Italian warp-knitted fabric specialist Eurojersey and Portuguese technical apparel manufacturer Petratex have joined forces to develop Optical Motion, a new performance wear project that brings together textile innovation, garment engineering and advanced manufacturing from the very earliest stages of product development.
Using cycling as its starting point, the Optical Motion cycling collaboration examines how fabrics, garment construction and technologies can evolve together to optimise aerodynamics, comfort, breathability and freedom of movement across demanding performance conditions.
Engineered Together: An Integrated Development Philosophy
The project operates under the concept ‘Engineered Together’, combining Eurojersey’s deep expertise in technical warp-knitted performance fabric with Petratex’s well-established capabilities in garment design, engineering and production. Rather than treating fabric development and garment construction as two separate processes, the partners have created a fully integrated approach in which material selection, construction and fit are developed simultaneously.
Optical Motion incorporates different textile structures positioned precisely according to the demands of the body and the nature of movement. Mesh fabrics enhance ventilation in targeted zones, structured surfaces are designed to improve aerodynamics, and high-density materials provide the necessary support and stability. The resulting garments are engineered to maintain comfort and performance across long distances.
Visual Identity Inspired by Op Art
Beyond the technical foundations, the Optical Motion cycling capsule also features a distinctive visual identity inspired by Op Art. Three-dimensional textures, contrasting surfaces and reflective elements are used to create a strong visual sense of movement and speed. Notably, these aesthetic elements are developed in parallel with the technical characteristics of the garments, rather than being added as a final design consideration.
The Experience Behind the Collaboration
Eurojersey brings more than 65 years of textile research and manufacturing experience to the project, including advanced warp-knitting technologies and a fully integrated production process based in Italy. Its Sensitive Fabrics range combines stretch, breathability, durability and comfort for high-demand performance applications, making the company a well-regarded contributor to technical sportswear development globally.
Petratex, with 37 years of experience in technical garment development, integrates product design, body mapping, 3D prototyping and advanced manufacturing technologies into its process. Design and development are based in Portugal, with production available in Portugal or Tunisia through certified Industry 4.0 facilities.
A Comprehensive Development Process
Development of the Optical Motion capsule encompasses research into cycling performance requirements, fabric selection, garment architecture, 3D prototyping, performance validation and industrial production. Each stage directly informs the next, allowing materials and construction methods to be continuously refined together throughout the process.
A Foundation for Broader Sportswear Collaboration
Beyond the cycling collection itself, both partners view Optical Motion as the foundation for a broader collaborative service aimed at sportswear and performance apparel brands. The proposed approach would support customers from the definition of performance objectives all the way through to finished garment production, combining textile development, design, engineering and manufacturing within a single coordinated process.
Eurojersey and Petratex believe this integrated garment engineering model could offer brands greater flexibility in developing tailored performance solutions, while strengthening the relationship between warp-knitted performance fabric functionality, garment construction and end-use requirements — areas that have traditionally been managed in isolation within the industry.
