F5 fabrics are tested using the Kawabata Evaluation System
F5 fabrics are Sanitized for Antimicrobial protection
F5 fabrics contain 51% TACTEL® Fibers
F5 fabrics contain 49% LYCRA®
F5 is a COOLMAX® certified fabric.
This method of testing is used for objective measurements of the mechanical properties of fabrics. The Kawabata system of instruments predicts the aesthetic qualities – texture, softness and other hand properties – perceived by the human touch of fabric materials.
Kawabata Testing Machine 1a used to test elasticity and compression

Kawabata Testing Machine 2 used to test roughness and surface friction

Kawabata Testing Machine 1b used to test dynamic shear

Not just clean -- Sanitized!

With over 142 years of textile chemical experience, Clariant offers a full range of textile processing products including its world leading antimicrobial technologies. It has its own biological and analytical laboratory in Burgdorf Switzerland staffed by qualified scientific specialists who produce certifiable bacteriostatic test results.
TACTEL® fiber is the registered trademark for the INVISTA brand of tactile and aesthetic nylon fibers.
TACTEL® fibers come with all the advantages that INVISTA has gathered as the world leader in fiber innovation and quality.
TACTEL® fiber provides essential practical benefits demanded today: softness, lightweight, strength, easy care and versatility.
LYCRA® fiber
A name known worldwide for superior fit, comfort and freedom of movement.
Renowned worldwide, LYCRA® fiber is a registered trademark for the INVISTA brand of textile products that are specified by leading designers and garment manufacturers to create fabrics and garments with better fit, great comfort and incredible freedom of movement. LYCRA® fiber, itself, represents a portfolio of premium fibers. LYCRA® fibers have the remarkable ability to be combined with or applied to virtually every other fiber -- including cotton, wool, silk, leather, nylon and polyester -- improving how fabric looks, feels and moves.

LYCRA® fiber is a man-made elastane fiber. Never used alone, but always blended with other fibers, it has unique stretch and recovery properties. LYCRA® fiber adds comfort, fit, shape retention, durability and freedom of movement. This is achieved thanks to the unique properties of the fiber, which can be stretched up to seven times its initial length before springing back to the original position once tension is released.
Any natural or man-made fibers can be mixed with LYCRA® fiber. Very small amounts of LYCRA® fiber can transform the performance of a fabric – the amount of LYCRA® fiber in a material can be as little as 2%. There are various ways of integrating LYCRA® fiber with other fibers to provide fabrics for all needs.
COOLMAX® Comfort System
COOLMAX® is the original performance fabric that has been helping top athletes push harder and longer. F5 is a COOLMAX® certified fabric.

The soft, lightweight and breathable fabric gives F5 certified garments a natural feel, with an added touch of performance that keeps them comfortable.