686 Technical Apparel | The Fabric of Us: Ch.03 Featherlight

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The Fabric of Us: Ch.03 Featherlight

04.11.2023

Our designers scoured the world for the lightest possible fabric. Their goal was to create bottoms that held up to their high standards for durability and on-body feel but were also top-of-class in hot weather performance. Upon putting their hands on what is now known as Featherlight, they knew it was a winner.

"Fabric Makeup: Durable 94% Nylon / 6% Spandex Stretch Fabric + DWR"

It is the 33% lighter, warm weather cousin to Everywhere fabric, yet it retains many of the same properties. As our Designer Tri explains, “The Everywhere fabric is a twill where the Featherlight is a poplin. This type of weave is the lightest weight woven you can get. It's very simply woven together, so it doesn't create a lot of weight and thickness. So, the difference is the construction of the actual weave of the fabric.”

Poplin may sound familiar for its regular use in high breathability summer items like ultralightweight button-ups. The decrease in weight means there is more air flow going through and around the garment. Since we build pants to keep up with active lifestyles, we needed to still build them tough. Because the base of Featherlight is predominantly nylon it has much more durability than a similarly light cotton.

"a chino silhouette constructed of quick-dry Featherlight fabric that is 33% lighter and more breathable."

Featherlight fabric lends itself towards wearing pants when it’s traditionally “shorts weather.” Perfect to take advantage of its UPF 40 properties or keep abrasive brush and insects off your skin on a warm mid-day hike. Or maybe it’s a hot summer night and you don’t want to wear shorts to the party. Then for the true scorching days throw on those Featherlight shorts and really feel the breeze. Whatever the case there’s always enough room in your bag for some Featherlight because it doesn’t take much. Now that we’ve set you up to stay cool, how will you put it to the test?

Written by: Sayer