Will stationwear of the future contain threads of silver and copper? According to an article last month in the Wall Street Journal, copper and silver are making a comeback as germ-fighting agents. Over the last century, both metals became known for their antimicrobial powers but were pushed out by the advent of antibiotics. However, recent developments in fiber technology have made it possible for copper and silver to be used in new antimicrobial clothing.

In one instance, socks with copper-woven yarns can help eliminate odor. According to the WSJ article, a study of chronic sufferers of athlete’s foot in 2008 found significant improvement in symptoms after 40 days of wearing copper-soled socks. Can such antimicrobial fabrics lend themselves to additional protection against infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens for paramedics and EMTs? Anything is possible and for a peek at future trends in stationwear, we spoke with industry leaders.
Kim Henry, vice president of sales and marketing for PBI Performance Products, sees a trend toward flame-resistant (FR) performance base layers and physical-training apparel.

“Basically knit apparel similar to UnderArmor that provides great comfort, moisture management and durability, but doesn’t melt or drip in high-heat situations,” Henry said. “There is some interest in anti-microbial technology as an additive, but overwhelmingly we receive inquiries about high-performance FR base-layer apparel and T-shirts.”

Twenty-seven percent of the fire departments in America are career fire departments that serve almost 85% of the population. One emerging trend is toward NFPA-compliant stationwear, said Mark Saner, technical manager for Workrite Uniform Co.

“Departments that have applied themselves to study the matter have quickly moved away from polyester blended fabrics despite their long service in the fire community,” Saner said. “Fire departments would not consider the use of non-compliant trucks, turnout gear, nozzles, hoses, gloves, boots, SCBA or any other vital piece of equipment. They realize that their lives are at stake every time they respond to a call. Yet, historically, when it came to stationwear uniforms, compliance was compromised.”

Saner added that stationwear constructed from Nomex IIIA fabric, which is manufactured by DuPont, remains a flagship product for the company, and is specified by many compliant departments.

NFPA 1975 specifies the latest requirements for the design, performance, testing and certification of station and work uniforms constructed from thermally stable materials or flame-resistant materials, so that they will not cause or contribute to burn injuries. Station and work uniforms are non-primary protective garments configured as long- or short-sleeve shirts (regular, tee, polo, sweatshirt), and pants and shorts; such garments, according to the standard, do not include underwear, socks, dress uniforms and outerwear.

NFPA 1975 currently is in a revision cycle and will be open for public input until Jan. 4, 2012, via the NFPA website. The technical committee is seeking input from the end-user community on what changes they would like to see concerning station and work uniforms. One subject that the committee will be discussing further for possible inclusion is how to address compliant underclothing and fitness apparel that might be worn under the stationwear.

Cargo Hold

According to Hayley Fudge, customer relationships manager with Dayton, Ohio-based Lion Apparel, another significant trend in stationwear concerns pockets — specifically, multi-pocket trousers. “Cargo pockets are becoming the norm,” Fudge said. “Not so long ago, the race among manufacturers was to see who would be among the first to offer a pant with cargo pockets. Now the race seems to be who can offer a more advanced design of the cargo pocket itself.”

Fudge added that pants with extended/expandable waists also are becoming more popular and many manufacturers are incorporating a diamond-shaped gusset design into the crotch area for a roomier fit. When it comes to NFPA-compliant fabrics, Fudge indicated that Nomex is still the company’s best seller, followed by 100% cotton, then FireWear.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, every product used in the fire service is being reviewed extensively to ensure the highest performance. Indeed, many fire departments are mitigating additional risks and ensuring appropriate levels of protection throughout their ensemble — and that includes stationwear. One area that is getting more scrutiny these days concerns the proper cleaning of new fabrics to protect against performance degradation. This is being addressed with sewn-in tags that provide the manufacturers’ cleaning recommendations.

Meanwhile, stationwear costs have risen due to raw material price increases that have affected zippers, thread and fabrics. For example, the price of cotton has risen dramatically due to low crop yields. Aramids — a group of lightweight but very strong and heat-resistant synthetic aromatic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers used especially in textiles — also have risen due to increasing fuel costs. However, the long service life of certain stationwear garments still outweighs the initial costs.

Some uniform manufacturers have been more sensitive to the increasing number of women in the fire and emergency services. Workrite, for instance, has developed a complete line of women’s stationwear. This entails more than a conversion of men’s wear — true women’s wear must address proportional differences in the chest, waist, torso, hips and inseams.

Another trend, according to Lion’s Fudge, is that people are requiring larger sizes, especially — and most surprisingly — newly hired recruits, many of whom are in their twenties. This is not exclusive to the fire service — it also is being seen in law-enforcement recruits.

While navy blue and dark navy blue are the most popular colors for stationwear, Fudge said that black is gaining popularity in many California fire departments; navy still is worn by the rank and file, but officers wear black.

No matter the colors or the sizes, NFPA-compliant stationwear is one trend you can’t afford to ignore.

Related Stories

• In Fabrics, Safety Still Comes First
• Firefighters Choose Cotton, Nomex for Stationwear
• Chief Uses FIRE Grant to Procure NFPA-Compliant, FR Stationwear