Dickies Flame-Resistant Workwear Balances Brand Heritage With Performance-Driven Technology

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 90 years, leading global workwear maker Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. and its flagship Dickies® brand have protected workers with quality apparel that's Built To Work. Recognizing that people often perform their jobs in a variety of hazardous elements, Dickies' extensive line of flame-resistant (FR) clothing is carefully constructed with premium materials that meet or exceed safety standards.

"Dickies wearers cross a multitude of industries and can be found working on the toughest, most hazardous of jobs," said Ed Foulke, former head of OSHA and Dickies FR spokesperson. "With Dickies FR, workers can expect gear that is relevant for their workplace dynamics as well as protection from a safety standpoint."

Williamson-Dickie has offered workwear innovation and versatility for generations, from the development of back-facing side seams on denim to the introduction of the brass zipper on work pants and the creation of permanent press; all of which revolutionized the industry. The company was also the first major apparel maker to utilize consumer research in product development, with an unwavering commitment to address consumer wants and needs. As the Dickies brand has grown and is now offered in more than 100 countries worldwide, Williamson-Dickie's portfolio of apparel offerings has also expanded.

"Our business successes over the years have allowed us to grow and acquire additional assets that solidify our position as the leading global workwear maker," said Philip C. Williamson, chairman and CEO of privately-owned Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. "The acquisition of Workrite Uniform Company in 1999 gave us a footprint in the flame-resistant (FR) industry. We're now pleased to meet the needs of FR wearers both through Workrite with a business-to-business offering, and at retail with Dickies FR."

With the Dickies FR line, workers receive the brand's ongoing commitment to meet the needs of workers with innovative, performance-driven work apparel combined with flame-resistant, protective technology. Dickies FR garments, which carry the signature Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. Satisfaction Guarantee, are proven to significantly minimize the degree of burn injury; give the wearer increased escape time; and improve the chances of survival if caught in a flash fire or electric arc.

"Dickies FR clothing brings a unique and relevant selection of personal protective wear to a rapidly growing market. We know there's a demand for flame-resistant clothing that provides the safety, innovation and versatility needed for a changing workplace," said Alex Smith, senior vice president of Dickies FR and occupational wear. "Dickies FR more than meets those needs, incorporating the durability and comfort that's resonated with brand fans for over 90 years with flame-resistant technology that's proven to protect."

Dickies FR is also offered through Workrite Uniform's assortment of flame-resistant safety clothing. The Williamson-Dickie affiliate has been a leading B2B provider in the FR marketplace for more than 40 years. The combination of top quality fabrics with Workrite Uniform's renowned FR expertise ensures all Dickies FR garments hold up to the highest standards for both individual consumers and entire workforces alike.

"Our goal at Dickies is to be the industry leader in innovative, performance-based apparel for today's diverse workforce, using consumer insights and product testing to validate our efforts," said Brian Sheedy, head merchant for Dickies. "Workers requiring flame-resistant clothing, in particular, need high-performance features and benefits to ensure they're comfortable and safer while on the job. Dickies FR delivers on those needs with top quality, trend-relevant options consistent with our brand standards and consumer expectations."

Developed with mobility and comfort in mind, Dickies FR garments are engineered to remain effective wash-after-wash. The extensive Dickies FR line includes several styles of jeans, twill pants, coveralls, snap-front and button-down shirts, jackets, and insulated outerwear to tackle nearly any job. The line's highlights include these NFPA 2112 compliant styles:

• Dickies FR 5-Pocket Jean – These 100 percent cotton jeans feature heavy-duty button closure, a brass zipper fly, and an ARC rating of 20
• Dickies FR Twill Pant – Available in black, khaki and navy, Dickies FR twill pants include deep back welt pockets, and an ARC rating of 12.2
• Dickies FR Lightweight Coverall – With an ARC rating of 8.6, these lightweight coveralls feature elastic waist insets, a bi-swing back for ease of movement, and a concealed waist and neck.
• Dickies FR Insulated Duck Jacket with Hood – With quilted lining for added warmth, this zip front jacket with rib knit cuffs has an ARC rating of 39.
• Dickies FR Long-Sleeve Plaid Shirt – Available starting in November, this shirt has an ARC rating of 9.5 HRC2 and is offered in four plaid patterns with double needle stitched seams, bias back yoke, tailored sleeve plackets, chest pocket and horn buttons.

For more information on Dickies FR, visit http://www.dickies.com/flame-resistant.jsp. For B2B Dickies FR inquiries, visit http://www.workrite.com/dickiesfr/.

About Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.
Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. is the world's leading provider of authentic work apparel, specializing in innovative performance work wear since 1922. The company offers premium quality products at an unmatched value across a vast assortment of apparel, footwear, and licensed goods in more than 100 countries. Williamson-Dickie operates through wholly-owned affiliates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan and the Middle East; exclusive licensees and distributors in Africa and the Asia Pacific region; and under the Dickies®, Workrite®, Kodiak®, Terra®, Walls®, Big Smith®, 10X®, Liberty® and Duxbak® brands. For more information, visit www.williamsondickie.com.

SOURCE Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.