SRTX is a Canadian material science and technology company based in Montreal, Quebec.[1][2][3]Founded by entrepreneur Katherine Homuth, SRTX is best known for the development of the Sheertex rip-resist knit that is used to produce sheer tights, swimwear, and waterproof membranes for other types of apparel.[1]SRTX specializes in producing textile components and apparel made using the polymer UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene).[1][3]It was founded in 2017.[1][2][3]
History
editSRTX was established in 2017, Katherine Homuth in Muskoka, Ontario in Canada.[1][4]The company initially gained attention through a successful Kickstarter campaign under the name Sheerly Genius, which aimed to manufacture hosiery with a focus on product durability.[5][6][7]
The first prototypes of the Sheertex knit were produced in 2017 with the goal of producing a pair of tights that would not rip.[8] The company was accepted into its first Y Combinator program in Fall 2017.[8] It became part of Y Combinator's Winter 2018 batch.[9][10] Sheerly Genius Pantyhose were named one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions in Fall 2018.[11][12][13]
The company was eventually renamed from Sheerly Genius to Sheertex to reflect its flagship product.[4][14][15] More recently, it was rebranded as SRTX.[12]
By 2020, SRTX had 200 employees.[16]
SRTX expanded into wholesale in 2023 and began selling products through retailers such as H&M and Cos.[17] The company also began selling products through the QVC shopping channel.[1] In 2024, it was reported that SRTX had become B Corp-certified.[17]
In 2023, the company launched Watertex, a line of swimsuits and other fast-drying, hydrophobic apparel products made using UHMWPE.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Sheertex maker looks to get a leg up on pantyhose rivals with new plant – and maybe even displace Gore-Tex". The Globe and Mail. 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b "Sheertex: Poking a hole in disposable pantyhose". www.edc.ca. 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b c "SRTX announces new vertical global HQ in Montreal, Que. - Canadian ManufacturingCanadian Manufacturing". www.canadianmanufacturing.com. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b Meyers, Tracey (2019-04-15). "Textile Technology Brand Sheertex Created Unbreakable Pantyhose". WWD. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "Indestructible tights created using ballistic fibres which can withstand 50 wears and even Velcro". The Independent. 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "This Kickstarter Is Creating Pantyhose That Are (Actually) Indestructible". Yahoo. February 8, 2018.
- ^ "Katherine Homuth back in founder mode with new startup Sheerly Genius | BetaKit". 2018-02-13. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b Renbarger, Madeline. "How 32-year-old Katherine Homuth built the Y Combinator-backed startup behind the 'indestructible' Sheertex tights that are taking the hosiery industry by storm". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Here are 16 more Bay Area startups who pitched at Monday's standing-room-only YC Demo Day". bizjournals.com. 2018-03-20. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Upson, Sandra. "At Y Combinator's Demo Day, the Age of Overpromises Is Over". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "'Unbreakable' Pantyhose: The 50 Best Inventions of 2018". Time. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ a b "Unrippable tights, a self-cleaning vacuum and more best inventions of 2018". TODAY.com. 2018-12-21. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Ike, Noelle (2021-03-03). "Sheertex Tights review: We tried them". CNN Underscored. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Sheertex creates world's toughest sheer pantyhose". www.knittingindustry.com. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ "World's first pair of unbreakable sheer stockings". style.nine.com.au. 2019-01-11. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ "Fast-growing pantyhose brand Sheertex moves to old Montreal hosiery factory". The Globe and Mail. 2020-01-19. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ a b Weston, Sabina (2024-02-14). "Sheertex achieves B Corp status". Drapers. Retrieved 2024-08-12.