WO2012153252A2

WO2012153252A2 - A dual-layer breathable textile product

Info

Publication number: WO2012153252A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/052251
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nerino Grassi; Carlo Mariotti
Original assignee: Golden Lady Company S.P.A.
Priority date: 2011-05-09
Filing date: 2012-05-07
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: WO2012153252A3; EP2707528A2; ITFI20110095A1

Abstract

The textile product comprises at least one portion consisting of a fabric comprising an inner layer made of at least a first yarn, and an outer layer made of at least a second yam. The first yam is a multifilament yam made of homopolymeric hydrophobic polypropylene with a titer in the range of 10 to 40 dtex, a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF (dtex per filament) amounting to 1.2 or less. The second yam is a multifilament yam made of hydrophilic polyamide 66 with a titer in the range of 10 to 60 dtex, and a number of filaments designed to obtain a DPF of 1 or less.

Description

A dual-layer breathable textile product

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a textile product, and especially a textile product intended for contact with the skin of a user. The textile product may be a gamient, such as a T-shirt, vest, leotard, underpants or bra, or, more in general, an article intended for use in contact with, or close to the skin of the wearer.

Background art

hi the field of clothing, and particularly of technical and sportswear, but also in the medical sector it becomes necessary or useful in many circumstances to use textile articles with technical characteristics that increase their breathable properties. These qualities are useful not only to make the gannent more comfortable in daily use, but also and more importantly to improve the technical characteristics and comfort of clothing worn for sports activities, and to improve the properties of articles intended, for instance, for medical purposes, and particularly for the bandaging of parts of the body to protect areas that have suffered injuries and/or on which medication or the like have been applied.

Research is therefore ongoing to develop textile materials with improved characteristics of breathability.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a breathable textile structure or textile product which improves the performance in terms of breathability and other technical-functional features, comfortable fit and hygiene in use, of a gannent or other article made with the aforesaid textile structure.

In one embodiment, the invention essentially provides a textile product intended to be placed in contact with the skin, with at least one portion consisting of a fabric comprising an inner layer made of at least one first yam, and an outer layer made of at least one second yam, wherein:

- the first yam is a multifilament yam made of polypropylene, e.g. a hydrophobic, homopolymeric polypropylene, with a titer in the range of 10 to

40 dtex, a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF (dtex per filament) of 1 or less;

- the second yam is a multifilament yam made of hydrophilic polyamide 66 with a titer in the range of 10 to 60 dte , a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF of 0.5 or less.

The terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the position of the two layers when the product is being worn. Thus, the inner layer is the one that faces towards the body of the wearer of the product when it is being wom, which is normally in contact with, or close to the user's skin. Vice versa, the second outer layer is the one that faces towards the outside when the product is being wom.

The term "multifilament yam" is used to mean a yam consisting of a plurality of continuous filaments obtained in a known manner from the processing of the base polymer (polypropylene or polyamide).

The term "homopolymeric polypropylene" is used to mean either a material obtained from a single type of homopolymeric polypropylene, or a mixture or blend of two or more polypropylene homopolymers.

The material forming the first yam, i.e. the yam that forms the layer of fabric facing towards the skin when the product is being wom, may consist mainly of a single polypropylene polymer. In other embodiments, however, two or more polymers may be combined to perform a blend, both polymers preferably being made of polypropylene. For instance, suitable blends may consist of Moplen HP462R or Moplen HP561 S, or Moplen HP561R, mixed with a polypropylene obtained by metallocene catalysis, e.g. Metocene HM562S, all the above-mentioned products being commercially available from LyondellBasell, Rotterdam (NL). To give an example, suitable blends may contain 80-90% w/w of Metocene and 20-10% w/w of Moplen.

The structure formed by the two layers thus defined enables a particularly effective breathability to be achieved because the inner hydrophobic polypropylene layer causes the rapid transfer towards the outer layer of perspiration, in the form of vapor, generated by the body of the person wearing the product. This vapor condenses on the outer layer and is released into the environment when it evaporates once again due to the effect of convection with the ambient air.

The hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics of the yams facilitate said transfer. The use of microfilaments for the inner layer and sub-microfilaments for the outer layer facilitates the transfer of moisture from the inside to the outside, and its dispersion into the ambient air. The use of sub-microfibers or sub-microfilaments in the production of the second yam contained in the outer layer of the textile structure is particularly important. The filaments of this second yam advantageously have a diameter of 1 micrometer or less.

The yams also contain a large number of filaments. The particular choice of the number of filaments, and of the diameter of each filament, expressed by the above-mentioned ranges of values enables the advantage of a veiy high total surface area per unit length of the filaments to be obtained for both the yams, and for the one forming the outer layer in particular, of the same order of magnitude as in a conventional yam with fewer filaments and a larger filament diameter. By comparison with the yams of conventional dimensions, however, the yams made with fibers or filaments of such limited size enable a much more marked capillary effect to be achieved, favoring a better, more efficient dispersion of the moisture produced by perspiration from the body. At the same time, the different distribution of the mass of the yam (with many narrow-diameter filaments instead of a few larger- diameter filaments) makes the fabric more comfortable to wear.

By way of example, in a conventional yam with a titer of 35 dtex and 12 filaments the diameter of each filament is 0.0052 mm, and a consequent unit surface area (per 1000 m of yam) of 1 ,976 cm . A 35 dtex yam with 68 filaments has substantially the same surface area, because the diameter of each filament is 0.00092 mm, and as a consequence the unit surface area (per 1000 m of yam) is approximately 1 ,965 cm². The much larger number of filaments in the latter case (and consequently much lower DPF) makes the fabric more comfortable to wear and lends it a more marked capillary effect, which enables a more efficient transfer of any moisture towards the outside of the fabric.

Each yam can be used as is to prepare the corresponding layer of fabric, or it can be part of a more complex thread, hi particular, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two layers of the textile structure fomiing the product may have elastic characteristics, in winch case the yam forming said layer is wound around a core consisting of an elastomer. There are known elastomers suitable for this purpose. The elastomer is preferably provided inside the second yam, i.e. in the polyamide yam fomiing the outer layer.

In general, the fabric may be a woven fabric. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is knitted fabric. To obtain the two, inner and outer layers, the method known as plating may be used to knit the fabric. The two yams used to form the inner and outer layers are delivered to the needles of a knitting machine, which is advantageously a circular knitting machine, to form the stitches of the fabric simultaneously, the first yam always being positioned on one side, and the second yam always on the other side of the textile structure being knitted. The plated butting technique is well known to a person skilled in the art and requires no further description herein.

In general, the product according to the invention may comprise only a few portions or parts made with the above-described dual-layer polypropylene and polvamide fabric. For instance, the product may be made with a layer comprising a single type of yam and contain inserts, located in selected areas, made with the dual- layer, two-yam structure as described above. Preferably, however, the product is made entirely of a fabric comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, characterized by the above-described composition and hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics.

The first yam forming the first layer of the fabric has a titer preferably in the range of 20 to 40 dtex or, better still, between 25 and 35 dtex, e.g. between 26 and 30 dtex, and particularly between 27 and 29 dtex. The number of filaments varies, depending on the total titer of the yam, bearing in mind that the DPF (i.e. the titer of each filament) is advantageously 1.2 or less, and preferably 1.1 or less, e.g. between 1 and 0.8. In one embodiment, the titer of the yam is 28 dtex and the number of filaments is 28, with a DPF of 1.

In some embodiments, the second yam has a titer in the range of 25 to 40 dtex, and preferably between 30 and 38 dtex or, better still, between 32 and 36 dtex. The number of filaments varies, depending on the total titer of the yam, bearing in mind that the DPF (i.e. the titer of each filament) is advantageously 1 or less, and preferably 0.9 or less, e.g. coming between 0.8 and 0.3. In one embodiment, the titer of the yam is 35 dtex and the number of filaments is 68, with a DPF of approximately 0.5.

In some embodiments, the product has microperforated areas to enhance the fabric's breathability. These microperforated areas are advantageously positioned so that they coincide with areas of the skin where perspiration is more abundant when the product is being worn. The term "more abundant" is used in a relative sense visa-vis areas where perspiration is less abundant. In the case of a garment such as a T- shirt, a vest or the like, these areas where perspiration is more abundant are located in the area of the armpits (axillary area) and in the central areas of the chest (abdominal area) and back (spinal area).

Being hydrophobic, the first yam forming the inner layer intrinsically has marked bacteriostatic features. Vice versa, because the polyamide yam forming at least a part of the outer layer is hydrophilic, it may require a treatment to improve the bacteriostatic features of this textile layer. The term "bacteriostatic features" is used to mean a general capacity to reduce, combat or prevent the proliferation of microorganisms, hi some embodiments, the second yam is advantageously treated with a bacteriostatic product. A metal ion, which is typically and advantageously a silver ion (Ag²⁺), or another substance with bacteriostatic features may be used for this purpose. The treatment may be completed during the yam dyeing process.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, a product as described above is contained inside a sealed external wrapping to preserve the product's bacteriostatic characteristics. This wrapping may be made of an appropriate metal that is suitably inert, or that is at least made inert on the surface in contact with the garment and defining the volume inside the package. For instance, a wrapping made of tinplate may be used (i.e. a tinplated steel sheet), with an aluminium closing membrane or foil. In addition to the metal, a protective paint may be applied on the inside of the package, e.g. an epoxy phenolic paint. The areas of any welds can be suitably treated, with a polypropylene protection for instance, to overcome the difficulty of anchoring the paint to the welding material.

According to an improved embodiment of the invention, to improve the preservation of the product, the wrapping of the package surrounds an internal volume with a controlled or modified atmosphere, such as an inert atmosphere. Said inert atmosphere may be a nitrogen atmosphere. The oxygen, and preferably also any moisture, are advantageously at least partially, or even totally removed from inside the package. This enables any proliferation of microorganisms to be avoided, while also preventing any oxidation of the bacteriostatic metal ions.

According to another aspect, the invention concerns a method for packaging a product as described above, comprising the following stages: forming a wrapping defining a volume for containing said product; inserting the product inside said container; closing the container after creating a controlled atmosphere inside it. A controlled or modified atmosphere may be created first inside the container, e.g. using nitrogen, and entirely or partially eliminating the moisture and/or oxygen. The wrapping may be made of metal sheet, e.g. a steel and tin alloy, possibly painted on the inside, and closed by means of an aluminium membrane or foil.

The product may be a generic garment, such as an item of underwear (bra, underpants), pantyhose, stockings or socks, an undershirt, T-shirt or vest, etc. hi other embodiments, the product may for instance be a protective tubular article sized and shaped to fit over various parts of the body, for use as a muscle warmer or as a protective bandage covering a medication, or for other such purposes. In all its applications, the product is extremely comfortable because it is easy for the moisture produced by perspiration to be dissipated on the outside, maintaining optimal hygienic conditions thanks to the highly bacteriostatic characteristics of the fabric (be they intrinsic or induced during the dyeing treatment).

In some embodiments, at least some of the fibers used are treated with one or more components that make the fabric temperature-responsive. These one or more components may include one or more temperature-responsive polymers or copolymers that change the way in which moisture is released into the outside environment depending on the temperature of the body. In particular, the responsive component modifies the rate at which moisture is released to the outside, thus having the effect of maintaining the body's physiological temperature. For this purpose, when the temperature "recorded" by the responsive substance amounts to 30°C or more, a greater release of moisture towards the outside is enabled, while said release of moisture is restricted when the temperature is lower. This avoids the classic cold sensation being perceived when the body perspires and the resulting moisture evaporates rapidly through the fabric.

There are known responsive materials and components suitable for this purpose, as described in WO-A-2010/006457 and in the technical literature and patents quoted in this publication. Responsive polymers suitable for these applications are commercially available from HeiQ Materials AG, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland.

The responsive component can be advantageously applied to the fiber during the dying process. The responsive treatment is preferably applied to the fibers intended to form the outer layer of the textile structure. According to another aspect, a knitted article of clothing is described herein, comprising at least one portion consisting of a knitted fabric comprising an inner layer intended to face towards the skin and made of at least a first yam, and an outer layer made of at least a second yam. According to an advantageous embodiment, the first yam is a multifilament yam made from a hydrophobic polymer, preferably made of polypropylene, with a titer for instance in the range of 10 to 40 dtex, a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF (dtex per filament) of 1.2 or less. According to advantageous embodiments of the invention, the second yam is a multifilament yam made from a hydrophilic polymer, such as hydrophilic polyamide 6,6 (Nylon 6-6), preferably with a titer in the range of 10 to 60 dtex, and a number of filaments chosen to obtain a DPF of 1 or less, and preferably of 0.9 or less or, better still, of 0.8 or less, e.g. in the range of 0.8 to 0.3. For instance, the number of filaments may vary from 10 to 70, and the titer from 25 to 40, with a number of filaments sufficient to obtain a DPF of 1 or less, e.g. 0.9 or less, and preferably 0.8 or less, particularly in the range of 0.8 to 0.3. The yams are knitted to form a plated fabric with the first yam facing towards the inside. This gives rise to a manufactured garment in which the surface facing towards the inside of the item of clothing is formed entirely of the first yam, while the second yam remains on the outer surface of the garment, achieving a separation (thanks to the combination of materials chosen for the production of the yams and the plated knitting method) between the outer surface of the garment and the skin when the garment is worn in direct contact with the skin.

The garment thus obtained can have one or more of the features described below and forming the specific subject of the dependent claims attached to the present description, of which they form an integral part.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is easier to understand from the following description and attached drawings, which show a practical embodiment of the product according to the invention. More in particular, in the drawings:

Figs. l and 2 show a front view and a rear view of a garment (a short-sleeved undershirt or T-shirt in this example) made according to the invention;

Figs. 2 A and 2B schematically show an enlargement of the microperforated fabric obtained by means of the transfer of knitted stitches, in two different embodiments;

Figs. 3 and 4 show a front view and a greatly-enlarged schematic cross- sectional view of a knitted fabric suitable for use in the manufacture of a product according to the invention;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a functional representation of the properties of the fabric used to manufacture the product according to the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a package containing the product according to the invention. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

Figs. 1 and 2 schematically show a garment (a T-shirt in this example) globally indicated by the numeral 1 , that can be made with a plated knitted fabric schematically having the structure illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, and forming a textile structure according to the invention.

In the example illustrated, the textile structure forming the garment 1 consists of a plated knitted fabric obtained by knitting together two different yams, shown schematically in Figs. 3 and 4, where they are schematically identified as Fl and F2. The plated knitting technique used to obtain the structure shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is well known and is not described in further detail herein. This technique essentially enables the production of a textile structure formed of stitches knitted with a double yam, where the yam F 1 comes to be on one side of the structure and the yam F2 on the other. The yam Fl thus forms an inner layer of the garment, while the yam F2 forms an outer layer. In Figs. 4 and 5, these layers are globally indicated as SI and SE, respectively.

According to the invention, the dual-layer structure is made so that the inner layer SI serves to convey moisture, in the form of vapor generated by the body wearing the garment 1 , towards the outer layer SE. This moisture condenses on the outer layer SE. Due to the effect of the ambient air, the moisture that condenses in the outer layer SE then gradually evaporates and is released into the outside environment.

The skin covered by the garment thus remains dry. The mechanism by which the moisture due to perspiration is transferred from the inner layer in contact with the skin towards the outer layer is qualitatively represented in Fig. 5.

The yam Fl forming the inner layer characteristically consists of polypropylene, and advantageously of homopolymeric polypropylene, and has a multifilament structure, i.e. it consists of a plurality of filaments with a total titer in the range of 10 to 40 dtex, and preferably between 20 and 35 dtex, for instance between 25 and 33 dtex. The number of filaments in the yarn Fl may be advantageously in the range of 10 to 40, and in any case the number of filaments is chosen in relation to the titer of the yarn so as to obtain a DPF substantially amounting to 1 or less.

The yam F2 is advantageously composed of a polyamide 66 with a titer for instance in the range of 10 to 60 dtex, and preferably coming between 20 and 40 dtex or, better still, between 25 and 38 dtex, and with a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and chosen in any case so that the DPF of the yarn is preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.6 or less or, better still, 0.5 or less, hi practical terms, the filaments forming the yam F2 have a diameter of a few hundred nm, and preferably less than 1 μιη.

The polyamide yam F2 is preferably wound around a core consisting of an elastomer (not shown in the figures). The polyamide yam 66 is preferably wound there in a spiral around the elastomer, which thus forms the inner core of the yam used to knit the stitches of the outer layer SE. This spiraling technique and the machines that perform this action are well known and are not described in further detail herein. The elastomer may alternatively be covered with the polyamide yam by means of an air-jet interlacing technique.

By its very nature, the yam Fl forming the inner layer is hydrophobic, and this feature enables it to transfer the moisture released from the skin in the form of vapor towards the outer layer SE. The hydrophobic feature of the yam forming the layer SI also gives this layer adequate bacteriostatic features, so no further treatments are needed to reduce the bacterial load in this component of the textile structure forming the garment 1.

Conversely, the polyamide 66 forming the yam F2, i.e. the outer part of the composite filament consisting of the yam F2 and the internal elastomer, has hydrophilic properties, which are necessary for the purpose of transferring the moisture generated by the body wearing the garment 1 onto this layer. In advantageous embodiments of the invention, provision is made for the yam F2 to be treated with an additive with a bacteriostatic action, so as to ensure that there is no buildup of microorganisms in the part of the textile structure formed with this yam, or their proliferation is obstructed. This treatment may be applied during the dyeing process, by anchoring molecules of a bacteriostatic substance to the yarn.

Said substance preferably consists of silver ions, though this does not rule out the possibility of using other known substances with an adequately bacteriostatic effect, a low toxicity and the capacity to become anchored to the polyamide 66. All of the fabric forming the garment 1 thus has adequate bacteriostatic features, making it particularly safe from the hygienic standpoint.

The bacteriostatic characteristics of silver ions are maintained and renewed by the use and repeated washing of the garment. To avoid these characteristics being lost before the garment is used, e.g. as a result of the time elapsing between the dyeing process on the yam F2 and the sale and consequent use of the end-product, according to an advantageous embodiment, the garment 1 is advantageously inserted in a packaging suitable for preserving the characteristics of the silver ions (or other equivalent bacteriostatic substance) applied to the textile structure.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a packaging 1 1 of this type, hi the example shown, the packaging 1 1 consists an external metal container 13, made for instance of tinplate, i.e. of a sufficiently thin sheet of extra-soft steel coated with a layer of tin, closed by means of an aluminium membrane or foil. The inside surface may be further painted, e.g. with an epoxy phenolic paint. The areas where the tinplate is welded can be treated with a polyester coating. The inside volume of the container 13 is preferably filled with an inert gas, typically nitrogen, under a calibrated pressure. Inside the final packaging, which is sealed after inserting the garment 1 in the container 13, there will therefore be no oxygen or moisture (or they will be in negligible quantities), thus avoiding any deterioration of the silver ions and consequent loss of their bacteriostatic properties.

The presence of the modified or controlled atmosphere also prevents any formation and growth of microorganisms that might negatively affect the hygienic features of the product.

hi advantageous embodiments, as shown schematically in Figs. 1 and 2, the garment 1 may be a fabric knitted with a different texture for the various parts of the garment in order to further increase its breathability. In the solution shown in Figs. 1 and 2, there are essentially five different areas, coinciding with the use of different knitting patterns. More in particular, a first area 1A is located on the front portion, coinciding with the breastbone and extending downwards to the area of the abdomen and hips, and defined as the "abdominal area"; a second area I B is located on the rear, covering the central portion of the back (the "spinal area") with a tapered shape from the top downwards; a third area 1 C is located so as to coincide with the armpits; a fourth area I D covers the shoulders. These four areas are advantageously made with a knitting pattern that produces microperforations. The remainder of the garment, indicated as I E, is advantageously made using a plain knitting stitch. As any person skilled in the field of knitted fabrics knows well, a perforation or microperforation is generally obtained by transferring a stitch from one needle to a neighboring needle on the (normally cylindrical) needle bed used to knit the garment. Figs. 2A and 2B schematically show the knitting pattern obtained using this stitch transfer process. The stitch may also be transferred on the opposite side to the one shown in the figure. In Fig. 2A, the stitch is transferred to the adjacent needle, while in Fig. 2B it is transferred to the next needle after that. Generally speaking, the size of the microperforation is measured in tenns of the number of needles by which the stitch is displaced. The larger the number of needles between which the transfer takes place, the larger the size of the microperforation. In some embodiments, the area of the spine and the areas under the armpits are provided with microperforations are obtained by transferring a stitch to the first adjacent needle, while in the abdominal area contains microperforations obtained by transferring the stitch over three needles. Perspiration being more abundant under the armpits and along the spine than in the abdominal area, it is preferable to provide a greater density of microperforations in the former than in the abdominal area. For instance, in the spinal area and in the region of the armpits, there may preferably be microperforations with a dimension corresponding to the transfer of stitches to adjacent needles, and preferably with a density in the range of 30 to 70 microperforations/cm² or, better still, between 40 and 60 microperforations/cm², e.g. approximately 50 microperforations/cm². In the abdominal area, on the other hand, the microperforations are preferably made in a size corresponding to the transfer of a stitch over three needles, and preferably with a density in the range of 5 to 30 microperforations/cm² or, better still, between 10 and 20 microperforations/cm^", e.g. approximately 14-17 microperforations/cm".

The areas 1A, IB, 1 C and I D correspond to areas where perspiration is more abundant and these areas of the garment have a structure with a knitting pattern characterized by microperforations that facilitate the transfer of moisture from the body to the outer layer SE and its release into the outside environment. Provision can be made for microperforations of different sizes to be made in the various areas 1 A- 1 D.

The methods for creating microperforations in knitted fabrics are well known and do not require any more detailed description herein. For instance, microperforations can be created by retaining the loops of stitches over one or more rows and/or with a needle selection involving a needle transfer, or with similar techniques.

The size of the microperforations may be advantageously chosen so that it differs in the various areas identified above and, to be more precise, the microperforations in the central areas 1A, I B, I D may be larger than the microperforations in the area 1 C, or suited to the needs of the user. In other words, gannents with different breathability characteristics may be manufactured, enabling the user to choose between several different articles with breathability features that differ from one area to another. Users may choose their gamient to suit the way in which they perspire. In fact, some individuals perspire more under the armpits rather than on their back and/or chest, and vice versa. It is also possible to further distinguish the structure of the fabric between the front and rear parts of the garment to take into account such different degrees of perspiration.

The above description is given on the understanding that the drawings simply show examples, given merely as a practical demonstration of the invention, which may vary in its embodiments and layout without departing from the scope of the invention. Any presence of reference numbers in the attached claims serves merely to facilitate the reading of the claims in relation to the description and the drawings, and shall not be deemed to restrict the scope of the claims protected by the patent in any way.

Claims

1. A textile product designed to be placed in contact with the skin, comprising at least one portion consisting of a fabric comprising an inner layer intended to be facing the skin, made of at least a first yarn, and an outer layer made of at least a second yarn, wherein:

- the first yam is a multifilament yam made of hydrophobic polypropylene with a titer in the range of 10 to 40 dtex, a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF (dtex per filament) of 1.2 or less;

- the second yam is a multifilament yam made of hydrophilic polyamide 66 with a titer in the range of 10 to 60 dtex, and a DPF of 1 or less.

2. A product according to claim 1 , wherein said first yam is made of at least one homopolymeric polypropylene.

3. A product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second yam has a DPF of 0.9 or less, and preferably less than 0.8 or, better still, in the range of 0.3 to

0.8.

4. A product according to claim 3, wherein said second yam has a DPF in the range of 0.8 to 0.1 , and preferably between 0.8 and 0.3 or, better still, between 0.8 and 0.4.

5. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said second yam comprises a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 70.

6. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said first yam has a DPF in the range of 1.1 to 0.5, and preferably between 1 and 0.8.

7. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said fabric is a knitted fabric.

8. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, made entirely of said fabric comprising said inner layer and said outer layer.

9. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the second yam is wound around an elastomer.

10. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the filaments in the second yam have a diameter of no more than 1 micrometer.

1 1. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said first yam has a titer in the range of 25 to 35 dtex.

12. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said second yarn has a titer in the range of 25 to 40 dtex.

13. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising microperforated areas.

14. A product according to claim 13, wherein said microperforated areas contain microperforations formed by transferring knitting stitches.

15. A product according to claim 14, wherein said microperforations are formed by transferring stitches over one to three needles.

16. A product according to claim 13 or 14 or 15, wherein said microperforated areas are arranged so that, when the product is being worn, they coincide with areas of the skin where perspiration is more abundant.

17. A product according to claim 13, 14 or 15, comprising a distribution of microperforations in the range of 10 to 60 microperforations/cm².

18. A product according to claim 16 or 17, in the form of a T-shirt, vest or undershirt, comprising one or more of the following microperforated areas:

- a spinal area,

- an abdominal area,

- two armpit areas.

19. A product according to claim 18, wherein said spinal area and/or armpit areas contain microperforations formed by transferring stitches over one needle and having a density in the range of 30 to 70 microperforations/cm², and preferably between 40 and 60 microperforations/cm .

20. A product according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said abdominal area contains microperforations formed by transferring stitches over three needles and having a density in the range of 5 to 30 microperforations/cm², and preferably between 10 and 20 microperforations/cm².

21. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein at least the second yarn is treated with a bacteriostatic product.

22. A product according to claim 21 , wherein said bacteriostatic product comprises nanoparticles of a metal, or a metal ion with a bacteriostatic action, preferably comprising silver ions.

23. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said inner layer and said outer layer form the two sides of a fabric made using a plated knitting method.

24. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein at least a part of the textile fibers fonning the fabric are treated with a component that has a temperature-dependent response governing the release of humidity into the outside air.

25. A product according to claim 24, wherein said responsive component comprises a polymeric substance.

26. A product according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said responsive component is applied to the textile fibers forming the outer layer.

27. A product according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said first yarn consists of a single type of polypropylene.

28. A product according to one or more of the claims from 1 to 26, wherein said first yam consists of a blend of two or more different types of polypropylene-based polymers.

29. A packaging comprising a product according to one or more of the previous claims and a sealed external wrapping.

30. A packaging according to claim 29, wherein said external wrapping contains a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, preferably containing nitrogen.

31. A packaging according to claim 29 or 30, wherein said external wrapping is made of a metallic material.

32. A packaging according to claim 31 , wherein said external wrapping is closed with an aluminium membrane or foil.

33. A packaging according to claim 31 or 32, wherein said metallic material comprises an outside surface and an insider surface, and at least one of said inside and outside surfaces is painted.

34. A packaging according to claim 33, wherein the inside surface of said metallic material is painted with an epoxy phenolic paint.

35. A method for packaging a product according to one or more of the claims from 1 to 28, comprising the following steps: preparing a wrapping defining a volume for containing said product; inserting the product inside said volume; and sealing the container after creating a controlled atmosphere therein.

36. A knitted textile garment comprising at least one portion consisting of a knitted fabric comprising an inner layer intended to face towards the skin and made of at least a first yam, and an outer layer made of at least a second yam, wherein: the first yam is a multifilament yam made of a hydrophobic polymer with a titer in the range of 10 to 40 dtex, a number of filaments in the range of 10 to 40, and a DPF (dtex per filament) of 1.2 or less; the second yam is a multifilament yam made of a hydrophilic polymer with a titer in the range of 10 to 60 dtex, and a DPF of 1 or less; and wherein said at least two yams are knitted together to form a plated fabric with the first yam facing towards the inside and the second yam facing towards the outside of the garment.