TEKFIT: THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES STAR OF PVH’S ULTIMATE DRESS SHIRT
Upon the release of the new “ultimate dress shirt” a la PVH, we wanted to dig deeper for more information on the technology behind the product. MR recently spoke to Larry Dyne, CEO of Talon International, the makers of the Tekfit stretch technology featured in PVH Van Heusen dress shirts, for more details on this important technology.
This stretch technology, which is the differentiator in the Van Heusen shirts, has grown in popularity in various clothing applications and that’s why it’s such a unique and “game changing” offering for menswear and other clothing. “We’ve really led the way in innovation for shirting; there hasn’t been anything new added to men’s shirts since non-iron properties were introduced,” said Dyne. “Tekfit transforms a rigid dress shirt and gives the wearer added stretch and comfort into the collar.”
This technology was originally developed for waistbands for Levi’s and Dockers pants, and Talon has already produced over 60 million garments with this stretch waistband. Talon has also added this technology into the pockets of denim to create hidden shapewear, which Uniqlo is currently using in some of their products.
“Tekfit is a propriety technology that we have developed that we call a disruptive technology,” said Dyne. “It creates a better mouse trap; meaning the stretch and recovery are very controlled and is not affected by body temperature like typical stretch technology.”
In addition to the Tekfit stretch technology, Talon develops, manufactures and distributes custom zippers exclusively under its Talon brand (“The World’s Original Zipper Since 1893”). Leading retailers worldwide recognize and use Talon products including VF Corporation, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Victoria’s Secret, Wal-Mart, Phillips-Van Heusen, Levi Strauss & Co., Express and many others.
When asked about exclusivity of their technology and growth of its usage, Dyne has a clear vision of where Talon and Tekfit are headed. “We’re being quite selective when choosing our partners,” said Dyne. “Our focus now is on marketing and delivering the message of our products. We really want to educate the consumer on why Tekfit is a game changer in apparel.”
