Industrial Products: What's New for Spring

Spring. It’s the time of year when consumer magazines fill their pages with information on the latest designs and hottest apparel trends for the warmer months. If you are interested in styling options for the season, you’re sure to find what you need to look your best in any of the popular fashion publications.

Here at UniformMarket, we aren’t necessarily concerned with fashion or what’s “in,” but we do take our commitment to providing the latest industry information seriously. Each month, we receive news from readers on company happenings, mergers and product lines, and we print these items to further the education and understanding of all in the uniform business.

So in the spirit of Spring, we have compiled a list of some of the latest offerings in the industrial market, generated from materials we’ve received from readers. In future issues, we will do similar stories on other market segments, so if you’d like your company included, send us your news!

Just one year after breaking the 50-IL barrier with its revolutionary StayDark No Repair™ pants line, Dickies Occupational Wear introduces work shirts featuring the strongest button on themarket, to minimize costly repairs.

Made of 4 ¼ ounce poplin,the short and long-sleeve shirts have reinforced buttons andplacketsthat are 90 percent stronger than industry standard.They also feature a permanent press soilrelease finish, and a lined two-piece collar with topstitching and permanent stays.

“We had a tremendous response to our No Repair™ pants, so naturally, we wanted an equally maintenance-free shirt for launderers who appreciate that kind of value,” said Dickies spokesperson Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing for the global workwear brand. “Dickies hasbuilt a reputation for quality and functional innovation, and our IL customers know that reducing repair costs while offering a branded garment that commands a higher pricepays off on thebottom line.”

Dickies has also expanded its No Repair™ pants line to include an 11-inch twill cell phone short, featuring the groundbreaking Stay Dark™ technology, guaranteed to last 50 + industriallaunderings. This new short includes a cell phone pocket with a hidden snap closure in addition to enhanced durability features such as reinforced pockets, sturdy wide belt loops and adurable crotch gusset.

Also new in the line for ’05 is the Industrial Comfort Waist cell phone pant with a hidden expandable waistband and a relaxed fit for greater comfort during all work activities. Made of a 7 ¾ ounce vat dyed twill with Dickies trademarked StayDark™ technology, the long-lasting pant also has reinforced pockets and belt loops, a tack button closure and a hidden snap-close cell phone pocket.

All DOW heavy-duty garments for men and women, including jeans, industrial pants, work shirts, cargo pants, work Ts, polo shirts, jackets, coveralls and a toolmaker’s apron are made specifically to meet the demands of the industrial launderers.

The warmer months ahead provide Garment Corporation of America (GCA), with the opportunity to show off the most recent additions to its line of uniform shorts. Men’s wrinkle-resistant all-cotton cargo shorts and women’s 65/35 poly-cotton half-elastic waist shorts were introduced last year, bringing the line to a total of five styles. The company developed the uniform cargo shorts to answer the demand for this popular street-wear style within the workwear market.

GCA also continues to offer its popular men’s plain-front 65/35 poly-cotton shorts with a 7 1/2-inch inseam, men’s double-pleated 65/35 shorts with a 9-inch inseam, and men’s easy-fit 65/35 shorts with side-elastic waist.

Always looking to stay on top of the growing market for women’s uniforms, GCA made the move in 2004 to manufacture women’s 65/35 half-elastic waist shorts that feature two front slack-style pockets and a 7 1/2-inch inseam. All of the poly-cotton styles are made of permanent-press, 7 1/2-ounce twill with the Softwear for Hard Wear by GCA® treatment. The cargo shorts are made of 8-ounce twill with a durable press finish

From WearGuard-Crest comes what has been labeled “The Ultimate Work Shirt.” The shirt, which can be industrial laundered or machine washed, features double pleats in the back and larger armholes offering the wearer more mobility and comfort in any work situation. The longer sleeve placket opening makes it easier to roll up above the elbow, and a longer shirttail allows the garment to say tucked in for a more professional look.

A durable shirt, all seams are reinforced and all stress points on pockets and sleeves are bartacked. Additional features include a chest pocket with external penholder that has a flap and button closure to secure valuables. Made of a 60/40 poly/cotton blend, the shirt is finished with a soil-release treatment, is colorfast and stain resistant.

A couple of the many items offered by Edwards Garment Company include a 100% spun polyester polo shirt and a 70/30 cotton/poly pinpoint oxford. A trade up from its basic oxford, the pinpoint shirt is laundry-friendly and provides a pinpoint weave for comfort and breathability. It has a button down or point collar for men, and a fashionable soft collar for women.

Edward’s 100% spun poly facilitates laundering and is ideal in all work settings. The fabric wicks away moisture, is stain resistant and offers the highest color penetration and color retention. The garment features include a left chest pocket, welt sleeves, and split “V” side vent for added comfort.

To contact any of the above :

Dickies, www.dickies.com , 800-336-7201; Garment Corporation of America, www.GCAuniforms.com , 800-944-4500; WearGuard-Crest, www.wearguard.com ; and Edwards Garment, www.edwardsgarment.com ; 800-253-9885