Jun 20 2008
No matter how hot or humid it may get during the summer, or wet and cold during the fall and winter, workers are less prone to feel the weather's effects, thanks to nanotechnology-treated fibers that effectively regulate body temperatures.
"These nanotechnology treatments, which involve complex particles bound to fibers during the manufacturing process, allow the fabrics to wick perspiration away from the skin so moisture evaporates quickly," says Robert Isaacson, Director of Marketing for UniFirst Corporation, a leading supplier of uniforms and work apparel throughout the U.S. and Canada.
"And that's a critical factor when it comes to feeling cooler in the summer heat, as perspiration trapped on the skin suppresses its ability to 'breathe,' making workers feel hotter."
Isaacson notes it's that same basic comfort feature that wicks "chilly" moisture away from the body to keep wearers noticeably warmer during colder weather.
Nanotechnology treatments are applied at microscopic levels, or 80,000 times smaller than the width of a single human hair, to prevent clogging of individual fibers and allow fabrics to retain their comfort, protective, and draping characteristics.
Major uniform suppliers and manufacturers, like UniFirst, have countless options when choosing fabrics to meet the garment needs of today's workforce, Isaacson notes, but it's specially-treated polyesters, used in combination with cotton, that have now become the preferred choice for tens of millions of uniform wearers because of the overall comfort features and the on-the-job durability they provide.
"Today's polyesters are made from microfibers that are 'spun' for a softer touch," Isaacson says. "So, when you combine spun polyester with naturally soft cotton, you take work apparel's overall softness up a notch. Add in the special wicking treatments and polyester's ability to resist wrinkling, soiling, and abrasions, and you truly have -- depending on the season -- one of the 'coolest' or 'hottest' of uniforms in the workplace."