SCHOOL APPAREL INTRODUCES HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOCKS MADE WITH INNOVA^® TECHNOLOGY

Press Contact:
Tracey Campbell (800-925-0668) (twcampbell@afyarns.com)
Jack Schofield (800-227-3215, ext. 420)(jschofield@schoolapparel.com)

Chapel Hill, NC (January 17, 2006) – School Apparel, Inc. has developed a line of high performance sport socks and crew socks made with Innova^® yarns from American Fibers and Yarns Company (AF&Y).  Manufactured by Crystal Hosiery of Colombia, South America, the socks combine the comfort of cotton with the high performance characteristics of synthetic yarn.  

Innova yarns from AF&Y are engineered to have the look and feel of virtually any natural or man-made fiber, with inherent performance characteristics including stain and fade resistance, durability, moisture control, and bacteria and odor resistance. 

“School Apparel’s mission is value,” said Vince Knoss, director of marketing, “and our A+ brand of socks featuring Innova yarn technology is a validation of that philosophy.  We think of value as that special feeling you get when you feel beyond satisfied about a purchase decision.  Moms will love the cleanability and performance of these socks, and kids will love the comfort and support.  Both will be beyond satisfied.” 

“Our marketing strategy has been to use technology to give our customers a competitive advantage,” said Jim Morelli, AF&Y executive vice president, “and we are delighted to be working with Crystal Hosiery to provide School Apparel with a unique and differentiated product.  The company has long been known for providing extra value to its customers and our Innova yarn technology is a perfect fit for that philosophy.”

Consumer benefits of A+ socks featuring Innova include:

• Moisture control and quick drying for more comfort

• Bacteria, mold, mildew, and odor resistant for healthier feet.

• Stain and fade resistant for longer wear.

• Engineered for foot support.

About School Apparel, Inc.
School Apparel, Inc. is based in San Bruno, California, and manufactures a full line of school and dress code apparel for children as well as a complete line of men's and women's career and corporate casual apparel.  Products include knit shirts, oxford, broadcloth, poplin and aviator shirts, overshirts, turtlenecks, sweaters, vests and fleece jackets, pants, shorts, skirts, jumpers, skorts, socks and active wear.  All products are designed to offer a great fit and feature superior fabrics that provide longer wear, easy care, maximum softness and everyday comfort.  For more information, visit www.aplusfabrics.com or call 1-800-227-3215.

About American Fibers and Yarns Company
American Fibers and Yarns Company (AF&Y) is the world’s leading supplier of solution dyed filament yarns.  With thousands of yarns in its product portfolio and the ability to engineer yarns to customer specifications, AF&Y is a dominant supplier to the residential and contract furnishings marketplace, and has a growing presence in the hospitality, apparel, automotive and industrial markets.  Headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, AF&Y maintains a Technology Center that specializes in engineering filament yarn with innovative combinations not available from other suppliers.  The company also operates two U.S. production facilities totaling six hundred thousand square feet of manufacturing space.  For more information on AF&Y and its products, please visit www.afyarns.com or call 800-925-0668.