This summer, nineties fashion is making a strong comeback with hipoglos, those tracksuits made of reflective material that turn any walk into a blinding flash. Forget about tanning: here, the shine comes from the fabric. If you plan to go to the beach, bring sunglasses, because the glow of this fabric surpasses that of hot sand.
The engineering of the flash: polymers and reflectivity 🛸
The secret of hipoglos lies in its outer layer of micro glass beads embedded in a polyurethane resin. These beads, between 50 and 100 microns, create a retroreflection effect that returns light in the same direction as its source. At the textile level, a prismatic film laminate is applied over a polyester lining, achieving a reflectance of over 80%. This explains why, under the July sun, the tracksuit looks like a highway beacon.
Useful tip: don't stare at your friend wearing hipoglos 😎
If you come across someone dressed in hipoglos on the street, don't look directly at them. Your retina will thank you. It's like having a second sun walking around, but without the advantage of being able to put on sunscreen. Designers assure that the fabric is breathable, although no one has confirmed whether it also makes you the perfect target for distracted seagulls. Use it with caution.