WORKWEAR WORKERS CRAVE

On the road to better workwear you’ll find Utexbel, a Belgian workwear fabric maker that prizes comfort, fit, performance, and sustainability. The company has been innovating and evolving its product since 1929, constantly pushing boundaries and striving to exceed customers’ expectations.

At the heart of many of its recent stretch workwear fabric innovations lies an essential ingredient: LYCRA^® T400^® fiber.

This special elastic fiber, a bicomponent yarn crafted from polyester, delivers permanent stretch, recovery, moisture-wicking, cooling, and industrial launderability — key features of workwear, corporate wear, uniforms, and other professional apparel worn for long stretches.

As longtime partners, we were glad to sit down Utexbel’s development manager for fabrics, Stefan Feys, for our Voice of the Expert series. Read on to discover how Utexbel is innovating with LYCRA^® T400^® fiber and pursuing its sustainability goals.

Utexbel has a long history in textile innovation. Can you tell us about your early work with elastic fabrics?

Absolutely. We were proud to be the first to introduce elastic fabrics for professional use, starting with LYCRA^® fiber-based pants for postmen and police officers. This was a game-changer in terms of comfort and mobility for workwear.

What challenges did you face in developing fabrics suitable for industrial laundering?

Durability was key. We conducted extensive trials with super-texturized PES filaments, PBT, and PTT — three durable polymers — to find materials that could withstand repeated industrial washing. These efforts laid the groundwork for our future innovations.

How did LYCRA^® T400^® fiber come into the picture?

When we discovered LYCRA^® T400^® fiber, we immediately recognized its potential. It offered the perfect balance of stretch, recovery, and durability for the rigors of professional clothing. It was the solution we had been searching for.

Comfort is a major factor in professional garments. How does LYCRA^® T400^® fiber contribute to that? 

The comfort is exceptional. Fabrics made with LYCRA^® T400^® fiber are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft to the touch. We even use the COOLMAX® brand label to highlight these benefits, which are especially appreciated in demanding work environments.

Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. We have for example our Dr. Green circular concept.  

In healthcare, textiles face intense use and frequent replacement. Instead of discarding worn-out hospital garments, we give them a second life:

• Collect old hospital cloths

• Shred them into fibers

• Re-spin yarns

• Weave new fabrics which are then used to make new hospital cloths.

This closed-loop process reduces waste, saves resources, and demonstrates how circularity can work in demanding environments. By transforming yesterday’s textiles into tomorrow’s solutions, we help hospitals meet sustainability goals without compromising quality or hygiene.

LYCRA^® T400^® EcoMade fiber, made from recycled PET and renewable plant-based materials, fits perfectly into our eco-conscious approach. It allows us to offer high-performance fabrics with a reduced environmental footprint.

What kind of fabric range do you offer today using LYCRA^® T400^® fiber? 

We’ve developed a broad portfolio, from lightweight, comfortable shirting fabrics to heavy denim-look pant fabrics. This versatility allows us to serve a wide range of professional sectors with tailored solutions.

Are you exploring circularity and recycling with LYCRA^® T400^® fiber? 

Yes, we are currently testing mechanical recycling of fabrics containing LYCRA^® T400^® fiber in the weft. The initial results are promising, and we hope to integrate these recycled fabrics into our REFICOR range soon.

What’s next for Utexbel in partnership with LYCRA^® brand? 

We’re committed to pushing boundaries — whether it’s through performance, comfort, or sustainability. LYCRA^® T400^® fiber continues to be a cornerstone of our innovation, and we’re excited about the future possibilities it unlocks.

Thank you, Stefan, for sharing your time and insights with us! There’s so much we can achieve when we work together.