Bulwark® FR Transforms Flame-Resistant Apparel Breaking the Comfort Barrier

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bulwark and Milliken & Company have revolutionized the flame-resistant (FR) apparel industry through advanced chemistry and garment design to create FR workwear that achieves new levels of comfort.  The new garments, part of the Bulwark iQ Series, are breathable, lighter weight, offer greater mobility, and moisture management – which adds up to superior comfort for the wearer.  Performance on these key comfort properties rivals that of high-end performance active wear.

Flame resistant workwear is worn by workers in occupations where the risk of fire is elevated – oil and gas workers, electrical utility workers, industrial electricians, etc.  The development of the iQ Series was the result of extensive field research by Bulwark's designers.  After countless hours of watching and interacting with FR wearers on the job, Bulwark found many were wearing their uniforms incorrectly or worse yet, not wearing them at all.   Bulwark saw first-hand how workers were willing to sacrifice protection for comfort.  This observation produced a deeper understanding of the real problem to be addressed in the FR category - comfort.

Breaking the comfort barrier in flame resistant workwear required more than a new design, it required a breakthrough in the essential chemistry that provides flame protection.  Scientists at Milliken found the breakthrough at the molecular level, and the FR category will be forever transformed.  New science led to new fabrics with significantly better comfort properties.  Combined with insightful garment design, the iQ Series represents the most wearable FR workwear ever made.  But here's the important thing, greater comfort will translate into greater compliance which in turn means lives saved.

"We embarked on this extensive journey and created the world's most comfortable FR apparel, because FR wearers shouldn't risk their lives just to be comfortable on the job," said Chris Holcombe, Bulwark, vice president and general manager.  "The iQ Series offers increased benefits for FR wearers by combining active wear performance with uncompromising flame protection."

The iQ Series includes six knits and three wovens in both men's and women's styles.  The line will publicly debut at The American Society of Safety Engineers Trade Show in June 2014.  For more information, visit the iQ Series website at http://www.bulwark.com/iqseries/.

All inquiries can be directed to Angie Wilson, Bulwark, market manager, at [email protected], 615-565-5358 or Ashli Bobo, Edelman, [email protected], 404-460-9669.

About Bulwark®
Bulwark®, part of VF Corporation's portfolio of brands, is the North American market leader in durable flame-resistant protective garments.  The brand was born in the Canadian oilfields 43 years ago, and has been the choice of industry professionals ever since.  We offer the widest assortment of NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E compliant flame-resistant shirts, pants, jeans, coveralls and outerwear in the industry.  Our clothing is made with an obsessive diligence for precision and quality because real lives are on the line.  For more information, please visit www.bulwark.com.

VF Corporation
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company's largest five brands are The North Face^®, Vans^®, Wrangler^®, Timberland^®, and Lee^®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind^®, Bulwark^®, Eagle Creek^®, Eastpak^®, Ella Moss^®, JanSport^®, Kipling^®, lucy^®, Majestic^®, Napapijri^®, Nautica^®, Red Kap^®, Reef^®, Riders^®, Splendid^® and SmartWool^®. For more information, please visit www.vfc.com.

About Milliken
Milliken is an innovation company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people's lives since 1865. Our community of innovators has developed one of the largest collections of patents held by a private company. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemicals, floor coverings, and performance materials, we work around the world to add value to people's lives, improve health and safety, and make the world more sustainable. For more information, visit www.milliken.com.  

SOURCE Bulwark