By Jess
Friday, 18th April, 2008
Day 5 - Screen printed?
My final day with Sunny has come (and it is again raining).
I have decided that I will approach Sunny again later in the year when it is a bit warmer to get an accurate answer to whether or not she is "cool-dri".
Interesting Fact: Little to no ironing required. I didn't hang this polo on a coat hanger at all this week; I treated it with as little care as possible and still, even after being scrunched in my bag for an hour, it remains creaseless. The polyester just snaps back to place when you wear it :) What a bonus!
The vital question (particularly for those who are interested in our 20 4 20 promotion) is how well does it screen print?
According to Mark, our head screen printer, "Very well". The ink, water-based or plastisol, adheres beautifully to the 100% polyester and offers a crisp finish. Occasionally, finer prints can appear a little fuzzy as a result of the mesh effect alot of the cool dry materials have. If you are unsure, just ask us. We print hi vis garments every week and know which ones print better than others. Johhny Bobbin's 6HVPS generally allows for a smooth, consistent and professional screen print.
And so it is; Sunny the Lime/Royal Hi Vis and I are finished for a while. It will be sad to leave her behind, but I look forward to my next test drive...
Want to know about how a garment wears? Ask me; I'll wear it for you :)
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Screen printing, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 6:31 PM.
By Jess
Thursday, 17th April, 2008
Day 4 - Washed and Worn
After washing this polo, whom I have affectionately nicknamed Sunny, I have found that after a good wash (and I washed it with the rest of our washing, in a machine) it is much more comfortable. In fact, it is as comfortable as a t-shirt (except for the buttons at the collar).
Interesting Fact: The most common colour combination bought in hi vis polos at Zulu Graphics is the lime / navy short sleeve. Landscapers prefer to get the lime/bottle, whilst mechanics purchase the orange / navy.
Interesting Fact: The most common print combination is a small left chest print and a full back print and most commonly these prints are in the contrast colour (the colour of the front panel).
Innovation: Tomorrow is high-five-a-hi-vis-guy day; if you see anyone wearing hi vis, I challenge you to high five them and tell them how good a job they are doing. Be sincere and make that person's day!
Tomorrow I will investigate how screen printing works on hi vis (in particular, JB's Dri 100% polyester polos).
From Sunny and I - Goodbye.
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Promotion, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 1:08 AM.
By Jess
Wednesday 16th April, 2008
Day 3 - Wet Weather
And on the third day it rained. And was freezing.
But the polo still wears well. It is surprisingly bright in a lasting way.
Interesting fact: Speaking with other embroiderers today, we have agreed that the JB's Dri (and in fact all cool dry material) is relatively easy to embroider and ends up looking quite spiffy. As they are 100% polyester, the embroidery adheres well.
Interesting fact: With our 20 4 20 promotions, it is cheaper to get your garment screen printed instead of embroidered.
Looking forward to a brighter tomorrow
Jess
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 1:40 AM.
By Jess
Tuesday, 15th April, 2008
Day 2 - Wet
It has been raining and cold all day today. So in response to the many questions we get about whether or not these shirts are cool - indeed, if you do not wear a jacket, they are quite cool in cold conditions.
If it were sunny, it would be interesting to see how the UPF works. I suppose you wouldn't really "see" it working... perhaps you are wondering "what does UPF mean?" Let me investigate.
UPF is the Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Basically, the 50 + UPF that this garment has means that by wearing this polo I am protecting myself against the dangerous Ultraviolet radiation the sun rays contain. And 50+ is classed as Excellent Protection; think of it like Superman standing between you and those UVs!
Interesting fact: As it says on the JB's tag - "Remember that the garment only protects the skin it covers." Good call guys :)
Also, when you are wearing hi vis, it is like you are a magnet for other people wearing hi vis; I walked into Andy's Takeaway (on Sandgate Rd, Shortland - great food, great people!) to find myself waiting with not one, not two, but FIVE other people wearing hi vis.
Interesting fact: I feel a strange affinity with council workers.
Catchya on the bright side (hopefully the sun will come out tomorrow!)
Jess
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 11:16 PM.
By Jess
13th April, 2008
I am constantly being asked by customers about the wearability of our garments; are they comfortable? Are they cool? Do they wash well?
I have decided to test them out, starting with the Hi Vis polo. This is a popular product, due to the new work wear standards (they need to be bright so they can be seen easily) but just how cool is it?
Garment Code: 6HVPS or 6LPTS (Womens)
Garment Name: Traditional Short Sleeve High Vis Polo
Supplier: Johhny Bobbin
Official Website:
http://www.johnnybobbin.com/www/272/1001127/displayproduct/1012508.html
Quick Description:
50+ UPF Protection
Australian and New Zealand Saftey Standard Compliant
High Visibility
100% Polyester
JB's Dri
Colour Combination: Lime/Black, Lime/Navy, Lime/Bottle,
Lime/Royal, Lime/Maroon, Orange/Black, Orange/Navy
Testing Conditions: 1 week of wear, worn and washed for 5 working days undergoing standard duties.
Come in this week and be blinded by the bright!
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 6:50 PM.