2(x)ist Soy Collection
Benefits of soy can now be enjoyed inside and outside the body with the arrival of fabrics made from the soybean plant. For Fall 2006, the New York–based men’s underwear company 2(x)ist, a division of H Best Ltd., launched the Soy Collection, made from soy and spandexblend fabric.
“2(x)ist is a very modern trend-setting company,” said its design director, Jason Scarlatti. “The functionality of the fiber and the fabric was exactly what we look for. It’s a wicking fabric; it’s antimicrobial. It does all these things for your body as well.” The company says the fabric also has a higher breaking strength than cotton, wool and silk.
“Our customer is a healthy athletic guy who likes to take care of his body and look good,” Scarlatti said.
He designed the undershirts, briefs and boxers with a modernly clean style and sharp colors to complement the silky feel of the fabric. “I wanted the fabric to speak for itself and have a very streamlined, very fast slick look.”
The collection covers all the basics, including a lower-rise no-show brief, contour pouch, square-cut trunk, crew-neck T-shirt and V-neck muscle shirt in black, slate-gray and sapphireblue colors. The design features a thinner elastic waistband and an athletic lime-green streak along the waistband.
The 11-year-old company has a number of separate collections at a variety of price points, from basic white 100 percent cotton underwear to high-end luxury Pima cotton collections.
But the Soy Collection was designed and developed to be shared by all. “That’s what was different about the soy,” Scarlatti said. “Everyone across the board was interested in that. We wanted everybody to get their hands on it and enjoy it. We didn’t want to have it be too exclusive.”
The fabric and design quality of the collection meets the standards for higher-end boutiques, with a price point on target with department stores. The sustainable nature of soy also has attracted the eye of environmentally conscious consumers. Retail price points range from $19 to $32. The line has been bought by Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s and by specialty stores such as Los Angeles–based Kitson.
Scarlatti added that the arrival of the Soy Collection with athletic design and bolder colors matches the market’s reception to fashionable men’s underwear.
“Within in the last four years, there has been more willingness for change and experimenting [in fashion] with men,” Scarlatti said. “I think men are seeing underwear as a fashion accessory like a tie or a hat.” —Rhea Cortado
