Q: What benefits does DOW XLA™ offer the workwear and career apparel markets?
A: DOW XLA™, the first olefin-based stretch fiber that is resistant to the high heat and harsh chemicals used in industrial laundering, provides benefits to the entire workwear and career apparel value chain. Workwear featuring DOW XLA™ combines safety, durability, comfort and style, giving employers clothing that continues to earn its keep long after purchase, and employees workwear that they will want to wear day in and day out.
Q: How tough is DOW XLA™?
A: DOW XLA™ is the only stretch fiber that is resistant to boiling, harsh chemicals such as chlorine, and ultraviolet light. Withstanding temperatures of up to 220 degrees Celsius, DOW XLA™ allows laundry suppliers and uniform leasing companies to offer employees extraordinarily durable garments. DOW XLA™ also withstands temperatures optimal for thermosol dyeing of polycotton (for industrial and performance uniforms) yet maintains dimensional stability and stretch.
Q: What advantages does DOW XLA™ have for employees?
A: DOW XLA™ allows -- for the first time -- a gentle stretch and recovery, comfort and durability to be combined in industrial workwear and career apparel. Many employees are in almost constant motion throughout the day, and a recent wearer focus group study shows that 100 percent of uniform-wearing respondents - including food, hotel and airline employees, policemen, and hospital, laboratory and industrial plant workers - rank "comfort" and "not restricting" as the characteristics they seek most in their uniform. Further, respondents feel they would be more productive during their work day if they had more comfortable, fitting garments. With DOW XLA™, garments can be laundered and tunnel dried at temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius without losing shape, texture, stretch or fit.
Q: How does workwear with DOW XLA™ withstand industrial laundering and tunnel drying?
A: DOW XLA™ is olefin-based and inherently resistant to high heat and the harsh chemicals used in industrial laundering, tunnel drying and dry cleaning. Other fibers don't hold up under extreme heat, but garments made with DOW XLA™ can be industrial laundered and tunnel dried at temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius without losing shape or fit.
Q: Is DOW XLA™ the only stretch fiber that survives industrial laundering?
Yes, DOW XLA™ is the only choice for stretch and comfort when industrial laundering is a must.
