚燒的狀態時,仍不會燃燒、熔融或收縮只是相當於被碳化,故其仍維持原有的形態,因此以KoTHmex 防火纖維作為穿著上的防護材,可達到免於二次傷害的威脅。

認識防火纖維 - 日本Kanekalon防火纖維

日本鐘淵化學工業開發成功之難燃纖維Kanekalon Protex是以獨創的技術所開發之亞克力系和氯化乙烯的共聚合體為基礎,以其獨特的特性而聞名。

Kanekalon Protex具有很高的難燃性,尤其是和棉、嫘縈等纖維素材料進行交織及混紡組合,且Kanekalon Protex遇熱即收縮形成碳化層,故安全性比溶融型的聚酯和亞克力纖維還要高。

一般寢具(被褥、被單等罩布類、毛毯類)的LOI值達26~27即可符合於防火要求,新開發的Kanekalon Protex可以和棉、羊毛等天然纖維及所有的纖維進行混合而達到此一防火需求,可大幅解決以往天然纖維難燃製品手感不良、吸濕性及透氣性不佳的問題,同時將天然素材優異手感與性能發揮得淋漓盡致。

Kanekalon Protex應用如下:

被單、枕套、毛毯:藉由Kanekalon Protex/棉(30/70)的混紡比例,在手感、吸汗性、吸濕性、靜電特性、強度、起毛毬等方面表現和棉100%相同特性,其和傳統以難燃劑後加工之防火商品不同之處在於可用氯系漂白劑進行漂白。

棉混毛毯:以Kanekalon Protex/棉混合製成之毛毯具有棉100%毛毯之自然風格。若棉100%毛毯時,經由洗濯、多少會變硬、導致手感的降低,但Kanekalon Protex/棉混毛毯則具有優良的耐洗濯性,且其獨特的柔軟感即使經過長期的使用也不會改變。

蓋被、墊被:藉由與棉或聚酯的混紡及交織布料而製成羽毛被、合纖被進行多樣的發展,尤其是近年來家用紡織品市場的高級化發展趨勢帶動下,蓋被表布以Kanekalon Protex/聚酯(50/50)所製成,蓋被胎為 Kanekalon Protex/棉(50/50),可以展現完美的手感及防火效能。

床墊褥:已開發有抑制起毛毬之Kanekalon Protex/棉混紡與洗濯時收縮較低之Kanekalon Protex/聚酯共同混紡,一則可以降低成本,一則可以達到防火之雙重效益。

美國消防隊防火外套
US Fire Department Fire Coat
認識防火纖維 - 聚醯亞胺(Polyimide)纖維

聚醯亞胺(Polyimide簡稱PI)起源於1950年代中期太空時代的開始,主要是針對航太工業耐高溫材料需求而研發。

由於聚醯亞胺為目前熱塑性纖維材料中耐熱性最高的,在空氣中400℃仍不分解,讓聚醯亞胺在航太與太空等特殊耐高溫及耐高濕度用途日漸增加。

聚醯亞胺纖維具有優異的耐高溫特性,其優點如下所列:
1.高強度
2.高韌性
3.低熱膨脹係數
4.低導電係數
5.高耐熱溫度(360℃)

開發聚醯胺亞胺(Poly Amide Imide簡稱PAI)的目的是為了改善PI的加工性,該纖維係PI與芳香族聚醯胺的共聚合物。

而開發聚醚醯亞胺 (Polyetherimide簡稱PEI)則是附加醚鍵於PI中,使PI具有卓越的流動性和加工性,其性能包括強度優異、發煙量低、具阻燃性,且耐藥品性佳(對脂肪族碳化氫、酸、稀鹼抗性好)。

認識防火纖維 - 耐熱尼龍纖維

尼龍是最早發展而且是數量最多的纖維材料,常常有人會問為什麼要稱為尼龍呢?最早是追溯到1931年美國杜邦公司卡洛斯發現尼龍材料,在當時為一創世紀的發明,尼龍即為其商品名。正確的說法,尼龍纖維是表示高分子式內具有醯胺基(amide group —CONH—)。尼龍的種類非常多,大致上以己內醯胺開環聚合、二元胺和二元酸聚縮合反應而得為主。

工業用纖維耐熱溫度的要求越來越高,所以近年來高溫尼龍的用量逐年持續增加。其中以尼龍66和尼龍6為最大量約佔92%,尼龍11、尼龍12、尼龍46及尼龍610則普遍應用於工程塑膠上。

工業用尼龍纖維具有耐高溫及自熄性的特性,但尼龍纖維最大限制係燃燒時產生融滴問題,所以應用上宜多加考慮其適用性,所以將尼龍性能敘述如下。

  1. 耐磨耗,具自滑性。
  2. 耐酸鹼、耐油污、耐腐蝕。
  3. 耐高溫。
  4. 韌性佳,耐低溫。
  5. 抗潛變,機械強度高。
  6. 具自熄性。
  7. 電氣性質,抗絕緣強度高。



What is Fire-retardant Fiber?


The term fire-retardant as applied to organic (i.e., containing carbon) materials, is intended to refer to reduced fire hazard, as all will burn under certain circumstances. The tests used specified in building codes, such as NFPA 701, are more correctly flame resistance tests, which test a fabric's ability to resist ignition with the flame size and duration in the test conditions. The result is a comparative test, which provides a measure of the material's resistance to propagating combustion caused by small scale ignition sources. These tests do not predict the burning characteristics of full scale hazards. In many cases, if exposed to a sufficiently large and sustained exposure fire, the fire-retardant fabrics will burn vigorously.

Fabric flammability is an important textile issue, especially for stage drapery that will be used in a public space such as a school, theatre or special event venue. In the United States, Federal regulations require that drapery fabrics used in such spaces be certified as flame or fire-retardant. For draperies and other fabrics used in public places, this is known as the NFPA 701 Test, which follows standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Although all fabrics will burn, some are naturally more resistant to fire than others. Those that are more flammable can have their fire resistance drastically improved by treatment with fire-retardant chemicals. Inherently flame-retardant fabrics such as polyester are commonly used for flame retardant curtain fabrics.

Flameproof rayon fiber, process for production thereof, and flameproof fiber structure

Patents EP 2463412 A1

A flameproof rayon fiber having excellent flameproofness as well as excellent flame retardance, a method for manufacturing the same, and a flameproof fiber structure are provided. The flameproof rayon fiber according to the present invention includes components of silicon and sodium. Glass remains when the fiber is burned at 800°C, the glass component has a property of softening at 800°C, and when subjected to an X-ray fluorescence analysis, the rayon fiber has a silicon content in the range of 5 to 30% by mass and a sodium content in the range of 0.1 to 3% by mass. The flameproof rayon fiber according to the present invention can be manufactured by preparing an undiluted viscose solution; adding a solution containing a silicate compound containing an alkali metal to the undiluted viscose solution so as to make an alkali metal-containing silicate compound-added viscose solution; performing spinning by extruding the alkali metal-containing silicate compound-added viscose solution through a spinneret into a spinbath containing sulfuric acid, thus producing a fiber to be treated containing the silicate compound; and treating, in a scouring or aftertreatment process, the fiber to be treated with a solution having a pH in the range of 4 to 11 and a buffer action and containing sodium. A flameproof fiber structure of the present invention contains at least 30% by mass of the flameproof rayon fiber.

Fire-retardancy fabric treatment

Fire-retardant fabrics are normally treated to different British Standards; normally this depends on the end usage of the fabrics. BS 476 is a fire treatment for fabrics that are normally for wall hanging, and must only be used as for that purpose, where as CRIB 5 is a fabric fire treatment for upholstery and must only be used for furnishing and upholstery purposes, even if both fabrics have been treated for fire-retardancy. The relevant standards for fire-retardant fabrics include:

BS 5852:2006 describes the best practice methods to assess the ignitability of single material combinations, such as covers and fillings used in upholstered seating, or complete items of seating. These tests determine the effects of a smouldering cigarette, or other flaming ignition sources such as burning matches or a four-sheet full-size newspaper. This standard can be used to establish the potential ignitability of components in conjunction with other specified materials. BS 5852:2006 first looks at the criteria of ignition, and the health and safety of operators. It then explains the various apparatus, before focussing on smouldering ignition sources – such as a cigarette, butane gas flames and flaming wooden cribs. It also looks at ways to test for the ignitability of upholstery composites and complete items of furniture. The standard concludes with a final examination and test report.BS 5852:2006 replaces the older certification standard, BS 5852 - 1990.

BS 5867 is for flame retardant fabrics. It relates to curtains, blinds and drapes for windows when tested by the methods specified in BS 5438:1976. Where appropriate, a cleansing or wetting procedure specified in BS 5651 may also be required.

Source 5 (Crib 5) is related to upholstery and furniture coverings, and is related to BS 5852. The crib test uses a plank made from wood that is glued together. The fabrics is attached over the lint, then at bottom and a propane-diol is added. The testing unit is then ignited with a match. To decide whether the test has been passed the fabric and the crib are assessed to see whether there is flaming or smoldering on both the outer cover and the interior material. Assuming it does not ignite or smolder, the material will pass the test as no ignition. Similar tests include Source 0 (smouldering cigarette) and Source 1 (simulated match).
Class 0
Class 1
BS 476
The M1 standard is a European standard that is widely used in Europe only. Most UK fire officers are reluctant to accept MI certification, they prefer BS certificates.

Pants

You want these to be waterproof!!! You will be sitting on a chair-lift that may have snow on it, falling into the snow etc. You will feel really cold and miserable if you get wet so go waterproof. Plastic can be slippery, if you fall on snow you may slide a long way but it works if you are just learning on the beginner slope.

Jacket

It is very important that this should be windproof. You will be sitting on a chair-lift in the wind. The need for waterproof depends on your climate. In places like Australia where the snow is wet, and it often rains waterproof is important. In a drier climate like Utah or Colorado you will only need windproof. You will want a jacket you can close up against the bad weather - so preferably zip up around the neck and a hood to snuggle into. In colder climates a down jacket can be good in cold weather.

Thermal Underwear

Even if it is warm and you do not need this for warmth you may want to consider wearing a layer of thermal underwear to remove moisture from your skin. There are many companies that make sports wear that perform this job. If you do not have anything suitable then even a cheap pair of thermal underwear (legs and top) will be fine. Cotton holds moisture and will make a chill layer so try to avoid using any cotton. Generally many thin layers is a better system than 1 thick layer - the exception being if it is very cold and you have access to a down jacket - so even a couple of layers of thermal underwear can be handy if you are in a cold climate and/or feel the cold. I have found I can often get silk thermals at a good price(around $15 US) so these can be good if you are buying. Similarly there are well priced thermal layers available in most cooler climates. If you are coming from a warm climate perhaps try some online shopping or stop at a department store on your way to your destination.

編排整理 Edited: ACOTEX Fabric Talks 布料指南
資料來源: 中華民國紡織業拓展會

2014年1月7日

出國滑雪怎麼穿 | What To Wear for Snow Skiing

出國滑雪該怎麼穿?



台灣因為緯度氣候關係,無法直接就近體驗滑雪運動的快感,但隨著出國旅遊的普及,台灣人到國外旅遊滑雪的機會越來越多。或許你剛好也有機會出國旅遊,但對於第一次滑雪沒有經驗的你可能會對滑雪該穿些什麼毫無頭緒。如果你只是偶爾滑雪的初學者,又不想花大錢一次買全套專業的滑雪裝,你可以先從自己的衣櫥開始,說不定就有你滑雪需要的衣服了。直到你確定你已經有些基礎,滑雪的機會也漸漸頻繁時,便可以考慮添購一些專業的滑雪裝備,因為它們對於一個滑雪愛好者來說,確實是有差的。

滑雪該穿什麼 - 襪子

對於滑雪時襪子的選擇,保暖絕對是首要條件。第二就是厚度必須要薄。如此,又保暖又薄的羊毛襪絕對是你的首選,但對於有些人的雙腳動作經常讓襪子磨損很快,所以羊毛和其他纖維混紡的材質可以增加其耐磨度。襪子需要保暖很正常,但可能很多人無法理解為什麼滑雪的襪子需要薄。通常在滑雪運動時,有時因為過厚的襪子,導致血管和神經受到擠壓,可能會致使腳底感覺麻木,甚至嚴重的話會組織壞死。另外,薄的襪子可以讓腳底直接感受滑雪靴,讓滑雪時的操控更得宜。不過有個例外的條件,如果你的滑雪靴不是合腳的,那穿著有厚度的襪子可能比薄襪子要來得舒適許多。

滑雪該穿什麼 - 滑雪靴

不管是租用的或是自己購買的滑雪靴,在套量的過程絕對是非常重要的。滑雪靴是腳和滑雪板之間的連接,如果滑雪靴的尺寸太大,你會發現滑雪板會變得難操控,並且容易扭傷腳踝。如果尺寸太小,可能會阻礙血液循環或壓迫到腳部神經,致使雙腳末端麻木或壞死,這是非常危險的。所以滑雪時穿著一雙合腳的滑雪靴是舒適滑雪的關鍵。

滑雪該穿什麼 - 褲子

滑雪時穿得褲子肯定是必須要防水的。在滑雪的過程中,你可能會坐在雪地中或坐在纜車椅上,使身上的體溫將接觸到的雪融化成水。所以在選購滑雪褲時,必須挑選防水且透氣材質的布料。透氣的防水褲,能在滑雪的激烈運動中,將人體皮膚的水氣排出,讓身體不會因為汗水濕氣而感到不適。具有撥水效果加工的材質更能防止雪水融化時直接將材質表面浸濕,進而保持褲子的乾燥。

(前往了解什麼是布料撥水效果?)

使用ACOTEX布料製作的滑雪外套具有防水透濕的功能
滑雪該穿什麼 - 外套/夾克

一件防風的外套是很重要的。在滑雪的過程中,因為俯衝速度而產生的冷風很容易造成人體體溫的流失。而防水的強度則要取決於滑雪的環境,以澳洲為例,澳洲的滑雪地較濕,且容易下雨。在這種滑雪環境下,選擇防水度高的外套是有必要的。而像美國或加拿大等較乾燥的滑雪氣候,主要還是以防風作為首要條件。在挑選防水外套時,外套的材質也必須要特別注意,挑選透氣透濕的材質,才能在激烈運動中,將人體產生的濕氣排出,減少身體的不舒適感。在設計上,最好能有脖子的擋片,能同時阻擋高速滑雪時,冷風從脖子入侵。

(前往了解什麼是防水透濕的外套?)

滑雪該穿什麼 - 內衣褲

內衣褲的主要作用可能不是保暖,而是讓皮膚保持乾爽舒適。內衣褲的材質千萬避免棉質,棉質製品雖然容易保暖和吸收汗水,卻不容易排汗,而容易導致汗水累積在棉質衣物上,變得又重又濕。加上零下的環境溫度,極有可能將吸飽汗水的棉質衣物凝結成霜,不但造成皮膚接觸時的不舒適,體溫也會容易流失。因此價格親民的吸濕排汗衣可能是你最好的選擇。快速的吸汗、排汗,這才是你真正需要的。

(前往了解快速吸濕排汗的ACO-DRY AK Pro 材質)

MbX出品的緊身系列可做為保暖層衣物
滑雪該穿什麼 - 保暖層衣物

以天然的纖維來說,羊毛是很好的選擇。但如果你不想花大錢買羊毛製品,可以選擇價格容易接受的聚酯纖維布料。千萬不可選擇棉質產品做為你的保暖層衣物,棉質吸汗卻不易排出的特性,容易造成反效果,創造一個結霜的冷硬層。這對人體皮膚而言,絕對是一種很大的折磨。市面上販售具有發熱效果的聚酯纖維也是很棒的選擇。一般的發熱衣通常具備有吸濕排汗的功能,讓身體保暖卻不容易黏膩。但在選擇發熱衣時,切記不要有品牌迷思,並且價格不等於價值。以市面上最常見的遠紅外線陶瓷粉織品來說,一件500元左右的發熱衣應算是合理價格。

(前往認識發熱衣)




What To Wear for Snow Skiing


You will probably find you or friends will have some of the clothes you will need. So no need to buy a whole wardrobe just to try skiing out. In some locations you can even hire jackets and pants so it is worth checking what you can get without buying until you are sure you are hooked. On the other hand if you are desperate to spend there are some great technical ski garments around.

Socks

Usually your socks should be warm but thin. So thin woollen socks are the most preferred. Some people wear silk socks although these tend to wear out quickly. Wool and silk mixtures are also popular and some folks prefer thin wicking socks. Thin socks are best as they let you feel the sole of your ski boot which is where the action is generated as you ski. When renting boots though they can be quite a poor fit so thicker socks may be a better choice until you buy your own boots. Try to ensure your socks will fit well and not be prone to wrinkling up because there is nothing worse than a sock wrinkle pushing on your foot in a tight ski boot. Make sure that only your socks are inside of your boots for the same reason, extra layers can make pressure areas that cut off circulation or numb nerves so try to avoid them.

Boots

You will probably be renting boots... These are a very important item as they are the connection between you and the skis. If this connection is too sloppy you will find it hard to get the skis to do what you want them to do. You want the boots to fit firmly around your foot but not to cut off your circulation or press too hard on nerves and make your feet numb. This is probably the first piece of equipment you will want to purchase if you get hooked on the thrill of skiing, if so make sure to see a good bootfitter and have your boots well fitted.

Pants

You want these to be waterproof!!! You will be sitting on a chair-lift that may have snow on it, falling into the snow etc. You will feel really cold and miserable if you get wet so go waterproof. Plastic can be slippery, if you fall on snow you may slide a long way but it works if you are just learning on the beginner slope.

Jacket

It is very important that this should be windproof. You will be sitting on a chair-lift in the wind. The need for waterproof depends on your climate. In places like Australia where the snow is wet, and it often rains waterproof is important. In a drier climate like Utah or Colorado you will only need windproof. You will want a jacket you can close up against the bad weather - so preferably zip up around the neck and a hood to snuggle into. In colder climates a down jacket can be good in cold weather.

Thermal Underwear

Even if it is warm and you do not need this for warmth you may want to consider wearing a layer of thermal underwear to remove moisture from your skin. There are many companies that make sports wear that perform this job. If you do not have anything suitable then even a cheap pair of thermal underwear (legs and top) will be fine. Cotton holds moisture and will make a chill layer so try to avoid using any cotton. Generally many thin layers is a better system than 1 thick layer - the exception being if it is very cold and you have access to a down jacket - so even a couple of layers of thermal underwear can be handy if you are in a cold climate and/or feel the cold. I have found I can often get silk thermals at a good price(around $15 US) so these can be good if you are buying. Similarly there are well priced thermal layers available in most cooler climates. If you are coming from a warm climate perhaps try some online shopping or stop at a department store on your way to your destination.

編排整理 Edited: ACOTEX Fabric Talks 布料指南
Source: Your Ski Coach

2014年1月3日

Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year 2014

Best Wishes From ACOTEX Fabrics


Firework of Taipei, Taiwan
photo by Jung-Pang Wu