Moisture Management Apparel not Just for Athletes

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May 06, 2013, 11:30 ET

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Moisture management apparel, also referred to as performance apparel, is not just for athletes any more. It's also fast becoming a garment choice for employees who work in hot and demanding environments, as well as anyone interested in maximum on-the-job comfort, no matter the work activity or surrounding temperatures.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130506/NE07895 )

Moisture management apparel is made entirely or partially from synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, since these manmade fibers can be manufactured to create air pockets that serve as funneling tubes to wick moisture away from skin. Such wicking action, in effect, mimics capillaries in the human body, which push oxygenated blood from inner arteries to outlying cellular tissues.

Temperature and worker exertion levels will typically dictate whether moisture management apparel is 100 percent synthetic -- to maximize its wicking characteristics, or a blend of fabrics, such as 65/35 poly/cotton -- to take advantage of the natural fiber's supple and abrasion-resistant characteristics.

As styling options have increased in recent years, so has the popularity of moisture management apparel. "At one time, if you wanted moisture management clothing, your choices were often limited to t-shirts," says Adam Soreff, Director of Marketing at UniFirst, a leading provider of uniforms and workwear to businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. "That's all changed. Today, moisture management apparel includes such items as t-shirts, polo shirts, and a wide selection of industrial and other workwear shirts. At UniFirst, we even offer performance wear that's flame resistant."

Moisture management innovators are now able to weave fibers into small patterns on shirts that provide extra strength to the resulting fabric without any increase in weight. "One of the more popular weaves is known as micro pique," Soreff says. "Micro pique features mini geometric patterns on the fabric face; the added strength allows the apparel to withstand the rigors of tough work, as well as the industrial wash processes used in uniform rental programs like ours."

By helping to regulate body temperature, moisture management apparel has been shown to improve muscle performance and worker productivity. And that can be considered a "home run" on every athletic or business manager's scorecard.

About UniFirst
UniFirst (NYSE: UNF), a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniforms, workwear, and protective clothing, outfits more than 1.5 million workers each business day. The company's most popular brands include UniWeave®, SofTwill®, UniWear®, and Armorex FR® UniFirst also offers Facility Service programs including floor mats, mops, and restroom products. For more information, contact UniFirst at 800-455-7654 or visit www.unifirst.com.

SOURCE UniFirst Corporation