Nike Marries Performance, Sustainability for U.S.A. Track and Field Uniforms
Eco-Fashion Brands
under Eco-Fashion Brands, Eco-Friendly Shoes, Featured, Reused / Recycled Eco-Fashion
by Lori Zimmer
Nike has unveiled its latest Pro TurboSpeed collection, a line of track apparel the sportswear manufacturer hails not only as its swiftest to date but also the most sustainable. The aerodynamic designs, which will clad U.S. Track & Field athletes at the London Olympics this summer, incorporates 1,000 hours of wind-tunnel testing and feedback from some of the world's fastest sprinters.
SPEEDING BULLETS
Based on Nike's "Project Swift" technology, which the company developed to improve the performance of Team U.S.A.'s long-track speedskaters at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, the uniforms feature surface architectures and patterns in key areas. Much like the way dimples on a golfball propel it faster and further, the strategic structures are said to markedly reduce aerodynamic drag.
The uniforms comprise 82 percent recycled polyester fabric—the equivalent of 13 recycled plastic bottles per suit.
Each uniform uses elastics and edge finishes on its surface to create a flat, smooth waistband that virtually eliminates chafing and bulk. Plus, Nike claims that its Pro TurboSpeed line is up to 0.023 seconds faster over 100 meters than its previous track kits.
"Our overriding design principle is superior lightweight performance, and we've created innovations that can help make the athlete faster," says Martin Lotti, Nike's global Olympic creative director, in a statement. "For the [U.S. Track & Field] team, we've incorporated modern graphics and bold colors that reflect U.S. national identity."
Their patriotic red hue and streamlined silhouettes aren't the only things going for the tracksuits. The uniforms comprise 82 percent recycled polyester fabric, or the equivalent of 13 recycled plastic bottles per suit.
+ Press Release
+ Nike
Nike 2012 Olympics Track and Field Uniform
Based on Nike's "Project Swift" technology, which the company developed to improve the performance of Team U.S.A.'s long-track speedskaters at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, the uniforms feature surface architectures and patterns in key areas.
Much like the way dimples on a golfball propel it faster and further, the strategic structures are said to markedly reduce aerodynamic drag.
Each uniform uses elastics and edge finishes on its surface to create a flat, smooth waistband that virtually eliminates chafing and bulk.
Plus, Nike claims that its Pro TurboSpeed line is up to 0.023 seconds faster over 100 meters than its previous track kits.
"Our overriding design principle is superior lightweight performance, and we've created innovations that can help make the athlete faster," says Martin Lotti, Nike's global Olympic creative director, in a statement. "For the [U.S. Track & Field] team, we've incorporated modern graphics and bold colors that reflect U.S. national identity."
Their patriotic red hue and streamlined silhouettes aren't the only things going for the tracksuits. The uniforms comprise 82 percent recycled polyester fabric, or the equivalent of 13 recycled plastic bottles per suit.