Comfort Emerges as Key Performance Factor in Protective Clothing and Workwear

Comfort has become the central performance benchmark in personal protective clothing and workwear, according to a newly released 16-page report by global market research firm Textiles Intelligence.

The report indicates that comfort is no longer treated as an added benefit in garment specifications but is now a decisive factor influencing whether protective clothing is worn correctly and for the full duration of a work shift.

Attention has shifted from simply meeting laboratory testing requirements to ensuring that protective garments are worn continuously and properly in real working conditions. Physical discomfort caused by heat buildup, skin irritation, fatigue, and limited mobility often discourages consistent use, increasing the risk of non-compliance with safety regulations.

Research highlighted in the report shows that when personal protective equipment (PPE) is comfortable, workers are more likely to wear it consistently. This contributes to lower accident risks, particularly in sectors with high exposure to occupational hazards. Comfortable protective clothing has also been linked to improved productivity and stronger workforce retention.

The report further describes comfort as “an enabler of compliance,” noting that safety performance must be assessed not only by technical protection levels but also by how effectively garments maintain protection during extended periods of wear.

In response, manufacturers are increasingly adopting design strategies that prioritize wearer comfort from the outset. Protective fabrics and garments are being developed to improve breathability, flexibility, and moisture management, allowing them to be worn for full workdays rather than short durations.

The report identifies 3M, Carrington Textiles, DuPont, Milliken & Company, Sioen Industries, TenCate Protective Fabrics, and W. L. Gore & Associates as companies whose product innovations have significantly influenced advancements in comfortable protective clothing.

All seven companies are investing heavily in research and development to address the challenge of balancing protection with long-term wearability. Each has introduced multiple products in recent years aimed at achieving this balance.

As regulatory requirements, sustainability priorities, and user expectations increasingly intersect, the report concludes that future PPE development will focus on user-centred design—recognising that protective performance depends on garments being worn continuously throughout the working day.