Types of Workwear Fabric

Workwear has become engrained within the fashion scene, with silhouettes like chore coats and chinos making their way into your average closet. But the foundation of any good workwear outfit is its fabric.
Protective fabrics used in workwear garments need to be softer and flexible. They also call for a more fitted approach to garment design.
Cotton is a natural fibre which is soft and comfortable to wear. It can be woven at different thicknesses to create garments that are lightweight, sturdy and breathable. It is also easy to wash and has good abrasion resistance, making it suitable for workwear.
Cotton fabric is naturally breathable, meaning it can help keep you cool and dry by absorbing moisture from your skin. This is especially beneficial in summer workwear, as it will prevent heat build up and help you stay comfortable.
Another benefit of cotton is that it doesn’t release microplastics into the environment when washed like some synthetic fabrics do. This makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact.

Polyester fabric is one of the most common textiles in the world. It’s durable, wrinkle-resistant and colourfast. It’s also relatively inexpensive, which has helped fuel the growth of fast fashion. However, polyester isn’t good for the environment. It’s made from fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, which are non-renewable resources that are running out. When burned, they release carbon dioxide into the air, which causes global warming.
Fortunately, there is a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyester: recycled polyester. This is made from plastic materials that would otherwise be thrown away, then spun into yarn and woven into clothing. The benefits of recycled polyester include lower energy consumption and water usage, as well as reduced environmental footprint. It also breathes more easily than cotton, so it can help reduce odour and moisture build-up. It’s used for everything from soft microfiber towels to fleece blankets, and even some safety belts.
Stretch fabrics allow you to make figure-flattering workwear that fits with your body. However, they can be more challenging to sew and must be paired with the right pattern.
Many natural fibers have some inherent elasticity that helps with recovery, but it’s the yarn and fabric construction that largely determines the stretch factor. For example, wool can be quite elastic if it has a curly or wavy structure, similar to how hair has its own built-in elasticity.
Flame retardant fabrics are commonly used in workwear to protect workers from fire and heat. These fabrics are often required in certain workplace settings due to regulations surrounding safety certifications. There are two main types of flame retardant fabrics: inherently fire-retardant and treated fire-retardant.
Inherently fire-retardant fabrics are made from fibres that are naturally non-flammable. They offer a consistent level of protection to clothing made from them and can often be laundered in a regular manner. However, they may be more expensive than treated fire-retardant fabrics.
Treated flame-retardant fabrics are typically dipped in a chemical solution to add the desired fire resistance properties. These chemicals then bond to the fabric fibres and are activated when exposed to excessive heat. This can be a more cost-effective way to achieve the same results as inherently fire-retardant fabrics but they don’t hold up as well against abrasion, meaning they’re best suited to light industrial applications. Some fabrics also become less effective with repeated exposure to heat and may lose their flame resistant qualities over time.