Command Performance

“Performance” garments are now more of the norm, and individuals will pay more to wear a fashionable shirt in the summer, for example, that prevents them from enduring the discomfort born from rivulets of perspiration caused by excessive humidity. 

According to supplier Shirt Max™, in 1986, DuPont Textiles re-engineered the garment category by launching COOLMAX®, the first branded moisture-wicking fabrication of breathable polyester. Big-name suppliers/consumer brands such as Champion, Hanes and Gildan all now provide next-generation moisture-wicking Ts and apparel, such as Hanes ultra-lightweight Cool Dry T-shirts, and Champion’s Moisture Wicking T shirts made with a Double DryO finish blending breathability with moisture control.

According to ShirtMax.com, “polyester is still the preferred choice in moisture-wicking garment production because it’s much more breathable than most natural fibers, and this material helps ensure that the body dries quickly after exposed to sweat and moisture. Synthetic fabrics also don’t retain moisture as much as cotton or wool, so they’re an obvious choice for excessive sweaters and athletes. Polyester only holds about 0.4 percent moisture, whereas cotton can hold up to 7 percent. Moisture-wicking shirts and pants are also generally made with a more breathable weave to keep you cool during excessive heat.”

Other aspects to performance wear besides keeping the wearer from feeling the effects of sweat, including anti-microbial finishes to minimize bacteria, which keeps the wearer feeling (and smelling) fresher; hydrophobic (water adverse) fabrics (further keeping the wearer dry), 

As is typical of industrial innovation, further developments occurred in performance fabrics, such as hydrophobic (water adverse) textiles, and THERMOLITE® technology which keeps wearers warmer during cold weather and also has quick drying properties.

The hottest category people conjure when thinking of performance wear is “athleisure.” According to Marc Vitulli of S&S Activewear, “Athleisure is expected to reach $83 billion in sales by next year in the US alone. 

Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor-retail, for NPD Group, has stated in a report, “When you have comfort and function combined with fashion it’s difficult to go back to anything else on a regular basis.” This wonderfully brief quote can certainly be used in your sales presentations!

In agreement is Breanna Woicekowski, Merchandiser, Vantage Apparel, who elaborates, “The performance apparel category is always growing and evolving. No longer is ‘performance’ restricted to clothing that you would only wear to the gym. Performance now has extended into the dress shirt and polo shirt categories.”

For example, she offers, Vantage Apparel’s Banner Polo incorporates moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties and its Sandhill Dress Shirt incorporates spandex for maximum comfort.

Meanwhile, In the workwear market, the trend has gone from cotton to mainly high-performance polyester, points out Andrea Cancellieri, President, Game Sportswear. “Wearers find it more comfortable and versatile, especially when working in a variety of environments.” In the category of hi-visibility Ts, polos and fleece, she adds, keeping workers cool is not just a comfort issue, but one of personal health safety as well. 

According to a 2018 article by S. Motlogelwa, in High-Performance Apparel, functional performance has also become a “tool for safety.” The key goal of protective functional garments is to lessen or eliminate safety and health risks in the worker’s environment. Examples of such garments (and potential clients) are high-visibility apparel, medical protective and combat clothing. Here, the performance factors are “powerful selling tools,” writes the author, adding that “the textile industry is committed to improving performance for protective clothing particularly in extreme applications such as firefighting, sportswear, and ballistic protection.”

New technologies innovated by suppliers in the protective performance/functional wear include nanotechnology, smart textiles, abrasion resistance, enhanced tensile strength, thermal balance, waterproofing and flame retardation.

Game Sportswear has been wick-coating its hi-vis fabric, to aid in moisture-wicking and evaporation, Cancellieri says. “When the performance garments first started appearing on the market they were a tight fit with spandex woven into the fabric,” she adds. “Over the years many of the workwear styles have gone to a looser fit.” 

Game Sportswear, notes Cancellieri, makes high-performance tactical polos worn by police, firefighters, security personnel, bus drivers, resort staff, facility managers and others. "When we first started offering this style, the markets demanded 100% cotton. In the last few years, it has changed to nearly 100% wicking poly.”

Woicekowski observed that the category of performance wear has changed significantly in only the past few years. “Five years ago a performance garment may have been defined as only a garment that was slick polyester and sporty,” she comment. “It was something you would only wear while being active or working out. However, now performance features are being incorporated into everyday apparel. It’s not as sport looking but does has similar properties like moisture wicking, UV protection, etc. Polyester is also being engineered to have a softer more natural feeling hand, like cotton.”

She adds that “What’s great about our performance apparel is that it has broad appeal and can be worn during various activities. Layering pieces like the Zen Pullover are great for the gym or yoga class but can also be layered over a polo for work.”

Performance wear is very wide-ranging, from moisture-wicking T-shirts, to athleisure wear, to workwear. Don’t forget any eateries or catering halls – for example, Aprons, Etc. offers moisture-control chef’s uniforms. 

Performance apparel will make your clients perform better as their employees are more comfortable, enhancing the work experience as well as output. Happy and comfortable employees often also make a happy bottom line! 

CASE STUDY

Breanna Woicekowski, Merchandiser, Vantage Apparel: “A healthy snacks company needed a staff uniform for its annual yoga event. The uniform needed to be trendy, comfortable, and available in a variety of colors. The super silky Vansport Zen Pullover (#3450) was offered for its lightweight, breathable, and stretchy fabric. The performance layer was decorated with a left chest heat transfer to maintain comfort while exercising. The smartly fashioned Zen Pullover helped the team stick each pose while supporting the brands mission to achieve the perfect balance of health and taste.”