Lenzing’s PerformX Collection Tapped 4 Mills for Functional TENCEL™ Denim
As wardrobes and lifestyles continue to trend toward casualization—with even formal dress codes relaxing—denim is following this leisurely direction.
Performance jeans wear that looks like traditional denim but feels like technical attire fits perfectly into this new norm. Denim that offers stretch, a comfortable fit and a polished look without sacrificing mobility is in high demand.
Consumers don’t want to change clothes multiple times a day, so they want their denim to do more while also delivering on quality. Denim with additional functions fits their needs and provides flexibility for different lifestyle activities. People want clothing that is comfortable enough for a day at home but presentable enough for a video call.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is the best partner to take the value of performance denim to the next level. These fibers not only provide a full story on sustainability, but also moisture management, soft comfort and durability.
To explore this idea of performance denim, we worked with four mill partners to develop 12 articles of clothing. The resulting PerformX Denim Collection will be on view at Kingpins Amsterdam on Oct. 15 to 16. Below, the mill partners share how they used TENCEL™ in their garments and the performance properties they incorporated into their denim.
ADVANCE DENIM
Michael Lam, CEO of Advance Denim Hong Kong and Advance Sico
Carved in Blue: What kind of market demand are you seeing for performance denim? How does this collection speak to this trend?
Michael: For Spring/Summer, the demand for performance denim is soaring as consumers prioritize fabrics that offer cooling effects, UV protection, anti-see-through properties, lightweight comfort and a luxuriously soft hand feel—essentials in response to the intensifying impact of global warming. Modern consumers seek denim that seamlessly blends style with advanced functionality, delivering breathability and sun defense to keep them comfortable in warmer, sunnier conditions while supporting their dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles.
Looking forward to SS27, trend forecasts spotlight the exciting comeback of high-stretch denim, now engineered with superior shape retention to provide an impeccable fit without sacrificing comfort. Cutting-edge innovations like Lycra FitSense technology bring heat-sensitive performance to the forefront, perfectly catering to evolving consumer expectations by offering 360-degree body support while maintaining flawless form.
Our collection combines cooling benefits, UV shielding and innovative stretch capabilities. These next-generation performance denim empowers consumers with unmatched freedom of movement and all-day comfort—enabling them to confidently embrace an active, eco-conscious lifestyle while staying effortlessly stylish.
Carved in Blue: For this collaboration with TENCEL™ Denim, what fabrics and garments did you create? What innovations did you incorporate?
Michael: We’re excited to introduce three innovative TENCEL™ Denim fabrics developed for this collaboration, each designed to elevate performance, comfort and style.
The first fabric is a medium weight, cool-performance denim in a rich dark indigo. Featuring a zero-cotton concept with TENCEL™ Lyocell warp and blending Coolmax with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and incorporating comfort stretch yarn in the weft, this fabric delivers a refreshing cool touch and excellent moisture-wicking properties—perfect for staying comfortable in warmer weather.
The second fabric features a lightweight, anti-see-through and UV-protective design in a pure PFD (prepared for dye) state. This advanced fabric combines modal and TENCEL™ fibers in the warp with a UV-blocking and opacity-enhancing polyester weft, ensuring both superior sun protection and privacy without sacrificing breathability or softness.
Lastly, the 10 oz. dark indigo FitSense fabric redefines stretch denim with its shaping performance, developed in collaboration with Lycra. Enhanced with TENCEL™ on the warp for added softness, this fabric offers exceptional shape retention and adaptive fit for all-day comfort and flawless silhouette support.
Together, these three TENCEL™ denim fabrics blend cutting-edge technology and sustainable fibers to deliver high-performance, stylish solutions that meet the demands of modern consumers.
Carved in Blue: Why is TENCEL™ such a strong fit for performance-ready denim garments?
Michael: Traditional performance denim often relies heavily on high concentrations of polyester or nylon fibers, resulting in a crisp texture and a stiff feel against the skin—features that can hinder comfort and restrict everyday movement. By blending TENCEL™ fibers into these high-performance fabrics, it dramatically enhances the hand feel, introducing a natural softness and a gentle, skin-friendly touch. This innovation not only elevates comfort but also ensures the denim moves effortlessly with the wearer, making it ideal for all-day wear without sacrificing durability or performance.
CANATIBA DENIM
Vanessa Covolan, product director and Fabiana Negami, P&D manager
Carved in Blue: What kind of market demand are you seeing for performance denim? How does this collection speak to this trend?
Vanessa and Fabiana: In line with the growing market demand for denim that combines performance, functionality and style, we have developed four innovative products that reflect this trend. Each fabric integrates fiber performance, sustainable innovation and smart finishing techniques to enhance comfort, protection and durability.
Carved in Blue: For this collaboration with TENCEL™ Denim, what fabrics and garments did you create? What innovations did you incorporate?
Vanessa and Fabiana: Incrível Repelente is a denim fabric, 9.0 oz., comfort stretch, 41 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 24 percent polyester, 20 percent cotton,13 percent LENZING™ ECOVERO™, 2 percent elastane, with water and oil repellent treatment. This innovation offers protection against accidental spills and stains, extending the life of the garment and reducing the frequency of washes. The combination of fibers ensures comfort, flexibility and a premium hand feel while delivering long-lasting performance.
Garden Anti-Vector is a lightweight denim, 5.5 oz. made of 85 percent cotton, 13 percent ECOVERO™ with REFIBRA™ technology and 2 percent Regen elastane, enhanced with an anti-vector (anti-insect) finish. This fabric provides comfort in warm climates thanks to its lighter weight, while the anti-vector treatment adds protection against mosquitos and insects—an increasingly important feature in many global markets. By integrating REFIBRA™ technology, we reuse recycled cotton as a raw material, contributing to circularity and sustainability in denim.
Aquarius Maxskin is a bottom denim fabric, high stretch 10.5 oz. with 48 percent cotton, 47 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 3 percent Elastomultiester and 2 percent elastane, with a Chitosan finish that offers antimicrobial properties, hypoallergenic, odor control, comfort and soft touch. The fabric provides excellent shape retention due to the dual-stretch fiber combination, ensuring comfort and lasting fit. TENCEL™ Lyocell adds breathability and a soft touch, while the chitosan finish delivers antibacterial and anti-odor benefits, making the garment ideal for active lifestyles.
Razzis Maxskin is a lightweight denim fabric, 4.5 oz., 88 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 12 percent PA indigo, featuring an easy-care finish. The high TENCEL™ Lyocell content ensures comfort, fluidity and breathability, while the polyamide adds durability. The easy-care finish makes the fabric practical, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring the garment remains smooth and elegant with less effort from the consumer.
Carved in Blue: Why is TENCEL™ such a strong fit for performance-ready denim garments?
Vanessa and Fabiana: TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers deliver an ideal balance of performance and sustainability. They provide softness, moisture management and strength, while also enhancing the eco-friendly profile of our denim. These qualities make Lenzing fiber a partner for developing next-generation performance fabrics.
We believe this collection demonstrates how performance denim can go beyond simple functionality, addressing consumer needs for comfort, protection and sustainability without compromising on authentic denim aesthetics.
PANTHER DENIM
Tim Huesemann, sales director
Carved in Blue: What kind of market demand are you seeing for performance denim? How does this collection speak to this trend?
Tim: At Panther Denim, we are seeing strong demand for denim that fits today’s hybrid lifestyles: garments that are stylish yet functional, easy to care for and comfortable all day long. Performance denim is no longer a niche, it is a necessity. This collection with TENCEL™ directly addresses that shift, with fabrics that deliver stretch and fit retention, cooling comfort and odor control, all while keeping the authentic look and feel of denim.
Carved in Blue: For this collaboration with TENCEL™ Denim, what fabrics and garments did you create? What innovations did you incorporate?
Tim: We focused on three key fabrics that showcase Panther’s performance know-how with TENCEL™ fibers.
Super high-stretch, low-shrinkage balances elasticity with excellent dimensional stability, making it ideal for versatile fits and creative washes.
Polyester with cooling function blended with matte TENCEL™ is engineered to deliver a natural cooling sensation, breathability and a modern, cotton-free aesthetic.
Deodorant TENCEL™ Lyocell integrates nanotechnology to absorb and neutralize odors, keeping garments fresher for longer.
Carved in Blue: Why is TENCEL™ such a strong fit for performance-ready denim garments?
Tim: For Panther Denim, TENCEL™ is the perfect fiber to advance performance denim because it elevates both function and sustainability. Its soft hand feel, moisture management and eco-friendly profile align with Panther’s commitment to develop fabrics that perform in everyday life without compromising on responsibility. With TENCEL™, we can deliver denim that feels modern and speaks to the values of today’s consumer.
SOORTY
Salman Akhter, vice president research and product development
Carved in Blue: What kind of market demand are you seeing for performance denim? How does this collection speak to this trend?
Salman: In recent years, we have seen a strong and growing demand for performance denim that goes beyond just style. Consumers are now looking for garments that offer functionality, comfort and sustainability, especially in non-synthetic cellulosic fiber. This shift is particularly prominent among younger, active consumers who expect their denim to move with them, breathe better and support their on-the-go lifestyle.
Our latest collection, developed in collaboration with TENCEL™, directly addresses this market need. TENCEL™ fibers bring enhanced moisture management, breathability and a soft hand feel, making them ideal for performance-oriented denim. These qualities allow us to create garments that are not only durable and flexible but also comfortable for all-day wear.
By combining the performance attributes of TENCEL™ with innovative denim constructions, we are offering a collection that meets the functional demands of today’s consumers while staying aligned with sustainable values.
Carved in Blue: For this collaboration with TENCEL™ Denim, what fabrics and garments did you create? What innovations did you incorporate?
Salman: In this collection, we developed a diverse range of innovative denim fabrics that combine TENCEL™ fibers with other advanced materials to meet the growing demand for performance and sustainability.
Our fabric range includes cotton-TENCEL™ rigid denim, providing structure with enhanced softness and breathability; cotton-TENCEL™ comfort to super stretch, Cotton-LENZING™ ECOVERO™ four-way stretch, designed for flexibility and all-day comfort while maintaining the classic denim look; and cotton-TENCEL™ blended with Umorfil, a recycled fish collagen fiber that improves moisture retention and skin-friendliness.
Carved in Blue: Why is TENCEL™ such a strong fit for performance-ready denim garments?
Salman: TENCEL™ is ideal for performance denim because it offers excellent moisture management, breathability and a soft, comfortable feel. It also enhances color depth and durability while being sustainably produced, making denim garments both functional and eco-friendly.