Schoeller helps Vollebak create shirt for all conditions
23/03/2018
It has described the Planet Earth shirt, which has been in development for two years, as “a masterpiece of engineering”.
The product is designed to thrive in the diverse environments, weather conditions and temperatures that the earth has to offer.
To develop it, Vollebak’s founders, twin brothers Steve and Nick Tidball, called on the expertise of adventurer Aldo Kane. After a career as an elite military operative, Mr Kane now uses his training in jungle, mountain, desert and polar survival to keep himself and others alive in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
The Tidball brothers have said they employed “no expense spared craftsmanship” to ensure the Planet Earth shirt could cope in any terrain on earth.
This included using “cutting-edge” materials from Swiss textile developer Schoeller. The material is a blend of robust, heavy-weight cotton and elastane; it is designed to cool the skin in intense humidity and stretch in any direction required.
The fabric is treated with Schoeller’s 3XDRY treatment, which makes it water and dirt repellent. It also allows for sweat to be rapidly absorbed and spread over a broader surface so that it can evaporate more quickly, keeping the wearer cool. An antimicrobial treatment inhibits the growth of bacteria on the material by eliminating microorganisms that thrive in heat, humidity and moisture.
Other features of the Planet Earth shirt include a reinforced anti-mosquito collar for the jungle, concealed air vents to help regulate the wearer’s body temperature, a hidden passport pocket, and gadget loops for attaching mountaineering equipment. It also has reinforced stitching and shatterproof buttons made from the strong Corozo nut.
Despite its suitability for use in a range of conditions, Vollebak has pointed out that the Planet Earth shirt can just as easily be worn in everyday life in the city. The collar can be turned down and unfastened, the cuffs can be buttoned up, the vents can be zipped up and the ample pockets means there is plenty of space for storing mobile phones, keys and other items.
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