An Understanding on the types of fabrics used for School Uniforms in Australia

When we talk about school uniforms, one thing which is emphasised upon is the type of fabric used in the manufacturing process. Parents and schools give extra attention to the fabric type to make sure that their children are safe from the wrath of the climate. In today’s time, the internet provides all sorts of information about the kind of fabrics which are ideal for kids summer and winter uniforms. But this accessible information doesn’t cover the entire facts sometimes. Various write-ups just mention the fabric kind which is best suited for the season and that’s the end. There are very few article or blogs which provide a detailed information on the ‘best’ and other prevalent fabric type of the season. In the following paragraphs, basic understanding on the features of school uniforms made in a given fabric is described.

All over the world, uniforms are produced using these fabrics:

• Fabrics made from artificial fibres
• Fabrics obtained from natural fibres, and
• Combination of the above two fabrics.

And school uniforms in Australia are no different.

• Fabrics made from artificial fibres: When we talk about synthetic fibres, polyester, viscose and acrylic yarns are the most common. Sharing the same characteristics as that of natural fibres, these yarns are extremely durable.

• Polyester is the best alternative to cotton. It’s a polymer made from a by-product of the petroleum industry. Unlike cotton, polyester doesn’t crease. The fabric is quick drying, light and cheaper than cotton. Summer uniforms made using polyester fabric keep the wearer cooler and drier in hot seasons.
• Acrylic is a cheaper option for wool. Similar to polyester, acrylic is also a by-product of the petroleum industry. Acrylic is well-known to attract static which is not a property of uniforms made from wool.
• Viscose is in fact a natural fibre because it is made from cellulose fibre recovered from wood pulp. This artificial fabric was created as a substitute for silk, all thanks to its properties such as: very soft handle, unblended and slight shine to the fabric. However, if viscose is used in uniforms production, it’s never used unblended.

• Fabric made from natural fibres: Cotton and wool are the two most common dress materials for school uniforms. The reason for being a favourite among parents is that obtaining these fabric is usually environment friendly and with there ‘natural’ tag, these fabrics are considered safe for the children. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with natural fabrics as well. These materials crease very easily, the colours tend to fade away fairly quickly with regular washing and are quite expensive when compared to their artificial counterparts.
• Combination of natural and synthetic fibres: Blending of fibres is an ongoing trend in the industry to deliver uniforms with maximum comfort and unmatched durability. The most popular fabric blends used in school uniforms in Australia are:

• Polycotton: These cotton-rich (more than 50% cotton) blends offer a higher number of cotton features. For the convenience of parents, uniforms made from polycotton provide great comfort along with relatively easy washing and ironing and not to mention, a long life.
• Polyviscose: This fabric is an amalgamation of cotton/silk mix and is widely used for school trousers and pants. The blend offers excellent performance in terms of comfort and durability.

Summary: A suitable uniform for your kid can only be bought with a proper knowledge of the different types of fabrics available. Selecting the right type of fabric for your kid’s uniform is essential for their comfort.

Author-bio: The Uniforms Super Store has over 30 years of experience in embroidery, printing and uniform industry. The store has paved a way for other to follow by selling branded apparels online. Owing to their immense success, they are also known as the ‘Uniform Expert’.