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Industry Talk

Working fit and durability for women

Brands partner with Cordura to respond to a true gap in the market.

1st November 2021

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Wichita, KS, USA

Protective, Clothing/​Footwear

Invista’s Cordura brand is supporting the evolution of women’s workwear through new brand collaborations with Dickies, Dovetail and Crafter Collection, as well as showcasing young designer Stina Peters.

The latest Dickies Performance Workwear collection for tradeswomen features products designed to provide durability, all-day warmth, comfort and unrestricted movement

Cordura fabric knee and rear patches are enhanced with a DWR (durable water repellent) trim in leggings, to provide extra integrity and protection, while a version of the brand’s popular Universal Flex trousers designed specifically for women also feature hardwearing Cordura brand fabric reinforcement at high wear areas such as the knees.

“Our latest workwear collection features UV protection, wind resistant and reflective materials, DWR and advanced waterproof technology,” said Kevin Penney, Dickies brand marketing manager EMEA. “Dickies Temp-iQ ensures heat and moisture regulation and materials such as Cordura fabric toughen garments in just the right places.”

Dovetail Workwear, Artistic Milliners, and Cordura have collaborated to develop Supercharged Noir Cordura Denim which is featured in the new Maven and Britt work pants.

Dovetail Workwear, based in Portland, Oregom, makes all-season utility apparel.

“We build radical pieces out of need,” says co-founder Sara DeLuca. “Women tell us what they want, and we go from there. Our latest Maven and Britt style pants with No Fade Black Cordura denim came from a request from our most hardcore customers who asked for the toughest possible pant. At the same time, we were getting requests for a non-fading black pant from women who work in tough roles as roadies, theatre techs and film crew. These pants are up to four times stronger than regular cotton denim and have a comfy stretch. There’s also a built-in long-lasting softness that comes from the supple Tencel fibres used.”

The Crafter Women’s workwear trouser is made with a Cordura Nyco fabric enhanced by Sapphire Mills’ MoveX stretch technology, while a multi pocket gilet and tool trouser utilise both MoveX technology and Cordura reinforcement on major stress areas.

“The launch of Crafter Collection with a focus on women’s workwear came as a result of discovering a true gap in the market,” says founder Ashleigh Condliffe. “We found that there was a real lack of great women’s workwear that not only fits well but is highly durable. We wanted to provide women with a quality collection of key pieces that last, and that can survive the everyday demands of industry professionals.”

Cordura is also working with young workwear designer Stina Peters, who was was a finalist for the Special Award Workwear Couture by Engelbert Strauss at Frankfurt Fashion Week. 

“One of the most important aspects for workwear is the longevity of the fabrics,” she says.” Cordura fabrics have built-in durability which makes my designs for workwear even more sustainable. In today’s market, I saw little choice for women’s clothing for physically demanding work. It is very important to me to promote the future of women’s workwear, because personal safety at work starts with suitable clothing that’s both functional and flexible.  I like to collaborate with brands that enable workers to get the very best out of the garment.”

www.cordura.com

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