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In the ever-evolving world of high-performance textiles, few innovations have made as big of a cross-category impact as Durastretch® fabric. A highly elastic and highly durable blend of spandex fibers wrapped in woven Nylon, Durastretch® was initially developed for women’s wear in the mid-20th century before its application in technical military garments.
At the turn of the century, seeking the best, most premium fabric for elite athletes, American football manufacturers adopted Durastretch® for it’s specialized on-field uniforms, introducing a new era of high-performance athletic gear.
"We saw that the same principles applied to both athletes and tradespeople," says Ted De Innocentis, CEO of 1620 Workwear who co-founded the Massachusetts-based brand in 2016. "Both groups push their gear to the limit every single day, whether it's on the field or on the job site."
Tradespeople face challenges similar to those of athletes: their work often requires physical exertion, demanding both strength and mobility. From electricians climbing ladders to carpenters kneeling for hours on end, the need for tough, flexible workwear is universal. Traditional fabrics, while durable, often sacrificed comfort and flexibility, leaving workers with clothing that felt restrictive or wore out too quickly.
Beginning with its first product in 2017, 1620 Workwear’s application of Durastretch® technology - manufactured by Tweave LLC in Fall River, Massachusetts - has helped many trades people address these pain points. By incorporating the fabric into its premium workwear range, 1620 builds garments that combine the toughness of industrial workwear with the comfort and flexibility of performance apparel, resulting in gear that moves with the body, resists wear and tear, and holds up to the toughest jobs.
"Durastretch allows us to deliver workwear that doesn’t just last longer, but actually improves how people work," De Innocentis explains. "It’s about creating gear that tradespeople can rely on day in and day out."
While Durastretch® fabric is manufactured in just a handful of mills throughout the world, its adaptations for tradespeople represent a broader shift in how we think about workwear and supply chain. Thanks to solution-based innovations and investments like those made by 1620, workers no longer have to compromise. They can wear American made gear that enhances their performance on the job, just as players benefit from high-tech uniforms on the field.
"We’re not just making workwear; our goal is to change expectations," says De Innocentis. “Like pro athletes, tradespeople deserve the best. That’s what drives us as we aim to deliver the highest quality workwear for the highest quality work, right here in the USA,
As fabric technology continues to advance, the gap between athletic apparel and workwear will likely continue to shrink. Companies like 1620 Workwear are leading the charge, demonstrating how innovations from one industry can revolutionize another. With Durastretch® fabric as a foundation, the future of durable workwear looks tougher, smarter, and more adaptable than ever before.
For tradespeople, this means better gear, improved performance, and the confidence to tackle any job—knowing their clothing is as resilient and hardworking as they are. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder of how transformative technology can be when applied creatively across different industries.
Visit 1620usa.com to explore the best workwear on the planet.
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