OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — December 13, 2011 — By developing its functional 3D briefs, KARL MAYER is
getting the bodies of fashion-conscious women into shape, as well as modernising the production of
stylish shapewear.
These discreetly patterned briefs are produced so that they are almost ready-to-wear on a DJ
machine, type DJ 6/2 EL. The only thing that remains to be done is to cut out the semi-finished
article, fold it vertically, close the inner leg seam and finally turn the briefs to the right side
— and this comfortable shapewear, which can be produced very efficiently, is ready to wear.
Additional elastane is incorporated to give the textile the required compression and this is
introduced by the Positive Pattern Beam Drive (PPD). This is done mainly at specific locations,
i.e. at the waistband to create a flat border and at the hips to produce a smooth outline.
Compression is also applied to flatten the stomach.
Tests have recently been carried out at an independent test laboratory to assess whether KARL
MAYER’s 3D briefs can meet the multiple requirements of shapewear.
Tests carried out at the Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG
The Hohenstein Laboratories studied the compression behaviour of shapewear briefs in
accordance with the RAL-GZ 387/1 (1/2008) specification. RAL-GZ 387/1 covers the specifications
relating to the quality assurance of medical compression hosiery. The tests concentrated on the
waistband, the stomach and the hips.
The samples were first of all washed and dried in accordance with the specification.
Compression tests were then carried out using the System Hohenstein Compression Measurement system.
The results of the tests, which were carried out under specific climatic conditions, related to the
following parameters: practical elongation (%), force (N/cm), compression (kPa) and residual
pressure (%). The resulting pressure profile confirmed the compression values for the functional
briefs in all three test zones. These achieved the desired body-shaping effect but are below the
threshold that is specified for medical compression textiles. Loss of comfort is therefore
precluded. A continuous increase in compression occurs from the lower edge of the briefs to the top
edge — reflecting the efforts of KARL MAYER’s product developers in developing shapewear that
matches the body’s anatomy.
Tests carried out in accordance with the LYCRA® beauty fabric Standard
The 3D briefs with “extra power” were sent to INVISTA’s laboratory for further tests to study
their shaping effects.
This company is one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of fibres and polymers.
In its “LYCRA® fiber Moves” legwear event after the ITMA, one of the exhibits it was showcasing was
the extension of its LYCRA® beauty fabric platform to the fine pantyhose and seamless clothing
sector. This concept has already become well established on the lingerie and swimwear market, and
involves testing the compression force in conjunction with the comfort. By carrying out extensive
tests using the company’s own standards, a classification system was developed which was designed
to give consumers more information and the confidence to make the right purchasing decision, and
also to support manufacturers in their marketing operations.
Approximately 250 commercially available shapewear models were analysed in order to draw up
the standards for LYCRA® beauty fine pantyhose and seamless clothing. Comprehensive clothing
construction tests were used to correlate the characteristics of the textile with the shaping
performance of the garment in relation to the important aspects of “shaping” and “dynamic comfort”.
KARL MAYER’s 3D briefs were successfully tested in accordance with the standards of the
LYCRA® beauty concept. They now carry a label that certifies their shaping effect — a “passport of
quality” that enables them to cross over the border from the shelf to the shopping bag.
Posted on December 21, 2011
Source: Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH
