All about SKINS www.skins.net

SKINS Technologies

Check out the "Products & Buy" pages for details of the specific technologies used in each SKINS garment.

COMPRESSION

Dynamic Gradient Compression

SKINS 400 Series is the only high performance apparel to take into account compression levels needed to increase oxygen delivery to active muscles while in motion. We call this dynamic gradient compression.

SKINS worked with the scientific and industrial research organisation in Australia to develop a device capable of taking multiple readings of the human body in motion. We hooked up SKINS athletes and for the first time ever, were able to accurately measure compression on muscles in motion - as they change shape with increased levels of oxygen-fuelled blood pumping through them.

This is revolutionary stuff – all previous compression measurements have been carried out on athletes standing still.

We now know what compression levels are required for specific muscle groups whilst static, during activity and in post exercise recovery. We know where you need movement for comfort and injury prevention, and how to get the best circulatory benefits for more oxygen delivery and reduced lactic acid build-up.

Our unique and proprietary knowledge is built into all 400 Series products. So you can go out and tear up the ground. Rip a hole in your personal best. Shred the competition and go back for more.

Engineered Gradient Compression

We’re not just trying to squeeze you. SKINS gradient compression has been engineered to provide the correct level of surface pressure to specific parts of the body. This enhances circulation and gets more vital oxygen to your active muscles – boosting your power, speed and stamina.

Improved circulation also helps to eliminate lactic acid build up and other metabolic wastes during an intense workout.

The result? You go harder, for longer and recover faster.

Warp knit

The fabric in SKINS is warp knitted using multiple fine quality yarns to give superior performance.

Warp knit fabrics have no natural stretch – instead, the spandex mix ensures specific levels of elasticity and perfectly controlled compression. For a compression product this is superior to using circular knit which has natural stretch, making it hard to maintain the correct level of compression. Circular knit fabrics are also less durable and likely to run if snagged.

• Warp knit construction has a ‘float line’ between loops to aid moisture management
• Multiple yarns are used for added strength and to eliminate running if the fabric is torn

FIT

400 fit

400 fit is completely unique to SKINS.

We conducted our own research study of hundreds of athletes of all shapes and sizes. Using a full body 3D scanner, we gathered over 800,000 measurements from each chosen athlete. The result is 400 fit, a way of cutting and shaping SKINS according to 400 key fitting points. This gives a more comfortable fit and more precise, targeted dynamic gradient compression.

Our research also led us to produce a greater range of leg lengths for men and different body shapes for women.

No product in the world pays such attention to your body size and shape. Which is why nothing fits – or works – quite like SKINS 400 Series.

SKIN fit

SKINS unique sizing system is based on a Body Mass Index (BMI) / anthropometrical algorithm, because you only get the full benefits of gradient compression if your SKINS fit you properly.

MUSCLES

Memory MX Fabric

Memory MX fabric contains a unique high stretch elastomeric yarn – which returns to its original shape no matter how much stress you put it under.

So you get the same level of muscle support and controlled compression from your SKINS twelve months down the track as you did the day you first put them on.

Featured in almost all SKINS 400 Series compression garments, biomechanically placed Memory MX compliments your own natural movement, provides constant, controlled compression and can help reduce the risk of injury.

Muscle focus

SKINS have a unique way of wrapping and supporting your key muscle groups to reduce movement and focus direction. The seams on SKINS are strategically placed to act as ‘anchor points’ offering focused support and stability and promoting a heightened sense of proprioception.

The results:

• Less vibration in your muscles
• Less soft tissue damage
• Less soreness after exercise
• A decreased risk of muscular injury during times of fatigue

SKINS muscle focus also reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) – that stiffness and strength loss you get 24 to 72 hours later – and speeds up your recovery time too.

CLIMATE CONTROL

Moisture management

Sweat is your body’s way of regulating temperature. We’ve got no intention of messing with that. But keeping you dry; that we’re interested in.

Wicking is inherent in all SKINS fabrics. Moisture is drawn away from your skin, so you stay dry and comfortable. This process allows the body to regulate its temperature naturally.

Even during an intense workout, your muscles can function at their optimal temperature.

ICE

SKINS ICE garments contain a fair bit of sound science. Our proven engineered gradient compression improves your circulation, which optimises your body's natural temperature regulation, keeping you cooler when it's warm. In SKINS ICE, we've team engineered gradient compression with Microencapsulation Technology (MET). MET allows us to embed microcapsules of a menthol cooling substance into our fabric.

So what does this mean for you? University trials have shown that SKINS ICE significantly reduces the physiological factors that affect performance whilst exercising in the heat.

SKINS ICE doesn’t physically cool the muscles – that would be a bad idea during exercise. Instead, under the influence of friction and body heat, the microcapsules release the cooling substances which stimulate thermo receptors in your skin. This triggers the nerves to send signals to your brain to induce a cooling sensation. So you feel cool, even in the hottest conditions.

SKINS ICE can easily be recharged using our unique iceBOOST spray – you get a can with every product.

Thermal

With a thermal rating 200% higher than other SKINS products, SKINS thermal keeps your muscles at the right temperature for as long as you need to keep pushing yourself.

It also keeps you warm without compromising on fit, support or moisture management. So you’ll stay comfortable and warm in cold conditions.

Snow Thermal

Made from a unique blend of nylon hollow core fibres and spandex, SKINS snow thermal has over 190% higher thermal rating than SKINS standard tops and tights.

Heat from your body is trapped in the lightweight hollow core fibres, keeping you warm in cold temperatures.

The stretchy spandex gives you complete freedom of movement and all the benefits of SKINS engineered gradient compression.

Brushed Fabric

SKINS snow garments feature brushed fabric on the inside.  This not only gives a softer feel, it also offers a slight thermal advantage by trapping warm air against your skin.

PROTECTION KIT

Odour, stink, pong, smell, stench free

No matter how hard you work out, your SKINS won’t get too smelly.

Permanent antimicrobial features discourage the growth of bacteria by ionically absorbing odour. These features are built into all our fabrics, so they can’t ever be washed out.

All SKINS 400 Series products also contain Ruco-bac antibacterial treatment. This is a highly effective way of stopping bacterial growth without influencing the natural balance of the skin. Unlike some harsh treatments, Ruco-bac is environmentally friendly, compliant with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

50+ UV protection

SKINS was born in Australia, so we know a thing or two about exerting ourselves in the sun. Aging might not stop you training, but sunburn and irritation will. One way or another – you have to cover up.

Our fabrics have a UV protection of 50+, which means you can get out and train harder without worrying about sun related risks.

CYCLING SPECIFIC

C400 Chamois

The Multi-D Anatomic Carbonium men’s chamois in SKINS C400 shorts is the result of thousands of hours of engineering and user testing.

• its unique anatomically curved shape perfectly fits the area where your bum meets the saddle
• the Elastic Interface® Technology Carbonium three-threaded fabric expands and contracts with your body’s movement, eliminating friction as you pedal, while allowing maximum breathability
• high-density foam inserts also relieve pressure in the perineal area for maximum comfort
• carbon content provides natural antimicrobial protection

In a sport that places huge demands on the body, this is one feature that really makes a difference.

DiAPLEX

DiAPLEX is a super smart membrane inserted into the front of SKINS C400 wind vests that adapts to body temperature.

This state of the art fabric becomes an insulating barrier against wind chill on steep descents and allows cyclists to let off steam when your body temperature rises again on hilly climbs.

It uses Micro-Brownian motion: when your body temperature reaches a certain point, pores in the fabric open up to allow water vapour and heat to escape. The hotter it gets, the wider the pores open – helping you cool.

At lower temperatures, the membrane remains rigid and the pores stay shut, trapping warm air against your body keeping you warm.

Cycle Pro Men’s Chamois

Engineered in Italy – home to the Giro d'Italia and other thigh burning events – the Elastic Interface® Technology cycle pro men’s Multi-DM chamois is the result of rigorous wear testing by a panel of experts, which means:

• multiple foam densities for the ultimate comfort
• freedom of movement in the saddle
• protection for sensitive areas of the male anatomy
• optimum breathability to transport moisture

So you’ll be able to ride hard all day without getting a sore bum.

Cycle Pro Women’s Chamois

Designed in Italy SKINS cycle pro women’s longs and shorts feature an Elastic Interface® Technology Multi-DF chamois, which is more than just a comfy cushion. It provides:

• three different foam densities for ultimate comfort
• freedom of movement in the saddle
• protection for sensitive areas of the female anatomy
• optimum breathability to transport moisture

So you can concentrate on the next mountain climb without worrying about the comfort of your backside.

TRIATHLON SPECIFIC

TRI400 Chamois

Using Elastic Interface® Technology, the TRI400 chamois is designed specifically for triathletes looking for maximum comfort and performance.

• high density foam provides maximum protection with a slim profile
• all-way stretch elastic insert expands and contracts with your body’s movement, eliminating friction as you pedal
• textured surface allows for optimum moisture transfer and comfort

The non-absorbent foam adapts to the bike immediately after the swim leg.

Anti-friction Carbon Panels

When you pull on your SKINS TRI400 suit, nothing can slow you down. This is thanks to the strategically placed carbon-infused fabric panels between the thighs.

Tests have shown that anti-friction carbon panels generate up to 40% less friction. Which means less chafing, more comfort – and better performance when you run.

TRI400 fabric

A SKINS TRI400 suit doesn’t just help you blitz the transitions. It helps you glide through the water, leaving the rest of the pack in your wake.

It’s all down to strategically placed panels of ultra smooth Toray fabric. This heat and pressure treated material minimises drag and gives you a more streamlined profile as you cut through the water.

Blended from Cationic polyester and LYCRA, the TRI400 Toray fabric also resists colour fading from exposure to light and chlorinated pool water.

RANGE SPECIFIC

CROM

CROM stands for complete range of motion – and it gives you just that.

SKINS CROM tops provide engineered gradient compression across your torso and arms to improve circulation and get more oxygen to your active muscles. At the same time, motion tech panels on the upper torso give you total flexibility when you’re on the field or track, in training or in a match.