‘Smartly Dressed’ Workers Wear ‘Intelligent’ Fabrics (NAPSA)—The definition of a “smartly dressed” employee in today’s workplace is increasingly becoming associated with those who are not necessarily stylishly attired, but those who wear cloth- ing madeof scientifically-designed fibers that protect them against potentially debilitating, accidental injuries. A key case in point is the work apparel manyelectricians and petroleum-chemical workers wear on the job that’s manufactured with technologically advanced Flame Resistant (FR) fabrics. From their outward appearance, FR garments can look like typical work shirts and pants. They can be as stylish, comfortable and functional as today’s nonprotective, more casual workwear. How- ever, they also possess inherent properties to help protect wearers against life-threatening burns related to electrical arcs and flash fires. “Today’s FR work clothing has come a long way from the protec- tive uniforms of yesteryear,” says Robert Isaacson, Marketing Director at UniFirst Corporation, a leading provider of uniforms and work apparel throughout the United States and Canada. “In addition to their protective qualities, modern uniforms made with the latest FR fabrics are far more breathable and more comfortable than in years past, and are more in step with today’s fashion trends. Those appealing attributes—plus the fact that employees have the economic flexibility to rent, lease or purchase their uniforms—are among the reasons why our com- pany has seen its protective apparel business literally double in just the last two years.” Statistics compiled by the Uniform & Textile Service Association New technologically-advanced protective garments look like “normal” workwear. (UTSA) reveal that up to 33 million people currently wear uniforms to work each day and their numbers are increasing by about 1.2 million each year. As fabrics become increasingly “smarter,” UniFirst’s Isaacson says it’s possible these projections could climb even higher. “Improvements in all areas of fabric technology are ongoing. Today, we’re talking about work clothes made with scientific FR fabrics. But there are also innovative fabrics being developed to offer other types of safeguards such as protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and as barriers against liquidborne pathogens. As we see more and more work garments being manufactured with these high-tech fabrics, employees will become even ‘smarter dressers.’ ” UniFirst provides a range of uniforms and services to more than 195,000 business customers each week. For more information,call the company at 800-225-3364 or visit www.unifirst.com.
