 Natural
Fabrics
Man-Made
Fabrics
Technical
Considerations
Technology has brought huge developments to
so many industries, including the textile and
uniform industries. New chemicals and changes
in the weaving processes result in “performance
fabrics” that can block out weather,
kill smelly germs, extinguish flames and regulate
temperature. The technical application of fabrics
is a growing new branch of the textile industry.
Fabrics can be layered permanently to address
multiple needs below. A micro-fleece inner
layer wicks moisture and feels great against
the skin while a Gore-Tex® mid-layer provides
rain protection and a cotton/poly outer layer
allows for a stylish garment in your chosen
color. Lightweight fabrics bond to form layered
items and reversible garments of all types.
Here’s a brief overview of the capabilities
of fabrics and fabric treatments. Certain treatments
work only with certain fabrics, and some are
the fabric itself.
| Environmental & Occupational
Considerations |
High
Visibility
|
High visibility
(or “hi vis”) is important
for anyone working in high-traffic or
dark conditions. Hi vis is mostly a matter
of color selection and/or reflective
materials sewn into the garment. Hi-vis
colors include day-glo yellow, green
and orange. T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants,
jackets, raincoats and headwear are available
in hi-vis colors and usually don’t
require any special washing, but the
color may fade over time.
Garments with reflective materials used to
require special washing, but technology advances
have led to easier washing. The garments required
by emergency, construction, cargo, utility,
and airport personnel generally need special
care since the reflective tape or material
is of higher grade and more durable than that
found in civilian products. The American National
Standards Institute and the International Safety
Equipment Association have created standards
that regulate the hi-vis equipment required
for different job classifications. All hi-vis
garments used as part of a uniform should meet
the necessary ANSI/ISEA classification and
should be labeled as such. |
Stain Guard
|
Some fabrics are inherently
stain resistant, like spandex and nylon.
Most natural fabrics are easily stained,
so blending them with a man-made fabric
will help with stain resistance and release.
There are spray-on and wash-in treatments
like ScotchGuard™ and Teflon® that
work well, but they are believed to damage
the fabric and shorten its wear. It is
much better for the fabric if it is treated
while being woven or before it is manufactured
into a garment. Stain guard is essential
for most uniforms, particularly the restaurant,
cleaning and medical industries. |
Anti-Microbial
|
Sweat generates bacteria,
and bacteria generate a stink. Anti-microbial
fabrics can help squash that stink and
extend the wear of uniforms worn in hot
or active situations. Available as both
a fabric weave and an after-weave application,
anti-microbial treatments are found in
undergarments, socks, shoes, gloves, and
base-layer items. Consider including anti-microbial
materials for kitchen and chef uniforms
or any job done under hot summer sun. Its
effectiveness does fade with wear and washing,
and the most common type is silver ions
encapsulated in polyester fibers. Dr. Scholl’s,
Hanes, and New Balance are among the brands
that use anti-microbial treatments in their
products. |
Fire Protection
|
Most non-natural fibers
are dangerous when it comes to fire. While
untreated natural fabrics catch fire more
readily, fire will spread more quickly
in man-made fabrics and cause more injury.
Nylon, acrylic and polyester will melt
at low temperatures, causing severe burns.
Combining fabric types may compound the
problem as the natural fibers will ignite
easily and the man-made fibers will fuel
the fire and begin melting. After-market
flame-retardants are not recommended for
apparel. Instead, look for materials specially
created for fire resistance, like natural
wool, glass fibers and moacrylic. Cotton
and acetate can be treated before garment
construction to be made flame retardant.
In general, the tighter the weave and surface
of the fabric, the more flame retardant
it will be. |
Temperature
|
Apparel naturally insulates
body heat, but may be too hot if the fabric
doesn’t breathe. Good thermo-regulation
comes from low water retention (high wicking),
good insulation (a function of the material
and weave density), chemical finishes and
garment construction (vents, seam reinforcement,
etc.). Fabrics that wick perspiration look
at the microscopic level like a series
of mushrooms. The stems face the skin and
collect moisture, then transfer it to the
outer “cap,” which has more
surface area allowing the moisture to evaporate.
Polartec™ and Polarfleece® are
popular, soft fleece fabrics known to keep
wearers warm in cold weather and cool in
hot weather, and have excellent wicking
ability. |
Sun
|
A high Ultraviolet Protection
Factor (UPF) is essential for uniforms
worn primarily outdoors. Manufactured fabrics
provide higher sun protection than natural
fibers, but yarn treatments and surface
applications can increase any fabric’s
UPF rating. UPF ratings are comparable
to sunscreen SPF ratings, ranging from
0 to 50, with 15 or higher recommended.
UV blocking fabrics work well wet or dry
and offer consistent coverage vs. sunscreen,
which requires reapplication. Popular UPF
brands include Mynx® and Solarwear®. |
Rain
|
Heavy-duty
water blockers are perfect for boots, raingear
and firefighter apparel, but they inhibit
breathability and fabric drape in all uses.
Perhaps the best-known waterproofing brand
is Gore-Tex®. Heavy Gore-Tex® is
a common layer in footwear and outerwear,
while a thinner version can be fused to
or injected in cotton and polyester fabrics
for water resistance. Teflon® can be
used with most fabrics for a water- and
wind-resistant result. Nylon fabrics, especially
Cordura® nylon, are water resistant
but don’t breathe well. Some water
repellants can diminish with washing, but
spray-on and wash-in options help restore
performance. |
|
