Styled for Success
– From September 2013's "Coat Culture"
2. Choose Materials Wisely
You must understand who the end-users are and how they're going to be wearing the jackets. Are they wearing them while working outside on construction, or are they wearing them to walk from the office building to a subway? This information will dictate the right material and style for the program. "For rainwear (landscapers, construction, recreational sports/teams), new microfiber fabrics and laminates allow for breathability and air-flow and have wind-breaking and waterproof properties without being as bulky and heavy as traditional waterproof rainwear," said Brunner Kelly. "For work-wear (outdoor workers, industrial/mechanical, emergency service and response) the traditional materials such as cotton duck, flannel, denim, synthetics, ring-spun cotton and insulated linings continue to be the best materials to offer protection from hazardous materials and extreme weather conditions," she added. For everyday jacket use, Brunner Kelly suggested insulated materials. "Materials including fleece, down and synthetics (Thinsulate, etc.) offer breathability, wind repellence and warmth, and are lightweight and condensable," she explained.
- People:
- Kevin Miles