DOW XLA fiber virtually disappears in the base fabric, so that that there is no synthetic feel. It adds move-with-you stretch and low maintenance care to the garment.
DOW XLA™ elastic fiber is a unique specialty fiber that was developed by Research & Development at Dow Texas Operations. It is manufactured at Texas Operations and at a facility in Tarragona, Spain.
Also known as The Freedom Fiber™, it is based on Dow’s proprietary INSITE™ Technology. INSITE was one of the Dow innovations sited when the company received the prestigious National Medal of Technology from President George W. Bush in 2002.
DOW XLA fiber is combined with woven fabrics, wool fabrics or knitted fabrics to produce garments. It virtually disappears in the base fabric, so that there is no synthetic feel. The result is not a spandex, not a polyester, not like anything you’ve experienced before.
The Freedom Fiber adds move-with-you stretch and low maintenance care to the garment. It can endure multiple washings, dry cleanings, high heat and harsh chemical processes for the life of the product — something the alternatives can’t do. DOW XLA also retains color better, enabling broader options when it comes to color and textile design.
There has been a positive reception from major U.S. brand owners. DOW XLA fiber was first launched into men’s and women’s stretch cotton shirts. Today, Dow is showing fabrics and concept garments that contain DOW XLA fiber in:
- All-season stretch wool and wool-blend garments
- Knits for swimwear and intimates
- No-wrinkle stretch cotton garments
Perry Ellis, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and European retailers Marks & Spencer and NEXT have launched new stretch garments that include DOW XLA.
