WORKWEAR
THE FABRIC OF INNOVATION M
Workwear fabric technology has evolved over the years and the sector is now about looking good as much as it is about comfort and protection, as BMJ finds out...
ost tradesmen and women wouldn’t think twice about buying the best-designed tools to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. But many have been surprised what a modest investment in the new stretch-comfort working clothes can achieve in improving their workday, says Peter Dumigan, managing director of the Hultofors Group, parent company of the Snickers workwear brand.
He points out that from a merchant’s point of view, there’s a host of different types and brands that they could sell:
“But as thousands of professional tradesmen and women throughout the UK have found over the last few months, it’s well worth taking the time and effort to invest in the latest innovatively designed workwear. The new Snickers street- smart, stretch-comfort work trousers have been designed, developed and tailored to provide more than just functionality – they incorporate 4-way stretch fabric that delivers flexibility and maximum mobility on site.”
According to Dumigan, demand for this kind of workwear is high and there are good margins to be made. Over the last 40 years, workwear has undergone a sea change in design, development, manufacture and supply. It has certainly come a long way from the old Bib ‘n’ Brace and Boilersuit you could get in a plastic bag from your local merchant.“You’ll find that some of the newest types of working clothes are now made from the same fabrics you’ll find in performance sportswear and leisurewear – like the lightweight ‘37.5®
Technology’ and 4-way stretch fabrics.” adds Dumigan.
“Unlike the most basic workwear brands, market leading garments like Snickers Workwear are available in a range of different fabrics to suit the wear and tear of working on site,” he adds. “Among the newest 2019 styles are a unique blend of stretch-comfort and optimum functionality. 4-way stretch combined with pockets where wearers need them and functionality for tools and work materials.” So when professional tradesmen and women are thinking about what to wear on site, remember the old saying: “If you buy cheap, you pay twice.”
Dumigan says that tradespeople consider working clothes as an investment in themselves
and their wellbeing; “They are looking for merchants that stock these products and they are prepared to pay good money for this kind of clothing.”
”Nowadays, really good work clothes are those that are designed with one thing in mind: the on-site comfort and mobility of the working man and woman. Garments and accessories that are can be combined for different jobs, tool requirements, workplaces and weather conditions.”
Annabel Stones, category manager at Scruffs
Workwear, agrees that appearance really matters to many construction workers.
May 2019
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“More and more, they are looking for clothing that reflects the high quality of their work and reassures customers, suppliers and members of the public that they are professional” she says. “At Scruffs, we keep a close eye on high street trends and incorporate them wherever they can. Slim fit is especially popular in workwear at the moment, especially as a major high street trend, and this is filtering into workwear, particularly amongst younger tradespeople who are perhaps more style conscious than previous generations.” “Breathable cotton and polyester polo shirts, which are easy to wash, are a staple for tradespeople today, but manufacturers are increasingly adding high-performance fabrics to garments. This includes technical materials, like Cordura®, developed to improve durability, especially on areas that experience more wear- and-tear,” she adds.
She agrees with Hultofors’ Peter Dumigan that many professionals now choose clothes that deliver comfort, good looks, functionality and performance.
“Everyone knows how easy it is to work up a sweat when grafting on site, especially during the summer months, so Scruffs use Micro-Fresh® technology in most of their safety footwear to prevent odour-causing bacteria growing and spreading.” says Stones. “Tradespeople can also opt for Scruffs’ recently launched Trade Flex Holster Shorts, made using lightweight and hard-wearing ripstop fabric, with stretch panels. Other features include canvas-reinforced holster pockets, cargo and mobile phone pockets, tool loops and a D-ring for storage.”
Stones says that Scruffs urge retailers to make sure products, including new seasonal lines and accessories, are easy to find and clearly labelled with key features, benefits and sizing. “It might sound obvious, but grouping trousers with knee pads and belts is a good way to upsell to time-pressed customers. We work closely with retailers to ensure our merchandising is flexible, functional and eye-catching, so they can make the most of every workwear innovation.” With fabric and garment technologies at the most practical and comfortable than ever before in the industry, brands such as Scruffs and Snickers are well worth the investment – and at a price that’s a lot less than you’d imagine! BMJ
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