Fernridge Japan: High-Waist Leggings Built on Nylon/Spandex Tricot Knit
Fernridge, based in Japan, needed a high-waist leggings that delivered moisture management without moving away from a clean, commercial silhouette. The finished fabric was Nylon/Spandex Tricot Knit.
Project brief and fabric selection
The fabric selected combines Tricot Knit (warp knitted smooth structure) with polyamide 6 with 18-22% elastane, giving high recovery and a silky hand. Construction is warp knitted smooth structure at 120-180 GSM. The brief also asked for plus a stable base. Each lot was checked against AATCC 195 class 4 before cutting began.
Construction and fit decisions
Pattern and construction were adjusted around the chosen fabric: seam placement moved away from high-friction areas, stitch density was matched to the elastane content, and the fit block was revised once the first wear trial showed the panel tension distribution. The development brief set the outcome as knit face stays dry during long sessions.
Dyeing and finishing approach
Finishing was limited to processes that support moisture management. Soft handle came from construction rather than heavy softening, which keeps performance stable through repeated washing. Consistency between repeat lots mattered more to Fernridge than an isolated best result.
Measured results
Measured outcome: knit face stays dry during long sessions, verified by AATCC 195 class 4. Size sets were checked after five home washes to confirm that dimensional change stayed inside the agreed tolerance before bulk release. Fabric Nylon/Spandex Tricot Knit supplied the base behaviour for moisture management.
Repeat order performance
The style moved to repeat orders after two seasons. Bulk fabric is now booked against a fixed recipe, with test reports issued per lot, and the Tricot Knit construction is used for additional colourways in the same programme. The Japan market requires documentation, so reports shipped with every lot.
