Features

These are the seven defining characteristics of SOLOTEX® that derive from the unique molecular structure of the fiber. The molecules form a flexible spring-like helix that makes the fiber soft, light, stretchy, and shape-stable. SOLOTEX® can be used for clothing or in a wide range of materials, offering limitless possibilities because of its structure.

[Molecular Structure]
Image:Molecular Structure

SOLOTEX®

Polyester

[SOLOTEX® conceptual image]
Image:SOLOTEX® conceptual image

Properties

Yarn properties of SOLOTEX® and other leading materials (multifilament comparison)


SOLOTEX® products are listed as polyesters, but under the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act it is possible to indicate “polyester (SOLOTEX®).”

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  SOLOTEX® Polyester Nylon 6,6
Tenacity (cN/dtex) 2.8-3.5 3.7-4.4 4.1-4.5
Elongation (%) 45-53 30-38 32-44
Initial Young's modulus (cN/dtex) 20 97 31
Tensile recovery (%) 67-88 29 62
Boiling water shrinkage (%) 7-9 7 13
Melting point (℃) 230 254 253
Deterioration of strength
due to weather exposure
Negligible Negligible Slight deterioration,
some yellowing

Soft&SmoothSoft&Smooth

Super soft feel and smoothness for comfort.

The moment you touch it, you understand the softness of SOLOTEX®. It feels even softer than luxury cashmere wool. Smooth against the skin, it is more comfortable to wear than any fiber that has come before. Blending with other fibers does not affect its superb softness, while maintaining the beneficial qualities of the blended fibers.

Comparison of required strength when bending the fiber

Initial Young's modulus
(cN/dtex)

SOLOTEX®
20
Cashmere
25
Nylon 6,6
31
Polyester
97

Form StabilityForm Stability

Keeps its shape to look great.

A spring-like, helical molecular structure provides form stability to “spring” back into shape even with movement. The fiber resists wrinkles and does not easily get stretched out from repeated bending at the knee or elbow, maintaining a beautiful shape at all times. There is also little shrinkage or stretch even after repeated machine washings and tumble drying, demonstrating superb dimensional stability.

Dynamic bagging test

SOLOTEX® resists wrinkles and deformation, and displays excellent shape recovery (jersey material comparison)

Image:Dynamic bagging test

10,000 bend cycles to
simulate knee/elbow bending

SOLOTEX®/Cotton

Image:SOLOTEX®/Cotton

Distortion:
0.8%

Wrinkling:
Negligible

Nylon/Cotton

Image:Nylon/Cotton

Distortion:
2%

Wrinkling:
Noticeable

Resists wrinkles and does not become stretched out at the knees or elbows. Excellent form setting, with stability to resist deformation when washed.

Post-washing dimensional stability(10 machine wash cycles)

Image:SOLOTEX®/Cotton

SOLOTEX®/Cotton

Image:Polyurethane/Cotton

Polyurethane/Cotton

Post-tumble-dry dimensional stability(5 tumble drying cycles)

Image:SOLOTEX®/Cotton

SOLOTEX®/Cotton

Image:Polyurethane/Cotton

Polyurethane/Cotton

SOLOTEX® is a stretchy material, yet resists deformation due to machine washing or tumble drying.
Always feels great to wear.

Comfortable StretchComfortable Stretch

Stretchiness that feels great,
with no stress.

SOLOTEX® is surprisingly free of any feeling of pressure, even following the lines of the body. It expands and contracts in any direction with the body’s movement, feeling truly comfortable and allowing for free movement. SOLOTEX® is ideal for tight-fitting bottom wear and active clothing.

Stretchability comparison at load of 15 N

graph:Stretchability comparison at load of 15 N

HarmonizeHarmonize

Harmonizes well with other fibers for even greater potential.

SOLOTEX® is easy to combine with other fibers. It is highly compatible with both synthetic and natural fibers, for blending as desired. The fiber will add a soft texture to improve the feel against the skin, and it provides superb stretch and recovery from elongation. It is possible to add new texture and new functionality while bringing out the characteristics of the blended fiber.

ReboundRebound

The ideal cushioning with fluffy rebound.

Soft and cushion-like, akin to a marshmallow. Maintains bounce even after repeated compressions and quickly recovers its fluffy volume. Because of its high durability, SOLOTEX® retains its unique texture for a long time. These characteristics are best utilized in insulated coats, pillows, futons, and other items with filling.

Soft cushioning

Force (kgf) required for 50% compression Measured for nonwoven fabric

graph:Soft cushioning

Volume recovery

Recovery rate after repeated compressions

graph:Volume recovery

Deep & Rich ColorDeep & Rich Color

Deep, vivid colors that last.

Outstanding color development is a key element for fashion applications. SOLOTEX® is very easy to dye, producing deep, vivid colors with a high-grade feel even when processing at lower temperatures than conventional methods. Extremely colorfast for long-lasting dyed color that won’t fade. For creating striking textiles exactly as envisioned.

Dyeing temperature and dye exhaustion

graph:Dyeing temperature and dye exhaustion

Dark-color dyeing at 98℃
SOLOTEX®
Image:SOLOTEX®
Image:SOLOTEX®
Image:SOLOTEX®
Image:SOLOTEX®
Polyester
Image:Polyester
Image:Polyester
Image:Polyester
Image:Polyester

Samples: SOLOTEX® and polyester: 84 dtex/36 filament yarn; 1 H processed yarn. Disperse dyes for each color: photos taken after dyeing at 98℃ and finishing.

EcologyEcology

Plant-based eco-friendly ingredients.

Plant-derived ingredients are used for 37% of the polymers that make up SOLOTEX®. The fabric thus reduces consumption of fossil fuels, and helps cut down on greenhouse gases. SOLOTEX® is an eco-friendly fiber that is kind to people and on the environment.

Structural Diagram of SOLOTEX®

Structural Diagram of SOLOTEX®
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37% plant-derived. *Testing performed using radiocarbon (carbon-14) dating.