Regal Fabrics and Valdese Weavers Expand Performance Fabric Offerings
May 17, 2024
Jill Harrill
High Point, NC—Regal Fabrics and Valdese Weavers expanded their performance fabric offerings at the Spring Interwoven Textile Fair here.
Regal introduced its new ‘Ray Collection, an indoor/outdoor textile in a lower price range for the company, says Sarah Surace, Regal's marketing director.
Company officials say these fabrics are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor uses. The popularity of performance fabrics is on the rise due to their practicality and ability to maintain a fresh look for longer.
Company officials say there is potential for even more eco-friendly performance fabrics with additional functionalities, such as antimicrobial properties. More importantly, an evolving aesthetic could offer a broader range of styles and textures.
Surace explains why buyers were showing interest in the new Regal performance collection:
• 3,000 Hours UV Resistance: The textile can withstand exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays for 3,000 hours without significant color fading or degradation.
• PFAS-Free Water and Stain Repellent: PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sometimes used for stain and water repellency. This textile uses an alternative, more environmentally friendly method to repel water and stains. Liquids will bead up and roll off the fabric instead of soaking in.
• Solution-dyed Polypropylene: Solution dyeing means the coloring pigments are added to the liquid polypropylene before it's spun into fibers. This creates a more consistent and fade-resistant color than traditional dyeing methods. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber known for its durability, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning.
• Bleach Cleanable: This is a significant benefit, especially for outdoor furniture or high-traffic areas. Bleach can remove tough stains or sanitize the fabric without damaging it.
Regal Fabrics has been designing fabrics since 1987 and sources its products from weaving partners worldwide. It works with partner mills in China, Mexico, India and Turkey to create trademarked original patterns, and its design department creates about 300 new fabric SKUs per
collection.
Valdese Weavers Retail Sales & Outreach Manager Jill Harrill says the Sustain Performance Fabrics were a hit at Interwoven. Sustain is a line of textiles designed to be durable while minimizing environmental impact. Here's a breakdown of their key features:
• Clean them with soap, water, or even diluted bleach without harsh chemicals.
• It's made with low-impact fibers and uses fewer natural resources than some traditional
textiles.
Harrill says it’s an olefin fabric, also known as polypropylene fabric, a popular outdoor furniture choice. Olefin production requires less water and land resources than some natural fibers. Some manufacturers use recycled materials in olefin fabric production.
Olefin is popular for patio furniture cushions, umbrellas, and awnings.
Regal introduced its new ‘Ray Collection, an indoor/outdoor textile in a lower price range for the company, says Sarah Surace, Regal's marketing director.
Company officials say these fabrics are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor uses. The popularity of performance fabrics is on the rise due to their practicality and ability to maintain a fresh look for longer.
Company officials say there is potential for even more eco-friendly performance fabrics with additional functionalities, such as antimicrobial properties. More importantly, an evolving aesthetic could offer a broader range of styles and textures.
Surace explains why buyers were showing interest in the new Regal performance collection:
• 3,000 Hours UV Resistance: The textile can withstand exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays for 3,000 hours without significant color fading or degradation.
• PFAS-Free Water and Stain Repellent: PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sometimes used for stain and water repellency. This textile uses an alternative, more environmentally friendly method to repel water and stains. Liquids will bead up and roll off the fabric instead of soaking in.
• Solution-dyed Polypropylene: Solution dyeing means the coloring pigments are added to the liquid polypropylene before it's spun into fibers. This creates a more consistent and fade-resistant color than traditional dyeing methods. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber known for its durability, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning.
• Bleach Cleanable: This is a significant benefit, especially for outdoor furniture or high-traffic areas. Bleach can remove tough stains or sanitize the fabric without damaging it.
Regal Fabrics has been designing fabrics since 1987 and sources its products from weaving partners worldwide. It works with partner mills in China, Mexico, India and Turkey to create trademarked original patterns, and its design department creates about 300 new fabric SKUs per
collection.
Valdese Weavers Retail Sales & Outreach Manager Jill Harrill says the Sustain Performance Fabrics were a hit at Interwoven. Sustain is a line of textiles designed to be durable while minimizing environmental impact. Here's a breakdown of their key features:
• Clean them with soap, water, or even diluted bleach without harsh chemicals.
• It's made with low-impact fibers and uses fewer natural resources than some traditional
textiles.
Harrill says it’s an olefin fabric, also known as polypropylene fabric, a popular outdoor furniture choice. Olefin production requires less water and land resources than some natural fibers. Some manufacturers use recycled materials in olefin fabric production.
Olefin is popular for patio furniture cushions, umbrellas, and awnings.