Crocs Inc., the Niwot-based maker of colorful footwear, said it will broaden its product offerings by introducing its first apparel lines for men and children in October.

Several pieces in the men's collection will be made with fabric that incorporates a new form of the Croslite material found in the company's funky shoes.

Crocs spokeswoman Tia Mattson said the proprietary technology found in the shoes will be woven into a yarn with cotton so the clothes won't have the plastic feel of the footwear.

What the clothing will have in common with the shoes: it will be lightweight, breathable and durable.

Shirts for men will range in price from $36 to $58.

Crocs' new line of children's apparel will come in colors that match the company's shoes.

The girls' Happy Skirt (priced at $38) and boys' Explorer Shorts ($38) include places to snap on Jibbitz, the accessories made by a Boulder company recently purchased by Crocs.