Descente's top-end spring/summer 2010 clothing will feature some intriguing new technology from fabric partner Schoeller.
According to Schoeller, the new Coldblack fabric reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays – as opposed to most other dark fabrics which supposedly absorb up to 90 percent of them – thus keeping the interior side up to 5°C cooler than a standard jersey.
Moreover, the Coldblack also provides UPF 30 protection against UV rays and since the treatment is inherent to the dying process, Schoeller and Descente say the effect won't erode with multiple washings.
Descente will incorporate Coldblack across a wide range of garments, including the men's Avanti jersey and shorts (both bib and non-bib) and women's Muse jersey and Revolutional shorts.
The Avanti jersey will also feature snug-fitting 'single-sided raglan' sleeves for a tighter and more aerodynamic fit, welded seams and hems, and mesh armpits for increased airflow.
The matching shorts will use Descente's new Infinity multi-density and perforated stretch chamois along with similarly welded seams and gripper strips plus notably light and airy Eschler mesh bib straps.
The women's Muse jersey ups the style ante with a uniquely shiny and thin – yet opaque – Revolutional fabric and offset colour-blocked pattern plus three rear pockets (a rarity among women's jerseys). Revolutional fabric is also used in the eponymous shorts, which use a women's-specific Infinity chamois.
Descente will also use so-called Icefil fabrics in other jerseys as an alternative means of keeping riders cool. Rather than reflect the sun's infra-red radation, though, Icefil materials are treated with xylitol, which slowly evaporates as rider temperatures increase, thus removing heat.
Unlike Coldblack, Icefil's effectiveness will decrease over time but Descente claim it will still retain 70 percent of its function after 30 washes.
Also coming from Descente is a collection of seamless base layers that promise an especially body-hugging fit for optimum moisture transfer with minimal skin irritation.
Descente will offer the new base layers in short sleeve and sleeveless versions plus a women's sleeveless variant with a built-in shelf bra.
Look for clever graphic details like this in Descente's new line