Cooldry workwear: what is it and how does it work?
Cooldry workwear: what is it and how does the technology work?
Do you work outside, in a warm environment or at varying temperatures? Then you know how important it is that your work clothing works instead of against you. But what makes Cooldry workwear different from a regular polyester shirt, and for what situations is it suitable? In this article we explain how the Cooldry technology works, which materials the fabrics are made of and which standards apply.
What is Cooldry?
Cooldry is a polyester fiber with a specific construction aimed at actively wicking moisture from the skin to the outside of the fabric. This is also called moisture wicking or moisture drainage. The fiber quickly transports sweat from the inner layer to the outside, where it can evaporate. The result is that the skin remains drier and the body temperature is better regulated during physical exertion or hot weather
In the Tricorp range, the Cooldry fiber is combined with standard polyester or with bamboo-based viscose, depending on the item. Both combinations result in a 180 g/m² fabric — a weight that's sturdy enough for everyday use, but light enough to remain breathable.
Substances and composition
Two material variants are available within the Cooldry range:
50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, This is the basic 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 fibers — one standard and one functional — creates a fabric that retains its shape well, dries quickly and is washable at 60°C. The construction is available in piqué (knitted cloth with a honeycomb structure) or birdseye, depending on the item.
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 fibers are characterized by an open fiber 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 items also weigh 180 g/m² and are washable at 60°C.
Weaving constructions: piqué and birdseye
The Cooldry items are available in two weave constructions. The pique construction has a characteristic ribbed or honeycomb-like structure that gives the fabric extra lightness 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 cloth, which makes the fabric flexible and dimensionally stable.
UV protection: UPF 40+ and EN 13758
Two items in the Cooldry range have been 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 according to 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 in combination with the birdseye construction and the Cooldry material ensures that the skin remains covered, even during prolonged outdoor work in full sun. This makes these articles suitable for professions in construction, landscaping, infrastructure and painting work.
Standards
The UV Block Cooldry articles (102005 and 202005) meet two standards:
EN 13758 — European standard for UV protective clothing. Sets requirements for the minimum UV protection factor and the way in which it is measured and certified.
EN ISO 13688 — European standard for protective clothing in general. Sets requirements for ergonomics, harmlessness of materials, sizing, aging of protective properties and information supplied with the garment.
The other Cooldry items (101003, 101009, 201001, 201013) do not fall under specific safety standards, but are designed as work clothing for comfort and functionality in occupational environments.
Maintenance and washing
All Cooldry items in this range are washable at 60°C. This makes them suitable for working environments where hygiene is important and work clothing must be washed regularly. The fabric is color and shrink resistant, even after frequent washing.
Overview of Cooldry articles
The Tricorp Cooldry range currently consists of the following items:
101009 — T-shirt Cooldry Fitted: 50% polyester / 50% polyester Cooldry, piqué, 180 g/m², round neck, short sleeves, ribbed cuffs, fitted fit, 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 sleeves, fitted fit, 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, ribbed cuff, fitted fit, washable at 60°C, sizes XS to 6XL.
201001 — Polo shirt Cooldry Bamboo Fitted: 50% viscose / 50% polyester Cooldry, pique, 180 g/m², polo collar, short sleeves, fitted fit, 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 has been developed for professionals who perform physical work at 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 that require long-term exposure to direct sunlight. The bamboo variants are suitable when a softer fabric feel is desired, without sacrificing the moisture-wicking properties of Cooldry.