Today’s company uniform buyer is faced with an endless mix of brand names, trade terms and performance claims. Basically, they just want to buy a well-made shirt that holds up to regular laundering and doesn’t require extensive ironing. Wrinkle-Resistant, Wrinkle-Free, Non-Iron & Easy Care all seems very similar in nature, but what do these labels really mean?

• Easy Care. In the 1970’s shirt makers began using blends of polyester and cotton, in hopes of resisting wrinkles better and to produce apparel that is less expensive than an all cotton shirt. The term “Easy Care” is used to indicate an untreated shirt made from a blend of cotton and polyester that is more naturally wrinkle-resistant than a garment made of 100% cotton. Easy Care does not mean wrinkle-free, but taken directly out of the dryer, a quality shirt will wear quite nicely without much touch up. A great example of a quality, affordable corporate easy care shirt is Tri Mountain’s Ladies Affinity.

• Wrinkle Release refers to the process when resins are applied to the shirt, which strengthen, stabilize and connect cellulose molecules in a cotton fiber. This permits the fabric to retain its smooth surface. When resin treatments are applied to a 100% cotton shirt, it makes the shirt behave more like a blend, resisting wrinkles better, and making them easier to iron out. The effect is magnified on a blended shirt, which is why so many uniform shirts can remain crisp and relatively wrinkle-free. Rating high in wrinkle free company uniform shirts is Van Huesen’s True Wrinkle Free Oxford.

• Non-Iron is the newest frontier in wrinkle management is different from Wrinkle Release in that no resin is being added to the fabric; instead, the physical structure of the fibers is changed permanently by dipping them in an ammonia bath. Since cotton fibers are naturally irregular in shape, the ammonia swells the fibers and makes them perfectly round. This helps the fibers resist wrinkling and makes them feel softer while adding luster to their appearance. A personal favorite that has tested well with our embroidered logo is the Red House line of Non-Iron Wovens.