2020 WINNERS

WINNER: Best Fabric Innovation

MEMBER: Aramark Uniform Services
PROGRAM: WearGuard® Eco Collection

Sustainability is a big topic of discussion and concern – particularly in the garment and uniform industry. Aramark didn’t want to simply join the conversation. They wanted to lead it. Three years of brainstorming resulted in ReTerra™ , a fabric made from recycled plastic and OstraTec™ created from oyster shells sourced from the food industry. Aramark also partnered with Unifi, a pioneer in the engineering of recyclable fibers including Repreve®. 

The end result is the WearGuard® Eco Collection, a line of soft, comfortable polos, shirts and tees made primarily from recycled materials and sustainable processes. It’s performance wear made for today’s active person with moisture wicking and breathability built into every piece. Colors were also an important consideration. A nature-inspired color variation was chosen to invoke an earth-friendly look and feel. Colors also needed to have broad appeal and work well with existing uniform program palettes. It’s a collection that anyone can feel good wearing – and even better about wearing. 

WINNER: Best Badge or Emblem Design

MEMBER: Smith & Warren
PROGRAM: Commerce City Police Department

These custom badges were designed using cutting-edge 3D design technology and laser die cutting. Both badges feature a black background, the American and Colorado Flags, and the established date of the department. Each badge was designed from scratch and were done so as a complimentary set. The badge design achieved the department's desire to have a unique custom badge that represented their department and the State of Colorado.

3D rendering and laser die cutting are innovative technologies exclusive to Smith & Warren in the badge business. The 3D rendering process enables Smith & Warren to show the customer exactly how their custom badge will look and laser die cutting provides a level of fine detail unmatched in the industry.

WINNER: Best Garment Innovation - Comfort

MEMBER: Bulwark Protective Apparel/VF Workwear
PROGRAM: Nomex Comfort

Nomex® Comfort is an innovative FR lightweight CAT 1 comfortable flame-resistant garment collection. Nomex® Comfort is different than any other FR lightweight CAT 1 flame-resistant fabric with Nomex® because the Nomex® Comfort fabric feels good and the FR garments are comfortable to wear.

Complaints from customers who wear flame resistant garments revealed that they found the fabric was hot, heavy and not breathable, problems solved by Nomex® Comfort. The lightweight clothing also features larger pockets, mobility gussets and double knee patches. Another complaint was that it is hard to squat and reach while wearing the current FR coveralls. VF added patent-pending mobility pleats in the coverall designs to eliminate this problem and eliminate movement constrictions. 

WINNER: Best Garment Innovation - Function

MEMBER: Design Collective by Cintas
PROGRAM: Tech Pant

Movement is made easy with the Tech Pant. With an internal elastic waistband that moves when you move, and blend of nylon and spandex with moisture management, this pant is designed to stretch to any need. Features include a five-pocket construction, with an inseam invisible pocket on the left leg. Available in four colors, Pewter, Khaki, Black, and Ink. 

The stretch recovery is designed to allow movement without losing its shape. The fabric blend comprised of spandex and moisture management creates a whole new level of comfort. The pockets are designed to maximize space, and with an inseam invisible zipper the hidden pocket is ideal for valuables.