Fabric Types
Eco Fabrics
Fabrics are considered "environmentally-friendly" for these key reasons:
- The renewability of the product. Renewable resources are items that can be replenished in a relatively short time.
- The ecological footprint of the resource - how much land it takes to support the plant or animal source.
- How many chemicals it requires to grow/process it to make it ready for market.
Fabrics that represent good eco-choices : Modal, Eco Bamboo, 100% Organic Cotton, 100% Green Cotton, Merino Wool.
Modal
Modal is a natural fibre made from beech trees. It is resistant to pilling, shrinkage and fading, offering a natural moisture absorption and evaporation rate that's even faster than cotton. It is soft and colour fast when washed in warm water. Modal should ideally be ironed after washing.
Perfectly suited to polo shirts.
Eco Bamboo
Bamboo is a soft, smooth and naturally grown fibre that requires zero chemical pesticides to flourish and is both moisture wicking and odour-resistant.
Blend = 66% bamboo, 28% cotton, 6% spandex. Cotton adds durability, while spandex provides stretch and a good fit. This fabric will stand up to a long life of laundering and wear. Bamboo contains a natural agent (bamboo-kun) that prevents bacterial growth.
An excellent choice for polos and tees.
100% Organic Cotton
Organic Cotton is grown without pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, irradiation or GE, and is certified by an accredited independent organisation. Fabric is processed as per 100% Green Cotton (see below).
100% Organic Cotton is available in tee shirts.
100% Green Cotton
Garments classified as 'Green Cotton' are processed in New Zealand to rigid standards to ensure:
- no toxic substances are used in processing
- fibres are GE free
- processing does not release harmful substances into soil, waterways or atmosphere.
100% Green Cotton is available in tee shirts.
Merino Wool
This renewable, natural product is hardwearing, yet biodegradable. Merino is farmed with careful consideration for the welfare of the sheep, and to preserve the environment for future generations. The average sheep produces seven fleeces in its lifetime - that's enough for about 35 garments!
Merino’s natural attributes keep us looking good and feeling comfortable :
Strength and softness Merino fibres are long, fine and strong, for durability and softness. The longer fibre also resists pilling. Merino fibre, like human skin and hair, is largely keratin – a resilient natural protein.
Moisture Management Merino fibres can both absorb and repel moisture. This means merino garments offer shower or rain resistance. Merino can also hold up to 30% of its own weight in water without feeling damp, absorbing moisture when you sweat.
Insulating Merino’s natural structure traps warm air close to the skin.
Thermal Control Merino buffers the body's microclimate in changing conditions, through natural ‘air conditioning’.
Warm when wet As merino absorbs moisture, it releases heat through a chemical reaction, which keeps you warm in wet, cool conditions.
Ultra-fine High quality merino doesn’t itch – the ultra-fine fibres simply bend rather than scratching the skin.
Odour Resistant Ideal for active lifestyles, merino can be worn longer between washes without smelling than synthetic fibres.
Fire Safe Wool is naturally flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and won’t melt – ideal for garments where flammability is a safety issue.
Easy Care Merino's natural resilience gives it outstanding wrinkle recovery.
100% Cotton
This natural fibre feels great on your skin, and breathes with your body. Comfortable, easy care and hard wearing, cotton is also less likely to pill than polycotton. Care needs to be taken with following the washing instructions, and allow approximately 5% for shrinkage.
Commonly used for shirts, polos, tees, singlets, shorts, trousers, caps.
See Eco Fabrics for 100% Green Cotton, and 100% Organic Cotton.
Breathable Polyester
Using the latest fabric technologies, these fabrics wick moisture away from the body, creating a comfortable, quick-drying garment. Ideal for hot climates, sports, and work environments. Fade-resistant. Non-iron.
Used for shirts, polos, tees, & singlets.
Branded as DriGear, Bizcool, Quick Dry, Kooldri.
Breathable Polycotton or Cotton Rich
A cotton-rich blend of cotton and breathable polyester which combines the natural feel of cotton with the moisture removal qualities of breathable polyester.
An easy care fabric for polos and tees.
Polycotton
This cotton/polyester blend is less likely to need ironing, and is more resistant to fading, than 100% cotton. Garments are hardwearing, and make for low-maintenance laundering.
Used for shirts, polos, tees, singlets, shorts.
Cotton/Spandex or Cotton/Elastane
5% spandex gives the cotton elasticity and helps the garment return to its shape. The comfort and stretch is ideal for fitting styles.
Excellent for shirts, polos, tees, singlets - especially women’s wear.
Bonded Polyester (aka Soft Shell)
This breathable performance fabric features a water repellant outer and a bonded inner membrane – for warmth and windproofing without weight. The outer layer is bonded polyester or lycra, and the lining combines woven or micro-fleece and breathable windbreaker mesh.
Ideal for jackets, vests, and caps.
Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is 100% polyester, available in various weights (usually 280gsm, 360gsm, or 450gsm). Resistant to fading, it is also easy to wash and comfortable to wear.
Used as outer fabric in jackets, tops, and vests, or as lining in jackets and vests.
BIZ Corporates Range
The new BIZ Corporates Range features 3 comfort-smart fabrics for every workplace:
Comfort Wool Stretch Suiting
Cool Stretch Plain Suiting
Cool Stretch Pinstripe Suiting
Comfort Wool Stretch Suiting
- 43% Wool 55% Polyester 2% Elastane
- All the quality comfort features of wool, combined with the durability of polyester and elastane for added stretch comfort
- Save money on dry cleaning by machine washing at home (simple label recommendations - pants & skirts only)
Cool Stretch Plain Suiting
- 92% Polyester 8% Bamboo Charcoal
- The most comfortable easy-care woven outerwear fabric
- Quick moisture absorption
- Breathable
- Thermal regulating
- Bacterial resistant
- Removes odours
- Crease resistant
- Ideal for active work places such as Hospitality and Healthcare
- The Comfort Stretch component has been woven into the fabric to create a mechanical stretch
Cool Stretch Pinstripe Suiting
- 92% Polyester 8% Bamboo Charcoal
- This fabric is even more durable than the Cool Stretch Plain Suiting, and has the same properties
- You can coordinate both fabrics, providing great flexibility when planning a range for your business.
