PPB September 2016

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including uniforms,” says Susan Kohout,
marketing director for Fort Worth,
Texas-based supplier Dickies Occupational
Wear (UPIC: dickies). Those influences
mean that uniform fabrics must be driven
by comfort, durability and easy care.
Dickies designs its uniform garments
specifically for today’s workforce and
the challenges customers face on the
worksite. Kohout says, “To enhance
our customers’ experience, our fabric
innovations include enhanced cooling,
ventilation, wicking, breathability and
stretch for greater range of motion.”
These innovations are the foundation of
Dickies’ Workbench, Automotive Shop
and Tactical product collections, and their
Core Service uniform offering includes key
performance fabrics as well.
With construction growing at a rapid pace
in 2016—the infrastructure construction
backlog indicator (CBI) grew 24 percent
in Q1 this year, showing strong industry
growth—branded uniform safety apparel,
such as safety vests and hard hats, will be
in demand. “One of themost important
things distributors need to understand
about safety apparel is the ANSI certification
ratings,” says JoannaWaldman, marketing
coordinator at Starline USA, Inc. (UPIC:
STAR0009) in Grand Island, New York.
“They need to know the importance of
each safety rating; does the product have
the proper ANSI certification rating in
order to be used in the field for everyday
use? By knowing all of this information
before going into a sales meeting you are
sure to get that order if you knowwhat they
are looking for.” (See sidebar on page 19
for more information on ANSI ratings).
Waldman notes that lighter-weight
uniforms are particularly in demand.
“Our clients are asking for lightweight/
breathable fabrics and Velcro® [brand
hook and loop fastener] closures that
offer a break-away feature, which is very
valuable in factory situations.”
Uniformly
Wearable
Perfect for health and fitness uniform needs,
the Women’s Go Active Short embraces both
style and femininity. A contrast cross-cut bias
offers an active look, while its performance
features, such as inherent moisture wicking
and BodyFreshé treatment (to inhibit the
growth of odor-causing bacteria), provides
protection and comfort. The Men’s Workout
Tech style offers an innovative, breathable
eyelet mesh back to help keep the wearer
cool and comfortable. Its offset side seams
cut down on the chances of chafing, while
the overall athletic fit allows for plenty of
room to lift and stretch. Other features
include moisture wicking, BodyFreshé
treatment and easy care properties.
Expert Brand UPIC: Exper698
| SEPTEMBER 2016 | 17
INNOVATE