VF Imagewear is the market leader within the United States for uniforms and workwear, and is part of VF Corporation, a $9 billion apparel and footwear powerhouse with internationally known brands such as The North Face, Wrangler, Lee, Vans and Timberland.

VF Imagewear is seeking innovations to expand their presence in the uniform and workwear markets for the following brands:

Our real world heroes place their lives at risk every day whether they are a fireman, policeman or first responder. Horace Small is the leader in developing safety uniforms to clothe our service professionals before entering into the field.

Horace Small wants to increase the comfort and functionality of wearing law enforcement and first responder uniforms.

Red Kap is the authentic uniform of the men and women who do the real work, the right way. Manufacturing, automotive, maintenance, construction – you name it – America’s work force gets the job done.

Red Kap is looking for garment innovations that enhance comfort for the wearer and flexibility in manufacturing.

In Flame Resistant (FR) clothing, trust extends beyond garment efficacy, to the consistency and reliability of the garment manufacturer. Bulwark is the trusted leader in FR apparel for North America.

Bulwark is seeking technologies that offer superior comfort while meeting FR standards, as compared to FR fibers, fabrics, and finishes that are currently available.

Here are some areas to consider for your innovation ideas:

Increase Comfort: How should uniforms be made to ease the burden when large amounts of equipment must be worn, such as a police officer’s duty belt or a safety harness?

Increase Functionality: How should uniforms be designed to increase range of motion and help the wearer feel less restricted while maintaining the traditional appearance of a uniform?

Garment Ventilation or Cooling Systems: Uniforms can be uncomfortable due to heat or when wearing a bulletproof vest or other protective clothing. How can the users feel cooler when on the go? How can FR clothing be made to adjust to extreme hot or cold environments?

New type of closures: What is the next generation of zippers, snaps, buttons etc. for uniforms?

Ergonomic pockets: What types of creative storage or pockets could hold more equipment in ways that are not uncomfortable or impractical to wear?

Sleek “take-up” system: What are some ways to temporarily cinch up sleeves or hems to keep them out of the way of machinery, chemicals, newly painted surfaces, etc.?

New Adhesives: What new permanent textile adhesive for sticking on pockets or other embellishments would be able to withstand up to 50 or more industrial launderings?

To get a closer look at the above brands please visit:
Horace Small: www.horacesmall.com
Red Kap: www.redkap.com
Bulwark: www.bulwark.com

We ask for well-communicated ideas. This includes filling out our easy-to-use submission form to the best of your ability. Upload images, sketches and any other media that support your idea. Tell us your story. We even encourage you to create a video demonstrating your innovation. Don’t worry. We aren’t expecting you to break out your inner Spielberg. Please keep videos to less than 2 minutes.

As always, your submission should be unique and protectable (patent protection is highly-preferred, but not a conclusive requirement).