Posted June 23, 2014
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Cone Denim announced the development of VaraBlue™color denims, fabrics that are engineered to achieve unlimited color options using a unique garment dyeing procedure that simulates the look of traditional denim.
Developed under the direction of Cone’s R&D incubator, Cone® 3D, VaraBlue denims are produced at Cone Denim’s historic White Oak plant in North Carolina.
“VaraBlue offers a unique color story,” said Kara Nicholas, vice president of product development and marketing. “Its ‘Ready to Dye’ garment approach gives tremendous versatility in developing most any color in small quantities. It’s like a blank canvas with unlimited color and wet processing options and offers great flexibility in keeping pace with market shifts and color trends.”
Using a specially developed yarn-treatment process, the warp yarns are pre-treated so the dyes used in the garment dye process adhere to the warp yarns only, leaving the untreated filling yarns natural and thus creating denim with yarn dye and ring dye effects.
VaraBlue color denims can be laundered in similar ways that indigo denims are processed, including stonewashing, hand-sanding, enzyme washing and lasering, according to Cone Denim. Another advantage is VaraBlue’s sustainable dye process that lowers energy consumption, requires less water and reduces waste from the process, providing both eco-benefits and overall cost savings, the company said.
Cone Denim's new VaraBlue™ denims offer ‘unique color story’
VaraBlue fabrics are targeted for men’s and women’s jeans and are offered in three fabric styles that include SGene® stretch, rigid non-stretch and comfort stretch.
“These new denims speak to the consumer on many levels and offer wide market appeal beyond its color evolution,” Nicholas said. “With VaraBlue you can achieve clean, sexy, modern or authentic vintage washes that mimic traditional indigo with highs and lows on seam abrasion, color chip off, fading and ring dye effect. We’re excited to expand Cone’s sustainable denim offerings and add to our collection of Made in the USA denims.”