Pinch Proof St Patrick’s Day Vintage Shirt

Fifth Column are best known for printing Pinch Proof St Patrick’s Day Vintage Shirt. It’s where we started, all those years ago, and we still love it. But these days we also decorate a huge range of other merchandise. Garments for the workplace are included in that varied mix and so we thought we’d take a look at customised Hi Vis workwear. Those stand-out pieces of apparel which help keep working folk safer when they’re operating in potentially hazardous conditions.

High visibility clothing, often abbreviated to Hi Vis or Hi Viz, has been around for a surprisingly long time. Its origins stretch back to the Thirties in America. After suffering an industrial accident, Bob Switzer began researching the use of fluorescent materials. It’s slightly weird to think that the first piece of Hi Vis gear was Bob experimenting on his wife’s wedding dress.

Hi Vis didn’t reach the UK until the Sixties. But by 1974, this type of clothing had made its way onto the statute books. The 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act included regulations for the use of Hi Vis in relevant working situations. Enough history, let’s get into customised Hi Vis workwear.

Pinch Proof St Patrick’s Day Vintage Shirt, hoodie, sweater, longsleeve and ladies t-shirt

Another super example of recycled fabric clothing from Pinch Proof St Patrick’s Day Vintage Shirt. Lightweight with elastic tape binding at hood, sleeve and bottom, the Stella Winds is a functional garment that’s going to look good when customised and it’ll get plenty of wear in our climate. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this is a durable, water repellent zip top that comes in XS to XL and black and navy colours.

How good is this? A twill weave apron made from organically grown cotton cuttings and recycled polyester. Needless to say, it’s a unisex garment and is going to be a perfect vehicle for your logo or design. The SA77 bib apron is another one of those pieces of apparel that makes you think about the wealth of possibilities with screen printing and personalisation. The huge potential, both in terms of customisation and eco-friendly options.