Cooldry workwear: what is it and how does it work?

Cooldry workwear: what is it and how does the technology work?

Do you work outdoors, in a warm environment or in changing temperatures? Then you know how important it is that your workwear works with you rather than against you. But what makes Cooldry workwear different from a regular polyester shirt, and which situations is it suited for? In this article we explain how the Cooldry technology works, what materials the fabrics are made of and which certifications apply.

 

What is Cooldry?

Cooldry is a polyester fibre with a specific construction designed to actively transport moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric. This is also known as moisture wicking. The fibre moves sweat quickly from the inner layer to the outside, where it can evaporate. The result is that the skin stays drier and body temperature is better regulated during physical exertion or warm weather.

In the Tricorp range, the Cooldry fibre is combined with standard polyester or with bamboo-based viscose, depending on the article. Both combinations result in a fabric weight of 180 g/m² — a weight that is sturdy enough for daily use, but light enough to remain breathable.

 

Fabrics and composition

Two material variants are available within the Cooldry range:

50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, This is the base Cooldry composition, used in the T-shirt Cooldry Fitted (101009), the Polo Shirt Cooldry Fitted (201013), the T-shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve (102005) and the Polo Shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve (202005). The combination of two polyester fibres — one standard and one functional — produces a fabric that holds its shape well, dries quickly and is washable at 60°C. The construction is available in piqué (knitted fabric with a honeycomb structure) or birdseye, depending on the article.

50% viscose / 50% polyester Cooldry — This composition, used in the T-shirt Cooldry Bamboo Fitted (101003) and the Polo Shirt Cooldry Bamboo Fitted (201001), adds bamboo viscose to the Cooldry polyester. Bamboo fibres are characterised by an open fibre structure that absorbs moisture up to four times faster than standard cotton. This makes the bamboo variant softer to the touch and further increases breathability. These articles also weigh 180 g/m² and are washable at 60°C.

 

Weave constructions: piqué and birdseye

The Cooldry articles are available in two weave constructions. The piqué construction has a characteristic ribbed or honeycomb-like structure that gives the fabric extra airiness and volume. The birdseye construction, used in the UV Block articles (102005 and 202005), has a finer open weave structure that promotes airflow through the fabric. Both constructions are knitted fabric, which makes the fabric flexible and shape-retaining.

 

UV protection: UPF 40+ and EN 13758

Two articles in the Cooldry range are specifically developed for outdoor work in the sun: the T-shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve (102005) and the Polo Shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve (202005). Both have a UV protection factor of UPF 40+, measured and certified in accordance with the European standard EN 13758.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much UV radiation is blocked by the fabric. A value of UPF 40+ means that the fabric blocks more than 97.5% of UV radiation. The long sleeve, combined with the birdseye construction and the Cooldry material, ensures that the skin remains covered, even during prolonged outdoor work in direct sunlight. This makes these articles suitable for professions in construction, landscaping, infrastructure and painting.

 

Standards and certifications

EN 13758 — European standard for UV-protective clothing. Sets requirements for the minimum UV protection factor and the way in which this is measured and certified.

EN ISO 13688 — European standard for protective clothing in general. Sets requirements for ergonomics, material safety, sizing, ageing of protective properties and the information provided with the garment.

The other Cooldry articles (101003, 101009, 201001, 201013) are not subject to specific safety certifications, but are designed as workwear for comfort and functionality in professional environments.

 

Care and washing

All Cooldry articles in this range are washable at 60°C. This makes them suitable for work environments where hygiene is important and where workwear needs to be washed regularly. The fabric is colourfast and shrink-resistant, even after repeated washing.

 

Overview of Cooldry articles

The Tricorp Cooldry range currently consists of the following articles:

101009 — T-shirt Cooldry Fitted: 50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, piqué, 180 g/m², round neck, short sleeve, rib cuff sleeve, fitted cut, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to 5XL.

101003 — T-shirt Cooldry Bamboo Fitted: 50% viscose / 50% polyester Cooldry, piqué, 180 g/m², round neck, short sleeve, fitted cut, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to XXL.

102005 — T-shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve: 50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, birdseye, 180 g/m², round neck, long sleeve with stretch cuff, regular fit, UPF 40+ (EN 13758), EN ISO 13688, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to 5XL.

201013 — Polo Shirt Cooldry Fitted: 50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, piqué, 180 g/m², polo collar, short sleeve, rib cuff sleeve, fitted cut, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to 6XL.

201001 — Polo Shirt Cooldry Bamboo Fitted: 50% viscose / 50% polyester Cooldry, piqué, 180 g/m², polo collar, short sleeve, fitted cut, washable at 60°C, sizes XXS to 5XL.

202005 — Polo Shirt UV Block Cooldry Long Sleeve: 50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, birdseye, 180 g/m², polo collar, long sleeve with stretch cuff, regular fit, UPF 40+ (EN 13758), EN ISO 13688, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to 5XL.

 

For which work situations is Cooldry suitable?

Cooldry workwear is developed for professionals who perform physical work in high temperatures or in changing weather conditions. Think of construction, landscaping, painting, logistics, warehouses and technical services. The UV Block variants are specifically aimed at outdoor professions involving prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The bamboo variants are suitable when a softer feel is desired, without compromising on the moisture-wicking properties of Cooldry.