New Flame Resistant Clothing Collection

Matrix World Group (MWG) Chile officially launches its first-ever collection of treated flame resistant clothing, all manufactured using fabric from Mount Vernon FR. MWG specializes in the technical design, development and custom manufacturing of flame resistant workwear for industrial use.  Until the recent collaboration with Mount Vernon FR, MWG’s primary focus has been on high-quality flame resistant clothing made from inherent flame resistant fabrics.

“Working with Mount Vernon FR, we have paired two of the strongest brands in the industry, allowing us to provide consumers with treated and inherent flame resistant clothing without tradeoffs in comfort or protection,” said John Funk, president of MWG Chile.

MWG Chile will offer a complete collection of UL-certified products including flame resistant shirts, pants, coveralls and jackets, all made using fabric from Mount Vernon FR. MWG’s new flame resistant clothing line will be available across South and Central America. 

“This collaboration enables us to combine our shared dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “We’re honored to work with MWG to provide consumers across the globe with access to durable, high-performing flame resistant garments made from Mount Vernon FR fabrics.”

MWG Chile garments meet the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, comply with NFPA 70E and are UL® certified to NFPA 2112.

Wrangler FR Jeans with Cool Vantage Technology

Wrangler® FR and Mount Vernon FR have partnered to launch a breakthrough collection of Wrangler FR jeans with revolutionary Cool Vantage™ technology. Made with Mount Vernon FR’s Cooleemee FR fabric, the jeans feature enhanced comfort due to proprietary cooling technology that wicks perspiration, pulling moisture to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate quickly. This technology increases comfort without sacrificing the protection or durability that a great pair of FR jeans can provide, and is the first-ever application of cooling or moisture-wicking features to an FR denim jean.

“Wrangler is dedicated to developing the toughest products for the toughest consumers,” said Ashley Farrar, workwear & FR merchandising manager at Wrangler. “Mount Vernon FR has assisted us in developing flame resistant clothing that combines unprecedented performance, durability and comfort, a winning combination that keeps wearers cool, dry and protected when it matters most.”

The evaporative cooling process works in harmony with the body’s natural cooling mechanisms to regulate body temperature in hot conditions or during periods of physical exertion. With cooling benefits woven into the fabric that will not wash out over time, Wrangler FR jeans with Cool Vantage technology are developed to last for the wear life of the garment.

“At Mount Vernon FR, we are committed to continually evolving our FR fabric offerings to meet the needs of consumers, without any tradeoffs. Safety managers should never have to make compromises when it comes to the comfort and durability of the FR apparel that they provide to their employees, which is why this collection is so important,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “Wrangler FR has always been a pioneer in creating FR clothing with superior performance, and we’re proud to have partnered with them on this collection.” 

Wrangler FR Cool Vantage jeans are offered in a variety of fits and finishes for both men and women, providing several stylish denim options for staying cool, comfortable and protected.

The jeans are NFPA 2112 certified, featuring ASTM F1506 compliant fabric with an arc rating of 15 cal/cm².

About Wrangler^®:

Wrangler^® apparel is available nationwide in mass retail outlets, select department stores and specialty retailers including work apparel chains, farm & fleet and western stores, as well as through online and catalog retailers. To find a retailer or for more information on the Wrangler family of products visit Wrangler.com or call 888.784.8571. 

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:Mount Vernon Mills is a 175-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmfr.com.  

Thank you for taking the time to read our apparel industry blog post about textiles. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

The Heathcoat 1808 Flare-Free Fabric Technology

A British textile manufacturer has launched its new range of flame retardant dress fabrics at the prestigious Première Vision Fabrics show in Paris this week. The Heathcoat 1808® brand of dress nets, tulles and costume fabrics incorporates their unique ‘Flare-Free’ technology.

The Flare-Free fabrics are independently tested to conform to EN71 part 2, but they go a stage further and comply with the company’s own stringent internal standard. This specifies that no residual flame should be present after the fabric is exposed to a gas flame for a specified time. This meets and exceeds the much tougher flammability requirements of the nightwear standard BS5722.

In a powerful demonstration of the products’ fire retardant properties a video has been released comparing the burn time of a child’s tutu purchased in the UK with a similar tutu in Flare-Free dress net. The video starkly shows that a typical child’s costume offers no protection to flame and will fully combust in a matter of seconds, while the Flare-Free equivalent will not burn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeczfYk1K6U

Philip Wignall, Business Manager for Heathcoat Fabrics, believes the current European EN71 regulations for safety requirements in toys which covers flammability are not adequate to protect people’s safety, especially children. He said: “The video demonstrates that there is a definite need for more stringent controls over flame spread. Other than our Flare-Free fabrics, all alternative dress nets available for children’s costumes will simply combust in seconds, offering no protection.

“The Federation of British Retailers has proposed recommendations to modify EN71, but it would be good to see more stringent legislation specifically relating to apparel, similar to BS5722.”

Flare-Free with no detectable formaldehyde.

Heathcoat 1808 has gone a step further with ‘Flare-Free’ and is also making a range of these fabrics available under their Zero4 brand. This technology has been eight years in development to create fabrics with less than 20 parts per million of formaldehyde, which is a non-detectable level.

Philip Wignall explains: “While formaldehyde has been used for decades in washing powders and clothing, it is flammable, emits carbon monoxide when heated, and has been found to be toxic and corrosive. In 2014 it was classified as a Carcinogen Category 1B in the European REACH framework. While the risks from apparel are low we have invested in developing our Zero4 brand, giving consumers more choice in what they wear.”

Heathcoat 1808 is typically purchased by wholesalers and made available to fabric retailers or haberdashers. Consumers are advised to ask for fabric that carries the ‘Flare-Free’ logo for peace of mind that their dress net is truly flame retardant. This will also be of interest to fashion designers following its debut at the Paris Première Vision Fabrics show.

The Heathcoat 1808® range of dress net and tulle fabrics is developed and manufactured in Tiverton, Devon, UK by Heathcoat Fabrics Ltd.

Heathcoat Fabrics is showcasing its trend colours for Spring/Summer 17 at the Première Vision Fabrics show, alongside existing colour inspirations for Autumn/Winter. Included in the new product offering, all of which are designed and manufactured within their own UK plant, are the totally new zero formaldehyde soft dress net for children's clothes; stiffer Flare-Free tulles for bridal gown, prom dresses and tutu; dance and fashion dress nets; locknits, textures and technical fabrics, including their own-brand 3D spacetec® fabrics in a range of new colour and surface combinations.

The company provides a wide range of own-branded, patented high performance product solutions. It operates a total end-to-end high competency service with in-house research & development, design, testing and on-site manufacturing facilities that include quality-controlled yarn texturising, warping weaving and knitting plant and the latest advanced specialist dyeing, textile enhancement treatments and finishing.

Thank you for taking the time to read our textile industry news blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Mount Vernon FR Adding Jobs and Key Personnel

Mount Vernon FR continues to grow its presence in the flame resistant (FR) fabrics industry with the addition of Peggy Holcomb as director of protective fabric sales and support, and Cameron Hood as protective fabric sales representative. These additions will help fulfill the company’s strategy of increasing expertise and services in markets that represent significant growth for Mount Vernon FR.

Holcomb comes to Mount Vernon FR with an extensive 37-year background in the textile industry. Most recently, she held the position of senior sales manager of industrial fabrics at TenCate Protective Fabrics. Throughout her career, Holcomb has worked with FR fabrics for a variety of industries and applications including fire service, military, aircraft seating, lamination/coating, and industrial apparel. In her new position at Mount Vernon FR, Holcomb is tasked with providing increased support and expertise for the company’s national accounts. 

Hood’s background includes 12 years in the industrial laundry business, including more than three years as a service manager. In his new position, Hood is tasked with the responsibility of increasing protective fabric sales for Mount Vernon FR’s expanding FR collection. His new position with Mount Vernon FR will be based in Trion, Ga., where he will apply his considerable knowledge in the field to assist the company in its continued growth. 

“With Peggy’s and Cameron’s vast experience in the textile industry, we are thrilled to have them on board with our team,” said Mike Woods, vice president of flame resistant fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “We believe they will create an immediate impact on the market, thanks to their knowledge and familiarity of the industry.”

Mount Vernon FR will also add an estimated 30 manufacturing jobs, as well as expand the roles of several current Mount Vernon FR employees, including Carolyn Black, FR technical specialist; Sheila Morrison, quality assurance lab manager; Adam Hankins, quality assurance specialist; and Nikki Rosser, quality assurance specialist; who will take on additional responsibilities.

“We are very encouraged by the continued growth of the flame resistant fabrics industry, and the opportunities it presents for our company,” Woods continued. “This investment in additional personnel affirms our commitment to the industry, and allows us to provide increased resources for the needs of our customers.”

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:

Mount Vernon Mills is a 170-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmfr.com. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our textile industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Carhartt Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Jean

Mount Vernon FR and Carhartt, American’s premium work wear brand since 1889, have teamed up to launch the newest advancement in flame resistant (FR) clothing, the Carhartt Flame Resistant Rugged Flex® Jean.  As the name suggests, the Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean combines FlexTex FR denim from Mount Vernon FR with Carhartt’s signature Rugged Flex® stretch technology to provide comfort and protection in any work environment, while offering unique flexibility for maximum range of motion. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean will be available in July 2015.

“Carhartt and Mount Vernon Mills are both century-old brands with steeped heritage in manufacturing excellence,” said Tom Kiddle, director of specialized services at Carhartt. “Partnering with Mount Vernon Mills, a leader in innovative textile technology, afforded us the opportunity to be one of the first FR apparel manufacturers to add stretch into our denim program, ultimately giving more comfort options to our consumer while maintaining our strong desire to be an industry leader in FR apparel.”

 

Known for manufacturing high-quality protective fabric, Mount Vernon FR is also leading the way in developing FR fabrics with added comfort in mind, such as Crossbill Flex FR™, available exclusively with Carhartt. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean utilizes fabric with an elastometric fiber that has bilateral flex, allowing it to elongate sideways and diagonally, eliminating any sagging or bagging, and making reaching and bending easier for workers.

“The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean gives workers the reliability and durability they need on the job, while maintaining the comfort of their favorite pair of jeans,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. "We are committed to exceeding the industry’s needs for protection, comfort and styling."

Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jeans feature an arc-resistant button closure, a brass zipper fly with Nomex® FR zipper tape, and classic Carhartt hallmarks like triple-stitched main seams for added strength and durability. The jeans are available in Deep Indigo Wash, a premium shade that transitions seamlessly on and off the job in order to meet every work and lifestyle need. Finally, the finished jeans are mechanically washed to create a soft finish, ensuring that the wearer experiences the most comfortable fit.

Mount Vernon FR and Carhartt have successfully collaborated in the past to manufacture and produce premium FR clothing. The partnership brings the total control of Mount Vernon FR’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility together with Carhartt’s reputation for producing reliable, high-quality FR clothing.

The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean meets the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, complies with NFPA 70E and is UL® classified to NFPA 2112.

About Carhartt, Inc:Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with approximately 5,100 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company‘s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:Mount Vernon Mills is a 170-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmfr.com. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our apparel industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative.

If you are interested you can read about how Mount Vernon Mills expanded flame resistant fabric capacity from a news article we posted back in 2012.

If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Flame Resistant Shirts from Wolverine

Earlier this year, Wolverine has introduced two new styles of Flame Resistant shirts in versatile Twill and Ripstop materials. Both garments are flame resistant and are constructed with flame resistant fabric, meeting requirements specified in ASTM-F2302-8 for labeling protective clothing as flame resistant.

Flame resistant clothing, often worn by electricians who may be exposed to momentary electric arcs, must meet ASTM F1506, the standard performance specification for flame resistant and arc rated textile materials for wearing apparel for use by electrical workers exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards. Wolverine’s Flame Resistant clothing meets this standard.

Flame Resistant Twill Shirt

This button-down style Flame resistant shirt meets ASTM F1506 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, and features:
•    Milliken® Amplitude Flame Resistant Fabric
•    7 oz. Twill; 88% cotton, 12% High Tenacity Nylon FR Twill
•    One chest pocket with button through closure and pencil slot opening
•    Locker loop on the back yoke with center back pleat allowing for additional range of motion
•    Triple needle topstitching for durability
•    Rolled shoulders for comfort
•    Extended shirt tail bottom and button down collar
•    Flame Resistant Nomex thread and Melamine buttons
•    Clearly labeled with a Wolverine FR label on the chest pocket, as well as a warning label on the lower right of the garment and a HRC2 label in chest pocket side seam
•    Available in sizes S-3XL
•    Available in Grey, Khaki, Blue and Navy

Example, style # W1201830-020

 

Flame Resistant Ripstop Shirt

This button-down style Flame resistant shirt meets ASTM F1506 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, and features:

•    Milliken Amplitude Flame Resistant Fabric
•    6 oz., 88% Cotton, 12% High Tenacity Nylon FR Ripstop
•    Two chest pockets with flap and button through closure and pencil slot opening
•    Back yoke with side pleats for range of motion
•    Triple needle topstitching for durability
•    Rolled shoulders for comfort
•    Flame Resistant Nomex thread and Melamine buttons
•    Extended shirt tail bottom and Button down collar
•    Clearly labeled with a Wolverine FR label on the chest pocket, as well as a warning label on the lower right of the garment and a HRC1 label in chest pocket side seam
•    Available in sizes S-3XL
•    Available in Grey, Brown, Khaki, Blue and Navy

Example, style # #W1201840-400

 

 

Learn about flame resistant clothing factories here on Apparel Search in our apparel manufacturers section.

Relevant topics of possible interest:

Flame Retardant Fabric Mills – international textile companies that produce flame retardant fabrics for clothing, accessories, etc.
Flammability & Safety Requirements – guide and resources for the garment industry.

Learn more about Wolvernine Worldwide and the products that they offer at their website http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/

Thank you for taking the time to read our clothing industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.