Why Moisture-Wicking Workwear Matters

As summer temperatures rise, outdoor workers, including utility linemen, construction crews, and wildland firefighters, face serious risks from heat stress. These workers often perform physically demanding tasks in direct sunlight while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that can trap additional heat. That’s why moisture-wicking workwear, also known as moisture management, becomes a game-changer in hot weather.

What Is Moisture-Wicking and How Does It Work?

Moisture-wicking is the ability of a fabric to pull sweat away from your skin and move it to the outer surface of the garment, where it can evaporate quickly. This contrasts with traditional cotton fabrics, which absorb and retain moisture, creating a damp, uncomfortable environment that hinders the body's natural cooling process.

Our Pro Dry® and Pro Dry® Tech collections use a “push-pull” system of advanced fibers:

Hydrophobic (water-repelling) inner fibers push sweat away from the skin
Hydrophilic (water-attracting) outer fibers pull moisture out and maximize evaporation

This process keeps you dry, enhances your body’s natural cooling, and prevents overheating in high-heat, high-humidity environments.

What is Heat Stress and Why is it Important?

Heat stress occurs when your body can’t cool itself fast enough. Normally, sweating helps lower body temperature, but extreme heat, humidity, and physical exertion can overwhelm this natural process. When that happens, you may experience:

Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and headache
Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms from electrolyte loss.
Heat Rash: Skin irritation from trapped sweat.
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical help. It's characterized by high body temperature and changes in mental state.

Heat Stress Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 50% to 70% of heat-related workplace incidents occur within the first few days of work, posing a significant and growing threat to American workers.

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Between 2011 and 2020, approximately 33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses were reported.
In that same year, there were an estimated average of 3,389 work-related heat injuries and illnesses.
Heat exposure resulted in an average of 40 work-related deaths in the United States from 2011 to 2022.
Emergency visits for work-related heat illness peak during summer months, with July and August showing the highest incidence rates in 2023.

A Hotter, More Demanding Work Environment

While heat stress is a perennial topic, the challenges workers face today are more complicated than ever. Environmental changes are driving up temperatures, and so is the risk of heat-related illness. In the past several decades, average U.S. temperatures have risen by about 2.6°F, with certain regions experiencing even sharper spikes:

Alaska: +4.3°F
Delaware & New Jersey: +3.7°F

These warmer conditions have led to longer and more intense heatwaves, increasing the daily exposure outdoor workers face, and reducing the margin of error when it comes to hydration, gear, and rest.

And it's not just the heat. Linework and other skilled trades are becoming increasingly technical and mentally demanding, with workers now navigating advanced grid systems, integrating renewable energy, and managing high-voltage transmission projects. When there's more to focus on, it's easier for fundamental practices, such as hydrating, working at a steady rate, and layering correctly, to slip through the cracks. But even small oversights can lead to major, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

Key Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Workwear in Summer

Moisture-wicking workwear offers instant comfort advantages that enhance job performance:

Keeps your skin dry and cool
Reduces chafing and irritation
Improves mobility with lighter, non-sticky fabrics
Helps control odor with antimicrobial features like SilverPlus®
Enhances focus and reduces fatigue on the job

Why Non-Wicking Fabrics Can Be Dangerous in the Heat

Wearing standard cotton or heavy workwear in summer can lead to:

Increased Core Body Temperature: Trapped moisture prevents effective cooling
Higher Risk of Heat Exhaustion: The body struggles to regulate temperature
Reduced Work Performance: Discomfort and overheating impair decision-making
Skin Issues: Prolonged dampness can cause chafing, rashes, and bacterial growth

Pro Dry® & Pro Dry® Tech Collection

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by utility linemen and other trade professionals, we developed the Pro Dry®and Pro Dry® Tech collections, engineered to fight heat stress while meeting your job’s safety requirements.

With NFPA 70E-compliant FR protection, UPF 50+ sun protection (Pro Dry Tech), and superior moisture-wicking performance, our lightweight FR shirts, including crew neck, hooded options, and hi-vis styles, are built for individuals who face high-heat environments daily.

Best Practices: Staying Safe in the Heat

Monitor Symptoms: Watch for dizziness, nausea, confusion, or excessive fatigue
Hydrate Proactively: Drink water regularly and use electrolyte drinks for extended work
Wear Moisture-Wicking Layers: Support your body’s cooling system with the right workwear
Take Breaks: Rest in shaded or cooler areas whenever possible
Plan for Heat: Schedule strenuous tasks for cooler parts of the day