Stab resistant fabric on show

NEW ZEALAND: A New Zealand research firm has developed a unique type of fabric sure to bring smiles to the faces of nightclub bouncers all over the world.

The company, Christchurch-based government body AgResearch has developed a lightweight stab and flame resistant material.

The fabric, suitable for casual vests or jackets, resists puncture or knife penetration, is lightweight and has the dual benefits of breathability and comfort of wool.

Displayed in public for the first time at Air New Zealand Fashion Week, the vest on show is constructed from a knitted Vectran-based fabric and combined with a short wool fibre that is packed into the outer fabric surface.

AgResearch researcher Maree Hamilton-Chisholm said the fabric was not intended for use by police or those in the defence force but could find a niche among those in "lower grade" situations.

She said the wool was flame resistant and would char into carbon, but not ignite, when exposed to severe heat.

The company has also put on display a machine-washable suit that is made from 100 per cent wool, without the use of any chemicals, and is shrink-resistant and has high natural stretch. Dubbed the 'natural easy care fabric', the material was developed by AgResearch's textiles team for Sydney-based client Australian Wool Innovation.