For the Spring 2024 season, French sports goods company Salomon will elevate its running apparel offering by partnering with Ionic+ Botanical and 37.5 to create new fabric technology, Knit_Flow. This new fabric uses the anti-odour citric-acid formula, Ionic+ Botanical, and is the first durable plant-based formula to be registered, tested, and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Salomon is the first brand to bring this new technology to the consumer market through select S/LAB and Sense Aero running apparel, launching spring 2024.

Knit_Flow fabric combines ultra-modern technologies designed to reduce contact between fabric and skin allowing for airflow throughout the garment. A unique ‘twisted yarn’ powered by Ionic+ Botanical and 37.5 fabric technologies provides maximum breathability that reduces odour and wicks away moisture for all day comfort, Salomon said in a press release.

“With our Knit_Flow fabric, we want runners to forget they are even wearing a shirt and shorts so that they remain in their desired comfort zone at all times,” said Hugo Debrueres, head of product for Salomon apparel. “How you feel depends on if your body is at the right temperature and this new Knit_Flow fabric will keep you cooler longer and will help prevent that sweaty, sticky feeling many active apparel pieces deliver.”

To create Knit-Flow fabric, Salomon partnered with two well-established fabric technology companies—Noble Biomaterials and 37.5. Ionic+ antimicrobial solutions by Noble offer naturally self-cleaning antimicrobial fabrics. The new botanical citric-based solution of Ionic+ lasts up to 50 washes and fights microbes on the material—the same microbes that lead to odorous bacteria growth on fabric that doesn’t wash out.

Ionic+ Botanical uses a state-of-the-art citric-acid antimicrobial/anti-odour formula. The only durable plant-based registered formula with the Environmental Protection Agency, meaning the ingredients are tested by EPA scientists to meet Safer Choice’s stringent criteria. Ionic+ treated products clean themselves of microbes that attach and propagate on fabric, ensuring fabric won’t carry smells associated with odour-causing bacteria.

“Our collaboration with Salomon on Knit_Flow marks a significant milestone as we introduce Ionic+ Botanical to consumers for the first time,” said Joel Furey, founder and chief commercial officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Working with Salomon to integrate our plant-based antimicrobial solution into Knit_Flow not only enhances the performance, but also contributes to a more sustainable future of apparel use. We’re excited to set a new standard for the apparel industry with this collection.”

Apparel with 37.5 Technology uses natural minerals permanently embedded in the clothing to help the body naturally thermoregulate, so users can quickly cool down when hot and warm up when cold. While wicking fabrics simply spread moisture, climate control fabrics with 37.5 Technology remove moisture vapor before it turns into liquid sweat, so users stay in their comfort zone longer even as their exertion level rises.

Collaborative product development with technology leaders like Noble and 37.5 also aligns with Salomon’s goal of bringing responsible performance and innovation to the market through such design partnerships.

Select tops in Salomon’s S/LAB and Sense Aero SS24 run apparel lines will feature the new Knit_Flow technology that will benefit runners for everyday runs and race days.

The S/LAB Tee and S/LAB Speed Singlet offer men and women advanced thermoregulation, moisture management, a breathable open weave and odour regulation that make them go-to picks for race day.

Salomon’s Sense Aero line provides runners with top-notch technology for everyday runs in specific men’s and women’s fits. The Sense Aero Tee uses ghost seams, an anti-chafing neck insert and reflective details that elevate comfort and safety on runs. The Sense Aero Singlet offers Salomon’s Knit_Flow technology in a sleeveless option for hot summer runs and includes reflective details for visibility at night. Finally, the Sense Aero Short Tank for women incorporates the Ionic+ Botanical anti-order technology with a cropped design.