Innovative 3D knitted balaclava – Collaboration Case Study: Acer and HAE Wear
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Acer, a renowned knitwear producer, teamed up with Swiss brand HAE Wear to create an innovative 3D knitted balaclava. This partnership exemplifies the synergy between exceptional design and advanced manufacturing.
Design by HAE Wear
HAE Wear, a Switzerland based brand, known for its high-quality winter accessories, spearheaded the design of the 3D balaclava. Their goal was to produce a functional, stylish, and sustainable product tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The product had to get a perfect and comfortable fit on the riders hat, so it does not restrict the movements of the head and neck during ski and snowboarding. The material had to be super functional for outdoor activities and cold weather – the choice fell on Polycolon® yarn from Schoeller company.
Development and production by Acer knitting factory
Leveraging our cutting-edge technology and expertise in knitwear, Acer was responsible for the development and later for production of this advanced balaclava. We utilized the finest Polycolon® material, ensuring excellent sweat-wicking properties and comfort. The fully fashioned shape was used in the upper part of the balaclava to get the perfect fit on the head and under the helmet of the rider. Combination of different stitches allowed to get flat, nice fabric for the face areas and ribbed, more elastic stitches on the neck part, so all the body parts were closely fit by the balaclava without restricting the movements during dynamic slope ride.
Big eye hole is 100% knitted on the machine. Thanks to automatic bind-off processed by the Stoll machine we could skip the cutting of the fabric in this area and handle the nice fabric edge without using the linkers.
The biggest challenges were shaping the nose and inserting the ajour structure for mouth and nose to increase breathability. Stoll ADF machines with gauge 7.2 came with help to implement intarsia knitted ajour structure and intensified gore technique allowed to create a nice 3D shape for the nose.
Thanks to all these knitting techniques we manage to get not only super functional products but also a zero-waste knitting process that further emphasizes our commitment to sustainability.
Key Features
– High-Tech Material Made from 100% Polycolon®, ensuring optimal moisture management.
– Perfect Fit: The 3D design adapts to the facial contours for maximum comfort.
– Versatility: Ideal for various outdoor activities, fitting perfectly under helmets and beanies.
– Sustainability: Produced using a zero-waste knitting method.
Success and Impact
The 3D balaclava was met with great enthusiasm from HAE Wear’s customers, highlighting the success of our collaborative effort. This project not only showcased our manufacturing capabilities but also strengthened our relationship with HAE Wear. Together both companies managed to introduce a very innovative product on the market.
Looking Ahead
We are eager to engage in more innovative projects with HAE Wear and other potential partners. Our advanced technology and commitment to quality make us a preferred choice for brands looking to bring unique and high-performance knitwear to the market.
For more information on our services and how we can help bring your designs to life, visit our webiste: https://www.acerskwarka.com/beanies-and-winter-hats-producer/
Explore Ha Wear’s 3D balaclava: https://www.hae-wear.com/collections/halsschlauch-neckwarmer/products/limited-edt-3d-mask?variant=40456681226358)0