Fabric Guide

Here are the main points to consider when choosing a fabric:

1. What color item(s) do I want?
Some colors are only available in one fabric, while others are available in all.

2. How much do I want to spend?
Some fabrics are more expensive than others.

3. Do I want a ripstop or a twill weave?
Ripstop weaves are specifically designed to resist and reduce tears and abrasions while twill weaves are the most pliable and minimize the appearance of soils and stains.

4. What climate will I be using my item(s) in?
Certain fabrics are better suited for hot and cold climates based on their weight per square yard.

Cotton Ripstop

100% cotton
ripstop weave prevents tears
6.5oz psy (lighter weight)
most comfortable
breathes well
least durable
least fade resistant
least shrink resistant

Poly / Cotton Twill

60% cotton / 40% polyester  OR  65% cotton / 35% polyester
twill weave
7oz psy (heavier weight)
synthetic fabric blend
fade resistant
shrink resistant
wrinkle resistant
wind resistant
durable

Poly / Cotton Ripstop

65% polyester / 35% cotton OR 60% polyester / 40% cotton
ripstop weave prevents tears
6.6oz psy (all-season weight)
synthetic fabric blend
fade resistant
shrink resistant
wrinkle resistant
wind resistant
quick drying
durable

Nylon / Cotton Ripstop

50% Nylon / 50% Cotton
ripstop weave prevents tears
6.7oz psy (all-season weight)
synthetic fabric blend featuring DuPont® nylon
NIR-compliant - approved for military operations
fade resistant
shrink resistant
wrinkle resistant
wind resistant
quick drying
durable

MULTICAM® Poly / Cotton Twill

65% polyester / 35% cotton
twill weave
7oz psy (heavier weight)
synthetic fabric blend
fade resistant
shrink resistant
wrinkle resistant
wind resistant
quick drying
durable
only available in MULTICAM®
*psy = per square yard

About Near Infrared (NIR) Fabrics
 
Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Management Technology is used by the U.S. Department of Defense to prevent detection by NIR Image Converters. These photocathode devices do not detect temperatures, but rather infrared radiation variances. NIR-compliant uniforms use a special fabric that allows soldiers to appear at the same radiation level as the surrounding terrain, thus making them more difficult to detect.