Product News - September 2007

Fall in upon us, and two of this month’s four featured manufacturers are introducing products perfectly timed for the season. Continue reading for news from Red Kap, 3M, 5.11 Tactical and Cherokee.

Red Kap is offering its customers a new line of jackets just in time for the cooler months.

Styles include the JN10 Nylon Crew Jacket, JM32 and JM33 Men’s and Women’s Two Tone Microfiber Jackets, and the JN30 and JN31 Men’s and Women’s 3-in-1 Systems Jackets.

The JN10 Nylon Crew Jacket is 100 percent water resistant nylon with a 100 percent polyester fleece lining. It features elastic cuffs with adjustment tabs, elastic waistband, nylon sleeve lining for easy on-off, and interior chest pocket. Also included is a zip-in armhole for easy embroidery access. The jacket is available four colors.

The JM32 and JM33 Men’s and Women’s Two Tone Microfiber Jackets are 100 percent water resistant polyester microfiber with a 100 percent nylon lining. They feature contrast color detailing, elastic cuffs, drawstring bottom, athletic fit, and two interior zippers for easy embroidery access. This sporty style helps keep you dry and is easy to decorate. Two tone colors include Black/Charcoal, Red/Black, and Navy/Khaki.

The JN30 and JN31 Men’s and Women’s 3-in-1 Systems Jackets are 100 percent water resistant nylon with a 100 percent polyester fleece lining. They feature elastic cuffs and waistband, nylon sleeve lining for easy on-off, zip in/out reversible vest, and stow-away hood. The vest can be worn alone or zipped into the outer jacket. This gives the wearer three combinations based on the temperature outside. The vest is also reversible so that the fleece side can be worn on the outside if desired. There are even pockets on both sides so that you have easy access no matter which way you choose to wer it. Colors include Black and Navy.

All styles are home wash items for easy care.

Visit www.redkap.com for more information on these as well as other styles.

Also in time for the fall season is 3M’s new Scotchgard Protector Repellent Finish for outerwear fabrics. The formula is one in a number of new proprietary next-generation protective treatment products from Scotchgard protector that not only have excellent protection performance characteristics typically associated with products bearing the Scotchgard Brand name, but have a very favorable environmental, health and safety profile.

The new Scotchgard Protector Repellent Finish is designed specifically for synthetic fabrics popular for both active and casual outerwear, where lasting water repellent characteristics are critical for the performance and life of the garment.

“We are very excited to provide the textile and apparel manufacturing industries with a high-performance fabric protection solution that will enhance their offering and their brand’s image,” says Mitch Culbreath, business manager, Scotchgard Protector. “At 3M we are always developing and improving our formulas, so that we are best serving industry, consumers and the environment.”

This next-generation formula provides a more sustainable alternative to other protective treatments currently available. 3M has developed and introduced this formula, built upon stable polymers, that has minimal to no environmental impact.

For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com .

5.11 Tactical Series, maker of uniforms, tactical apparel and gear for law enforcement, military and public safety professionals, has just launched the 5.11 Covert Khaki.

Designed specifically for plainclothes and undercover operators, the flat-front pants feature eight pockets, including two stealth thigh pockets along the seams. Comparable in weight to 5.11’s Tactical Pants, the Khakis are made of wrinkle and fade-resistant 8.8-oz., 100 percent cotton twill that is treated with Teflon for enhanced dirt and stain resistance.

Another pant for blending into a crowd is 5.11’s slightly relaxed fit denim jeans. They’re traditionally styled and include a hidden rear cuff pocket and internal front pockets for concealed carry items. The jeans are constructed of 13.5-oz., 100 percent cotton denim.

For more information, contact www.511tactical.com .

Finally this month, there’s news from Strategic Partners Inc., nationally known manufacturer of Cherokee Uniforms.

Unveiled in Las Vegas during the recent MAGIC show, the Cherokee Authentic Workwear collection, as it is being touted, breaks the mold of stiff, coarse industrial apparel with a soft yet durable twill of ring-spun cotton and polyester, engineered to repel and release stains. Most importantly, it is constructed to comfortably and correctly fit the over 31 million people in the United States who wear some of type of uniform to work.

“Most workwear is designed for the male worker, and female employees struggle to make do,” says Andy Beattie, SVP of School and Service Apparel for Strategic Partners. “In creating Cherokee Authentic Workwear, our focus is on developing gender-correct silhouettes for men and women. We now provide a truly integrated uniform look for everyone – styled for the jobs men and women perform in today’s service and light industrial workplace.”

With more companies requiring uniforms to build a positive brand image or for safety/security purposes, Cherokee Authentic Workwear is versatile enough to work in almost every environment. The line includes standards for men such as poplin and twill shirts, pants and shorts, and features unique items such as a thermal knit, and topstitched shirt. Addressing over 50 percent of working women employed in non-office jobs, Cherokee Authentic Workwear also provides garments tailored for a women’s body. The women’s line includes traditional twills, as well as subtly shaped shirts, polos, pants, and shorts.

“We strive to be a strategic partner to retailers across the country, creating quality garments employees want to wear” adds Beattie. “With Cherokee Authentic Workwear, our retailers can now offer the right fit, competitive pricing, and comprehensive uniform selections for all.”

To learn more please call National Sales Manager Bill Bosch at 818-671-2142, email bbosch@strategicpartners.net, or visit www.cherokeeworkwear.com

Want to showcase your new products in this column or perhaps see it as a feature story? Send your news to Jackie@uniformmarket.com