Expert knowledge: Industrial washability – why it is not standard

Industrial washability is often assumed, but it is not a given for classic workwear, shirts, sweaters or stretch products. Many textiles are designed for domestic washing – not for the significantly higher stresses of professional processing.

What industrial laundry really means

Industrial laundry differs fundamentally from private care:

· higher washing temperatures

· heavy mechanical stress

· alkaline washing chemicals

· frequent drying and finishing processes

· many repeat cycles over the entire service life

Products must be designed to withstand these conditions – in terms of material, seams, components and colours alike.

Challenges with non-stretch fabrics

Even classic workwear often has weaknesses:

· Shrinkage due to inadequate pre-treatment

· Colour changes (greying, bleeding)

· Loss of shape in jackets and tops

· Wear and tear on seams and pockets

· Failure of zips and accessories

Suitability for industrial laundering is therefore not a product feature, but the result of consistent material and design decisions.

Why making stretch fabrics suitable for industrial laundering is particularly challenging

Stretch materials are sensitive to:

· Heat

· Chemicals

· Mechanical stress

Typical problems with unsuitable stretch fabric:

· Elasticity loses its resilience

· Material hardens or becomes brittle

· Resilience is lost

· Fit changes permanently

Industrial laundry-suitable stretch therefore requires:

· specially selected elastic fibres

· heat- and alkali-resistant material blends

· stable fabric constructions

· coordinated sewing and reinforcement concepts

· tested colour and shape stability

This makes stretchy, warm products that are also suitable for industrial laundering a technical exception rather than the norm.

Our aspiration

We consistently emphasise industrial washability in classic workwear, as well as in complementary products such as shirts, sweaters and midlayers. This applies regardless of whether the items are robust outerwear or basic textile layers.

Goal: Products that not only function well in use, but also retain their properties after many wash cycles.

Conclusion

Industrial washability is not a minor issue. It determines:

· Service life

· Cost-effectiveness

· Consistent appearance

· Long-lasting functionality

Stretch fabrics in particular demonstrate just how high the technical requirements actually are.