PPB April 2018

Co t t on 16 | APRIL 2018 | INNOVATE Is Cotton CleanerThan Synthetics? Two related studies published on cottoninc.com indicate that cotton may be a cleaner option for athletic apparel than polyester. In 2014, the University of Ghent in Belgium studied the growth of Micrococci bacteria— which causes body odor—on different fibers. The researchers collected and extracted microbes from post‑workout t‑shirts worn by a group of participants. The study concluded that the bacteria thrives on polyester. In a separate study from the University of Alberta in 2013, researchers studied the effectiveness of removing odors when laundering worn clothing made of different fiber types. The study established that washing the clothes eliminated the bacteria, but in knit fabrics the odor remained and continued to build up over time. Laundering was far more effective in removing odor from the cotton apparel. The two studies suggest that cotton athletic apparel may be a more nose‑friendly—or less stinky—choice than polyester athletic wear, and it may also require less energy and water consumption over the life of the product. The Hanes ® Adult Garment Dyed Short Sleeve Pocket Tee, new for 2018, is made of 5.5‑ounce, 100 percent ring‑spun cotton. With a reinforced five‑point pocket, this classic tee is available in the following vintage colors: anchor slate, black, concrete, coral craze, crimson fall, cypress, deep forte, mint, navy, new railroad, purple plum raisin, soothing blue, summer sky, summer squash and white. Choose from sizes S‑3X. Heritage Sportswear / PPAI 177353 heritagesportswear.com With its longer length, the New Era ® Ladies Heritage Hoodie Tank has an all‑star look. This extra‑soft tank is made of a blend of 60 percent ring‑spun combed cotton and 40 percent polyester. It features a front pouch pocket and twill drawcords with black nickel grommets. Shown in black twist/black, it is also available in black, shadow gray heather and true navy twist/true navy in sizes XS‑4XL. SanMar / PPAI 110788 / www.sanmar.com The Horizon Sweater is perfect for a casual day at the office or weekend wear. It fits well, feels even better and will turn heads when worn around town. With lightweight, fine gauge cotton and on‑trend fit and style, this sweater is ideal for fashion forward corporate uniforms. Stormtech USA, Inc. / PPAI 260245 www.stormtech.ca This high performance EVR-Dri shirt is made of a blend of 60 percent Peruvian pima cotton and 40 percent polyester, making it breathable, moisture wicking and easy to care for. One of four styles made of this unique blend, this high‑quality shirt can be ordered in black with gulf blue trim, black with red trim, black with island green trim and pewter with black trim. Available in sizes S‑ 4XL. Eversole Run / PPAI 199242 www.eversolerun.com