Woolrich Base Layers Keep B.O. at Bay

By Jessica Binns
Body odor: we’ve all got it. And for those days when you’re more active than usual – say, biking or hiking — swiping on a deodorant or antiperspirant may not be enough to keep the stink at bay (and dousing oneself in cologne or perfume — well, that’s never recommended).

So what’s next in one’s arsenal of anti-odor defense? How about a t-shirt that wicks away odor-causing moisture? There are plenty of treated garments on the market that claim to offer protection against odor, and 181-year-old outdoor clothing company Woolrich is throwing its hat into the ring with a new line of base layers that it developed in partnership with Agion Technology.

Launching this fall, the merino polyester knit long sleeve crew and three-quarter-sleeve zip shirts are Woolrich’s “attempt to get back into the base layer business,” says Gary Gifford, director of product development and sourcing for Woolrich. Agion approached his company about adding its Agion Active anti-odor solution to Woolrich apparel.

“We felt like the science of what they do is a good match with our thought process for our process, and as natural as you can get it,” explains Gifford. “We wanted to be first to market with our product with Agion. We started working on the product a couple months before we met with them, and thought it was great to take our product and make it better.”

Agion Active leverages silver ion antimicrobial technology to prevent stink-spreading bacteria on fabric, while a proprietary technology isolates odor-causing molecules. Agion Active regenerates in the wash and Cyndy Hunter, vice president of marketing for Sciessent, which owns the Agion brand, says that at 50 washes, Woolrich’s Agion-treated base layers still tested at a 99.99 percent efficacy rate for its antimicrobial properties. And as an added bonus, Woolrich’s untreated base layers were getting good wicking rates but Agion Active improved performance in that area.

Previously, Woolrich was using a generic “underperforming” anti-odor product that its Chinese vertical supplier had offered, says Gifford. That product would last through five to 10 washes at best.

Because Agion Active is a finish and not a fiber, apparel companies that keep a tight leash on inventory levels may find the solution attractive, as they can do shorter runs versus the longer runs necessary for garments produced with special fibers. Moreover, the finish can apply to different fabric weights. For example, Woolrich’s fall base layers feature a heavier merino poly than its planned tops for spring 2012, says Gifford. “The application process is exactly the same for the both,” he explains. “Your mill doesn’t have to go through a learning curve.”

At the end of the finishing process, Agion Active is applied on knitted fabric. The science is easy for vendors to understand and apply, adds Gifford. “We found that both the supplier in China that’s doing merino poly and our new partner in Indonesia found that it makes sense and doesn’t affect water treatment or chemical processing in the plant. Our suppliers like it.”

Using Agion Active instead of the generic anti-odor treatment has nominal cost implications for Woolrich, Gifford says. “It’s a win-win. As we look at the application process for spring 2012, with or without [the Agion Active] treatment, our wholesale prices would be the same.”

Woolrich’s initial line of base layers with Agion Active technology will include men’s and women’s tops in four knit styles, with a pique knit destination polyester performance top to be added for spring 2012.

At the end of the day, Woolrich — one of the original “wool innovators,” says Gifford — is recognized for the quality of its clothing. “Woolrich is known for the beautiful feel of its wool,” adds Hunter. “We were able to not compromise their hand.”

Jessica Binns is associate editor of Apparel. She can be reached at jbinns@apparelmag.com.