Invista, owner of the Lycra brand has developed a range of garments using its Lycra Sport technology, with Canterbury of New Zealand, which it says will athletes perform at their best.

By using Lycra Sport as an integral ingredient in their graduated compression garments, Canterbury has produced sportswear that supports Rugby World Cup athletes and sportsmen and women across the world, as they train, compete and recover.

Lycra Sport fabrics are engineered specifically for sporting activities that require a combination of lightweight and breathable garments, and that offer muscle support and freedom of movement. Every fabric holding the Lycra Sport fabric certification is tested to meet demanding standards for elongation, fit and recovery power.

Invista says Lycra Sport fabric provides lasting fit and style for sports gear and help athletes taking part in activities from rugby and football, to athletics and yoga perform at their best.

"Our range of cutting-edge Mercury Compression garments is available to players from Canterbury sponsored teams for the Rugby World 2011 and beyond. They are designed to be worn during training, competition and recovery, and fully embrace Lycra Sport fabric performances," says Chris Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer at Canterbury of New Zealand.

The addition of Invista's Lycra Sport fabric is said to have helped to enhance Canterbury of New Zealand's compression garments. "The garments, worn in white by rugby legend and Canterbury Brand Ambassador Bryan Habana at the RWC 2011, are now in retail for those who wish to enhance their athletic performance with a line made with fabric that has gone through demanding performance testing standards to support athletes and active people in their sporting activities," Invista explains.

"We always look forward to seeing Lycra Sport fabrics being tested in the toughest of conditions. As there is hardly a better stage than the Rugby World Cup to prove the high performance of garments and fabrics, we are delighted that Canterbury of New Zealand has chosen Lycra Sport fabric," says Julien Born, Global Segment Director for Invista's Activewear and Outdoor segment.

According to Invista, Lycra Sport fabric contributes to the graduated compression technology of Mercury Compression garments' three stages - Train, Compete and Recover - by delivering stretch and recovery power, along with its shape retention, thus maintaining greater levels of compression for prolonged periods of time. The company also says that Lycra Sport fabric provides enhanced garment fit and freedom of movement offering more comfort in demanding physical environments.

Lycra Sport fabrics have been tested by Progressive Sports Technologies, one of the leading Sports Technology institutes based at Loughborough University* in the UK. Invista says that following Invista's standards and a rigorous approach to testing, Canterbury's compression clothing can reduce muscle oscillation by up to 50% due to the constant compression of the garment, reducing muscle fatigue and encouraging better power output.

"Compression garments made with Lycra Sport fabric allow athletes to push their sportswear as hard as they push themselves, and can be identified in stores with the Lycra Sport hangtag.

*Human Preference and Accelerated Wear Tests, 2010.