Textile service provider MEWA develops its own contemporary workwear

Kneeling, lifting, scrambling - workers must be able to move freely and use their whole bodies unhindered. Workwear must follow all these movements, because no one likes it when sleeves that are too tight hinder grasping or when the shirt jumps out of the pants every time you reach up. Not only is the right fit important, but also the fabric and the way it is processed contribute to comfort. Someone who knows all about that is Mark Weber. "Workwear should support the wearer in his activities. Those who bend down frequently need an elastic waistband. Those who work mostly overhead want a slightly longer jacket. Thoughtful clothing has enough pockets and loops for tools and other necessities, and the fabric should be extra reinforced in areas that take a lot of punishment," says the product development manager of MEWA textile service. For him, the professional clothing market has become more dynamic in recent years. "For a long time, clothing had to be purely functional. Today it has to fit well, look good and on top of that offer the wearing comfort of modern fabrics."

A comfortable wear feeling is important

As one of the few in the industry, MEWA has a department that develops its own collections. This allows it to immediately incorporate customer wishes, changed industry requirements and new textile trends into its offerings. "Initially, we mainly adapted existing models, for example with additional pockets or special colors," explains Mark Weber, "but for a few years now we have been focusing more strongly on developing our own clothing. Here we pay attention not only to quality and functionality, but also to a more uniform fit and good combinability of all the pieces in our range." At MEWA- product development, in addition to Mark Weber, three textile engineers and a pattern maker work on the realization of new ideas. An employee from Supply Chain Management focuses exclusively on tracking down new trends, innovative textile fibers and high-tech fabrics.

For a long time, professional clothing had to be purely functional. Today, it must fit well, look good and offer the comfort of modern fabrics. (Photos: MEWA)

The development of new workwear is strongly influenced by the outdoor sector. Mark Weber: "through leisure fashion, people have become accustomed to the special comfort of functional fabrics such as fleece and soft shell, and they expect the same comfort from their workwear." A challenge for product development at MEWA, because of course workwear, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), must first and foremost be functional and offer good protection. MEWA also gets valuable feedback from practice: craft companies can test out new developments and participate in their realization. Wearing tests are conducted in realistic conditions. At least three sets of clothing are provided: one is in use, one remains available in the closet and one is in the wash.

Critical tests in MEWA's technical lab

All newly developed garments, like all novelties from clothing manufacturers, must prove their soundness in MEWA's technical lab before they are allowed to go to the customer. In the test lab, the textile service provider checks the fabrics for tear resistance, color fastness and wear, among other things. Seams, buckles and buttons are subjected to several washing and drying cycles in industrial facilities and must come out undamaged. The entire testing process can take up to two months. Only clothes that pass all the tests are put on the market.