WORKWEAR E
very tradesperson knows the drill: workwear must be tough enough to handle a hard day’s graft but comfortable enough to keep up with the long hours and physical demands of the job. It needs to be durable, protective and tough enough to handle the most challenging environments. But modern trades demand more than brute strength. Today’s professionals are looking for workwear that moves with them, keeps them comfortable on long shifts and adapts to the challenges of the job site. The secret to all this is in the material. For merchants, stocking a great range of workwear is therefore only half the battle — success also depends on how that range is presented in-store and just a little knowledge on how different materials work. That’s where well-designed POS (Point of Sale) materials come in. Eye-catching displays, banners and signs play a vital role in grabbing customer attention, boosting brand recognition and driving sales. Effective POS highlights can influence buying decisions, helping merchants communicate the value of the workwear they stock.
Carhartt goes the extra mile by collaborating closely with stockists to maximise the impact of their POS displays. They analyse branch layouts to identify the best spots for showcasing products, ensuring displays are both visually appealing and strategically positioned to increase sales. With support from the Visual Merchandise Team, Carhartt helps bring in-store concepts to life, making it easier for merchants to connect customers with the products they need.
Modern materials
Gone are the days when tough workwear meant heavy, stiff and uncomfortable fabrics. Thanks to material innovation, modern workwear now strikes the perfect balance between strength and comfort, making life on-site easier and more productive. Take cotton-polyester blends, for example. These fabrics combine the natural breathability and softness of cotton with the durability and stretch of polyester. Together, they create lightweight garments that are both tough and comfortable, ideal for layering in t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts.
When it comes to heavy-duty gear, Ripstop fabric is a top choice. This lightweight yet tear- resistant material features a grid-like weave of reinforced threads, making it exceptionally tough without adding bulk. Ripstop is perfect for trousers and overalls, especially in trades like roofing or construction where abrasion resistance is critical. It’s also great for outdoor work, as it resists snags and tears. For areas that see a lot of wear and
MATERIAL GAINS
Nick Poulson, UK country manager at Carhartt talks about how different materials are transforming workwear.
tear, Cordura fabric is perfect. Known for its exceptional durability, this fabric resists abrasions, scuffs and tears. It’s frequently used in high-wear areas like reinforced knees, tool pockets and outerwear, ensuring these parts of the garment last longer. Pairing it with stretch fabrics creates workwear that allows for maximum freedom of movement.
Stretch fabric
Another great workwear choice is stretch twill and canvas. These materials have the ruggedness of traditional workwear fabrics but incorporate stretch fibres like elastane for added flexibility. This makes them perfect for garments like trousers and bib overalls where bending, crouching and reaching are part of the daily routine. .
Carhartt has long been at the forefront of workwear innovation and its gear showcases the best of these materials in action. The Relaxed Straight Ripstop Double Front Cargo Pants for example, are made from stretch Ripstop fabric with Cordura reinforcements in high-wear areas like the knees and pockets and Rugged Flex technology for extra flexibility. The Relaxed Straight Steel Ripstop Double Front Dungaree also incorporate Flex Cordura fabric secure kneepad pockets for extra protection.
The Montana Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Duck January 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Insulated Jacket is a warm and well insulated outer layer. Made from stretch soft duck canvas with back bi-swing pleats and Rugged Flex technology it is designed to be both sturdy and flexible. Even the simplest workwear pieces can make a big difference when they’re designed with tradespeople in mind.
While the workwear industry has historically focused on men’s designs, brands like Carhartt are now catering to women with innovative garments that don’t compromise on performance. The Women’s Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Insulated Vest has a water-repellent finish to provide protection against wet and windy conditions. The Women’s Detroit Jacket is made with Micro Sand Stretch Canvas and has a slightly loose fit and below-the-waist length.
Whether it’s the durability of Cordura, the flexibility of canvas, or the lightweight strength of ripstop, the materials used have transformed modern workwear into gear that’s as comfortable as it is tough. For builders merchants, stocking workwear made from these materials helps meet the practical needs of customers while maintaining a competitive edge. And with the support of expert POS strategies, the benefits of these products can be clearly communicated, helping tradespeople make the best choices for their workwear needs. BMJ
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