Nike Develops Hyperwarm Flex Baselayer for Cold Climates

Problem

Nike, a leading sportswear brand, wanted to develop a baselayer that would protect and provide comfort to athletes training and competing in cold climates. The challenge was to create a baselayer that combined aesthetics and performance while providing superior articulation and unrestricted freedom of movement.

The manufacturer needed to push the limits of materials and manufacturing to create their best cold weather baselayer. They also had to identify zones where warmth was critical and use different knit density for optimal warmth while guarding against overheating or the chilling effect of sweat left unmanaged.

Solution

Nike developed the Nike Hyperwarm Flex baselayer, which is the warmest and most flexible Nike baselayer for athletes training and competing in cold climates. The Hyperwarm Flex pant and top feature breathable mesh and seamless knit engineering, which achieved a purposeful combination of aesthetics and performance.

The manufacturer used distinct knitted panels in areas requiring flexibility such as shoulders, elbows, and knees to provide superior articulation and unrestricted freedom of movement. They also identified zones where warmth was critical using thermal mapping technology, requiring different knit density for optimal warmth. To guard against overheating or the chilling effect of sweat left unmanaged, special Dri-FIT Max fabric is positioned at key areas on the inside of the Hyperwarm Flex top and pant to wick moisture away.

Impact

• Improved athletes' protection and comfort in challenging climates
• My role
  • Developed thermal mapping technology to identify zones where warmth was critical and use different knit density for optimal warmth.
  • As a leader machine supplier we cooperated with our  Israeli customer and Nike as a final brand to develop the project using the best seller seamless knitting machine, SM8 TOP2V