The Workwear Column
new hemp fabric, to create an exciting new range of workwear. By spinning and mixing the hemp with a blend of polyester and cotton, recycled and organic, the combinations of which I was told, offered an increased resistance to abrasion of 25% more than conventional cotton duck canvas and needs no break- in. Would it though be comfortable enough to wear all day at work especially as we are now working with so many highly advanced materials?
Traditional looks
The hemp is now grown in Kentucky, as old tobacco farms are now being repurposed to grow these once illegal plants, and having a product produced in the states again helps with the US economy and the creation of man-made fi bres that are heavy on C02 on the environment. Patagonia is carving out its own route, pushing back on these issues and sticking with its beliefs and has taken its Iron Forge Hemp to market in a full range of workwear for men and women. The fabrics that feel soft to the touch, have an industrial and traditional look and are very comfortable to wear. The product range styling sits perfectly in the global market as products such as the Men’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Barn Coat, which has the styling of a duck jacket, have been attempted to be reproduced by many leading brands. This though is produced from hemp, a fabric for me sets the product range apart and gives it its own credibility. The hemp material from Patagonia is better suited to earth colour tones that offer, and are available in the iconic rattan mustard yellow, washed-out black and an olive green colour that looks great and slightly fatigued.
The US-style of workwear that is usually seen in the likes of Dickies and Carhart has become very popular in the UK and European markets, with agricultural workers, grounds staff and the building trade now seeing the trend shift. These US designs and durability usually carry a high price tag but the increased longevity makes it worth it. The styling and colours are becoming more popular than ever and make a great change to the norm.
Women’s workwear range Something that caught my attention was the women’s workwear range which is a hugely brave step by Patagonia. Truthfully,
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Jodie Burton modelling the Women’s All Seasons Hemp Canvas Bomber Hoody Jacket
To make it in this industry you have to do something
diff erent and making a product similar to the status quo these days just won’t cut it. You have to off er the customer something else, something that resonates with them and that will engage them enough to try the product out and then if it’s true to its word, come back for more
I believe that most premium workwear brands will confess that this is an even tougher market to crack than just the workwear market alone, but I believe if you are going to do it right then you need to cover both fi ts of clothing. Each range complements the other with the main products such as the barn coats and cargo pants available in a male and female fi t. The Women’s All Seasons Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants have a modern tapered cut and are designed with functional cargo leg pockets. They come in yellow rattan and a stone blue which was a real winner for us. What stood out for me, was that the workwear complements and perfectly integrates with their range of leisure/ sports products. You can easily mix and match Patagonia T shirts with the brand’s workwear and it won’t look out of place. We tried the Women’s Capilene Cool Lightweight Tank Top alongside the Women’s All Seasons Hemp Canvas Bomber Hoody Jacket and Trousers. One thing that is mentioned on Patagonia’s website and worth noting prior to order is the sizing. I am usually large in a men’s jacket yet I ordered a medium and found it fi tted perfectly well, if you are not looking to layer up or are of the lean build then you might want to order a smaller size, but check the website for more information if you are unsure.
The women’s workwear was an excellent fi t, my daughter and wife are both around a small (8-10 ladies) and both of the girls are quite petite, at just over 5ft tall, the jackets fi tted well in a Patagonia’s size small, and the arm length of these jackets was just right. The trousers do come up a little large in the waist, but perfect with a belt.
In summary, you don’t often come across a brand that decides to take a completely different approach to produce a product and reinvent the wheel. It is hugely adventurous and commendable and it’s not just about the new product range. It’s the entire back story of how it’s creating a global difference to communities of farmers, who are now being able to use their land to do what they love and that farms it. Its hemp production is injecting money back into the US economy in areas that have been looking to reuse their land after the decline in tobacco demand. It is also aiding the reduction in global shipping and has created a new fabric that is highly sustainable.
August 2022 |19 |
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