Industrial Grade Comfort: FR Apparel's Next Frontier

New Bulwark iQ Series® Endurance Collection Answers Demand For Lighter, Cooler FR That Withstands Industrial Wash

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Jun 27, 2016, 09:00 ET

ATLANTA, June 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bulwark, the world's leading flame-resistant (FR) apparel brand, today announced the next generation of its revolutionary iQ Series: The Bulwark iQ Series Endurance Collection. Designed to deliver optimum performance and function, the new line combines iQ's unmatched comfort properties with a new 65% Cotton/35% Polyester blend fabric. The poly-blend fabric offers all the advantages of polyester, including superior abrasion resistance, improved after-wear appearance and increased strength, breathability and moisture wicking.

New IQ Endurance flame-resistant work shirt by Bulwark will premiere at ASSE Safety 2016 Professional Development Conference and Expo in Atlanta.

Additionally, the Endurance Collection benefits from a level of enhanced durability that allows the garments to withstand the rigors of extreme wear and industrial wash without sacrificing comfort. Two iQ Endurance products – a work shirt and coverall – will premiere at ASSE Safety 2016 Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Atlanta.

"At Bulwark we are driven to lead the way in developing game-changing FR innovations that solve real-world FR problems," said Robert Grimes, Managing Director – Bulwark. "The iQ Endurance Series is a direct response to our customers' call for an extra resilient, yet lightweight, soft and breathable line of stylish work wear. No other FR brand has checked every box like this before."

Bulwark again partnered with Westex G2™ fabrics by Milliken® to create the iQ Endurance Collection's signature 65/35 poly-blend fabric. State-of-the-art "dual-duty" fabric allows for comfortable, lightweight FR garments with improved wear life, better color-retention and a more professional look.

Other key product features, by garment, are as follows:

1. iQ Series Endurance Work Shirt:
Fabric features:

CAT 2 and NFPA® 2112 Compliant
Exclusively with Westex G2 fabrics by Milliken Flame-resistant, 7.0 oz. (235 g/m²) Ripstop Twill, 65% Cotton / 35% Polyester
Arc Rating ATPV 9.0 calories / cm²
Available in grey, khaki, light blue and navy

Durability Features:

Ripstop Fabric
Triple needle seams
Reinforced pockets

Functional Features:

Improved fit with full underarm gussets
Pleats in back for range of movement
Gas monitor pocket at front shoulder

2. iQ Series Endurance Premium Coverall:
Fabric features:

NFPA 2112 Compliant
Exclusively with Westex G2 fabrics by Milliken Flame-resistant, 7.0 oz. (235 g/m²) Ripstop Twill, 65% Cotton / 35% Polyester
Arc Rating ATPV 9.0 calories / cm²
Available in grey, khaki and navy

Durability Features:

Ripstop Fabric
Triple needle seams
Reinforced pockets

Functional Features:

Deep pleats in back for range of movement
Wider, ergonomic chest pockets w/ concealed snap
Napoleon pocket
Cell phone pocket inside pocket bag
Gas monitor pocket
Half elastic at waist

For more information, please visit http://www.bulwark.com.

All inquiries can be directed to Angie Wilson, Bulwark, market manager, at [email protected], 615-565-5358.

About Bulwark
More people arm themselves with Bulwark than any other FR apparel brand. Because only Bulwark, part of VF Corporation's portfolio of brands, brings 45 years of frontline experience to the realities that those who work in the face of fire face every day. Bulwark offers the widest assortment of NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E compliant flame-resistant shirts, pants, jeans, coveralls and outerwear in the industry, and the finest FR education programs the world has ever seen. For more information, visit www.bulwark.com.

VF Corporation
VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories. The company's highly diversified portfolio of 30 powerful brands spans numerous geographies, product categories, consumer demographics and sales channels, giving VF a unique industry position and the ability to create sustainable, long-term growth for our customers and shareholders. The company's largest brands are The North Face^®, Vans^®, Timberland^®, Wrangler^®, Lee^® and Nautica^®. For more information, visit www.vfc.com.