Santoni Creates Seamless Knit Denim with New Machine
PATRICK SILVA SZATKOWSKI
Problem
Santoni, a leading seamless circular knitting machine manufacturer, saw an opportunity in the market for stretch denim products. They wanted to create a new line of seamless knit denim garments that would offer body-hugging, comfortable, sporty, chic and trendy denim items from head to toe. However, this concept was not seen previously on seamless garments and required collaboration with other companies. To achieve this goal, Santoni needed to develop a new machine that could produce the desired fabric and work with Lenzing, Unitin and Tonello to create a capsule collection that would appeal to customers looking for innovative knit denim as a counter-point to traditional woven denim fabric. Watch our video to learn more about our process.
Solution
Santoni developed the SM8/EVO4J GG20 machine which was used in conjunction with Lenzing's Tencel fibers and Tonello's garment finishing technology. The result was DEN/IM - a revolutionary brand-new product that changed the rules of the game. The genuine DNA of denim was maintained while offering customers comfortable and stylish options. The capsule collection offered body-hugging, comfortable, sporty, chic and trendy denim items from head to toe. The design flexibility and styling options that came with seamless technology made Santoni's indigo knits an ideal partnership for athleisure wear.
Impact
- increase in sales since launching DEN/IM capsule collection
- Positive customer feedback on comfort and style of knit denim garments
"This is truly an innovative product that has changed the way we think about denim." - Fashion Industry Insider
My role
- Oversaw the collaboration with Lenzing, Unitin and Tonello to create the DEN/IM capsule collection
- Led the marketing efforts for the launch of DEN/IM
- Oversaw testing and quality control of the new machine during development phase
