2007 UNIVATOR Award Winner - January 2007

The Tennessee manufacturer launched its Ergonomic Garment Construction (EGC) System as part of its Matrix Series line of fabrics at last year’s NAUMD convention amid much fanfare and with great expectation. “Our goal was to take a comprehensive approach to a department’s uniform needs,” explains Steve Gilkeson. “We wanted everyone to know that we’re not just in the shirt and pants business – we’re in the program business.”

A year later, Perfection, by its own account, has met and surpassed its goal, winning high marks from existing public safety and police accounts and gaining new customers in the fire and EMS markets. “Matrix is the biggest splash in the industry that I’ve seen in my 25-year career,” boasts Gilkeson.

The Matrix line features high performance poly/cotton twill blends with exceptional color depth and retention, stretch comfort, and a UV rating of 40+ - the highest standard for apparel. While garments constructed with Matrix fabrics aren’t waterproof, they do provide liquid protection and internal wickablity.

Perfection’s EGC system is incorporated into the pants and shirts that are made in the Matrix line. EGC was developed to enhance comfort, mobility and to extend the wearlife of a garment, all plusses for today’s discriminating endusers. Waistbands are constructed with heavy duty elastic and expand 2-4 inches as necessary. Pants also include a one piece diamond-shaped gusset for multi-direction stretch.

But don’t be fooled – the EGC system wasn’t devised as a tool to address the American population’s expanding waistlines. Says Gilkeson: “Yes, it addresses the seasonal weight gain that most endusers experience, but the system was designed and inspired by what is going on in the athletic apparel industry. We view the customer as an athlete, as someone on the move who needs a comfortable garment, but also one that presents a good professional image.”

Both Matrix and the EGC system are designed to fit into an enduser’s existing program – another plus in today cost-conscious world. “You can go from a Class A or B or C and still have all the components blend,” notes Gilkeson. “An agency doesn’t have to change its entire program, which would be expensive, because our garments work with what they already have.”