Materials & Fabrics Perfect For Warmer Weather
The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, even in the warmer months. With some of the hottest summers on record happening over the last few years, it’s important to prepare your team with suitable uniforms. Breathable fabrics allow for the wear to feel more comfortable as they can ‘allow air to passively escape through material’. However, we will also be exploring how moisture-wicking fabrics compare to breathable materials, plus how both can result in a much more agreeable working environment.
Breathable Fabrics
With the warmer weather, breathability becomes essential. Fabrics such as cotton, linen and bamboo are ideal solutions for custom uniform, as they offer versatility and are perfect for summer workwear. These fabrics allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate more effectively. This will keep the wearer cool and dry in the UK summer heat.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Whilst working in summer conditions, sweating can become an issue. No-one wants to be uncomfortable whilst they work, especially in the summer heat. When we sweat, it goes onto the fibres of our uniforms. If the workwear is made from natural fabric, such as cotton, the liquid is absorbed into the fibres. This can make our clothes uncomfortable and heavy. However, materials that are moisture-wicking are designed to use their ‘fibres keep the sweat on the surface, acting like channels to transport the sweat to the outer layer of your top.’
When choosing breathable fabrics, the moisture wicking aspect becomes extremely important. More lightweight fabrics can ‘reduce sweat, but moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials go further by taking advantage of the body’s natural cooling mechanism’. Moisture-wicking fabrics will help to ‘evaporate moisture away from the skin’ and prevent the wearer from getting too warm while working. For example, while cotton is considered a lightweight material, it doesn’t typically have moisture wicking properties. Whereas, nylon and polyester ‘wicks moisture and dries quickly; resists pilling and abrasion.’
The Best Fabrics For Warmer Weather
So, what is the best fabric for warmer weather? If you are looking for the ultimate fabric for the summer, you will have plenty of options that could suit your needs. Prioritising your employees needs through your uniform choices can be extremely beneficial. Hot conditions, ‘temperature and humidity change considerably every summer, affecting work performance and health’. Not only can it make your staff feel more comfortable in summer-ready uniforms, but it can also increase workplace productivity.
Cotton
Cotton is a very popular choice as it’s a great breathable and sustainable option. While this fabric is soft to the touch and extremely versatile, it doesn’t wick away moisture. Unlike some other fabrics, cotton won’t pull sweat away from the body.
Nylon and Polyester
Nylon is another popular choice, particularly when it comes to activewear. Both polyester and nylon wick moisture away from the body and are typically hardwearing. However, unlike cotton, this fabric tends to be less soft.
Rayon
Rayon is an interesting fabric as it can often be blended alongside other materials to achieve a variety of characteristics. This material is breathable and will dry quickly. Often silky to the touch, businesses with a keen design eye enjoy rayon because it can be draped nicely. Whilerayon is breathable, it doesn’t necessarily have moisture-wicking abilities.
Chambray
Chambray typically comes in a dark blue colour and can be used in a variety of ways. Also, this fabric tends to be extremely popular because of how breathable it is alongside it being moisture-wicking.
Bamboo
Bamboo is also highly breathable and tends to be much more stretchier than cotton. Bamboo can be easily weaved into other fabrics and is often soft and light. Bamboo also has great moisture-wicking properties.
Linen
Similar to cotton, linen is extremely popular for outer summer wear due to how breathable it is. Linen tends to also be very durable and will last for a long period of time. Linen does not have moisture wicking tendencies and will also wrinkles / crease easily which can affect how a uniform presents itself.
Merino Wool
Wool in general is often forgotten as a summer fabric as it’s often seen as too heavy or warm. However, merino wool can be a breathable fabric which is available in more lightweight options.
Durability For Longevity
Fabric disposal has become a rising issue, so much in fact that a ‘growing number of companies in the UK are now taking action and recycling their uniforms.’ Did you know that ‘It’s estimated that two in seven working adults in the UK wear a uniform at work, adding up to around 33 million items of corporate-branded clothing’. If uniforms are no longer needed, the fabric goes straight to landfill. ‘15,000 tons of discarded clothing is gotten rid of every single year.’ Sustainable workwear can do a lot more than ensure that your staff are comfortable in the hot weather. Breathable fabric can also be higher quality. High quality work garments are much less likely to tarnish and fray during the cleaning process. By choosing more high-quality and sustainable workwear, it helps to save both the planet and money in the long term, as less replacements will be required.
Custom Uniform Design With The Environment In Mind – Jermyn Street Design
Here at JSD, we are dedicated to providing sustainable workwear which is good for the environment and also ensures your staff’s needs are met, especially in the summer heat. As we roll into this warmer season, it’s vital to prioritise working conditions to keep your team happy and healthy. Our team of friendly experts can assist with through the custom uniform design process, right through to distribution and logistics. As well as getting your own dedicated account manager, we will help you choose the right fabric. Get in contact with our team now if you are looking to improve your company’s image and customer perception and experience.
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