PPB October 2017

Pe r f o rmance Fabr i c Moisture Wicking. For the best performance, look for apparel that has moisture-wicking technology inherent— at the yarn level— rather than just treated with a topical finish, which will wash off in about 20 washes. Heat Retention . Heavier-weight fabric is not necessarily better. Look for apparel made with the new hollow core yarns, which allow air in the yarn to be warmed by body temperature, leading to better warming ability in a lighter fabric. UV Protection. Your best bet for the coolest and most comfortable protection is a long-sleeve shirt with a 50+ rating in a light color since dark colors absorb UV rays and turn them into heat. However, a dark color offers even greater protection against sunburns. Insect Protection. Look for products that are EPA regulated and registered, and that are proven 100-percent effective. Zorrel’s Insect Shield ® technology fabrics test to be 100-percent effective for 70 launderings and are exclusive to the promotional and corporate uniform industry. Antimicrobial. Topical treatments are great but eventually wash off. Advise end users to launder polyester performance apparel with a sport wash to eliminate bacteria and extend the life of polyester apparel. This water-repellent vest , paired with a favorite top, is a versatile choice for cool days. The outer layer resists wind and is coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that lets water bead up and roll off. The middle layer is a highly breathable membrane and the inner layer is soft microfleece for warmth. With contemporary styling, including a full-length wind guard, standup collar, chin guard and reflective pulls on the main and pocket zippers, the vest has a left inside embroidery access point to keep the decoration away from the shirt underneath. It’s available in navy, black and silver in men’s sizes regular S-6XL and ladies’ XS – 4XL. Edwards Garment Company / PPAI 198530 / www.edwardsgarment.com Fast Facts About Performance Fabrics OMNI Apparel, Inc. is the industry’s source for Zorrel, a line of performance wear that combines style with state-of-the-art technology. PPB asked OMNI Vice President Sean Mahoney what he thinks are the most important factors for distributors to consider when evaluating specialized apparel for their clients. Here is what he says about each of the following categories: 20 | OCTOBER 2017 | INNOVATE