Workwear (also referred to as special clothing) must meet two essential criteria: protective functionality and comfort during use. Both natural and synthetic fabrics are utilized in production, with the primary selection criteria being strength, lightness, wear resistance, and durability.

The Role of Workwear

Workwear can be broadly categorized into two types:

Corporate (Work) Clothing
Protective Clothing

Corporate clothing identifies the wearer with a particular profession or organization, often incorporating corporate branding, specific color schemes, and uniform styling. It is commonly used by professionals such as administrators, waitstaff, flight attendants, and bank employees.

Protective clothing, on the other hand, is designed to shield workers from environmental hazards. Examples include:

Medical garments (gowns, caps, suits, masks) made from lightweight, washable materials.
High-visibility clothing for low-light environments, incorporating reflective elements.
Insulated and chemically resistant apparel, offering protection against extreme temperatures, contaminants, and mechanical stress.

Fabrics containing natural fibers are often chosen for their hygroscopic properties, breathability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to static build-up—making them ideal for use in warm indoor settings.

Natural Fabric Types Used in Workwear

Twill
A thick, robust fabric made from high-quality cotton with a unique rope-like weave that offers high resistance to mechanical stress. Polyester is often added for increased durability. Suitable for a wide range of temperatures, twill is ideal for professions such as baking, cooking, and cold storage work. Despite its density, twill is easy to clean.
Coarse Calico
A lightweight, breathable, and wear-resistant 100% cotton fabric. A minimum fabric density of 145 g/m² is recommended for durability and color retention. It is commonly used for simple uniforms and lightweight workwear.
Moleskin
A densely woven cotton fabric with a smooth surface that repels dust, debris, and high temperatures. Often treated for added resistance to dirt and heat, it is used in high-risk environments, such as nuclear power facilities.
Tweed
A coarse, natural fabric often reinforced with polyamide for durability. When treated with fire-retardant and chemical-resistant coatings, it becomes suitable for welding and metallurgical industries, offering protection against sparks, acids, and alkalis.
Tarpaulin
Extremely dense and durable, traditionally used for waterproof garments and sails. Modern applications include foundry apparel. Tarpaulin is treated for either fire resistance (yellow-brown) or water resistance (green), depending on its intended use.

Synthetic Fabrics in Workwear

Synthetic fabrics are derived from materials such as petroleum, cellulose, and natural gas. While they lack breathability and tend to accumulate static electricity, they are valued for their lightweight, durability, easy care, and resistance to wear and moisture. They are particularly suited for outerwear and protective linings.

Common synthetic fabrics include:

Oxford Polyester
A durable fabric made from nylon and polyester, with a polyurethane coating on the inner surface. Available in various densities (210 to 600 DEN), it is frequently used for jackets, vests, and overalls.
Fleece
A soft, insulating knitted polyester fabric used for thermal undergarments and lining in cold-weather garments. It provides excellent warmth and breathability.
Nylon
A lightweight synthetic woven material with strong water-repellent and wind-resistant properties, ideal for rainwear and waterproof outer layers.
Membrane Fabric
A multi-layered fabric combining a durable outer layer, a soft inner layer, and a breathable membrane in between. This construction allows moisture vapor to escape while blocking wind and water. Commonly used in performance clothing for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and sports.