KNIT-180-AM — Performance Piqué Knit 180gsm with Embedded Silver Ion Antimicrobial
KNIT-180-AM is a 100% polyester piqué knit with silver ion antimicrobial embedded directly into the fiber — not applied as a surface coating. This is the most advanced fabric technology available for uniform polo programs, combining three performance features in a single fabric: antimicrobial protection, moisture-wicking, and quick-dry performance.
The piqué knit structure gives this fabric the classic textured polo appearance that hospitality and corporate uniform programs demand. Unlike standard printed or flat-knit polos, piqué has a dimensional, breathable structure that looks more premium and wears more comfortably in warm environments.
Most antimicrobial fabrics use a surface finish (pad-dry-cure) where the silver ion is applied to the finished fabric. These work well initially but the treatment gradually washes off — typically losing efficacy after 30–50 washes.
KNIT-180-AM uses embedded silver ion — the silver-based masterbatch is added to the polyester polymer before the fiber is extruded. The silver is physically trapped inside the fiber matrix, not sitting on the surface.
This changes everything:
Factor
Surface Treatment (Pad-Dry-Cure)
Embedded (KNIT-180-AM)
Treatment location
On fiber surface
Inside fiber matrix
Wash durability
30–50 cycles
Lifetime of garment
Abrasion resistance
Wears off with friction
Unaffected by abrasion
Bleach compatibility
Degraded by bleach
Resistant
Sublimation printing
May reduce efficacy
Compatible — fully printable
Cost
Lower
Moderate (+10–15%)
Because the silver is inside the fiber, not on it, the antimicrobial effect never washes off, never wears off, and never rubs off. The polo will remain antimicrobial for as long as the garment exists.
Fabric Hand & Appearance
Hand feel: Soft, dry, cotton-like hand. The piqué structure creates a textured surface that feels premium — not plasticky or shiny like standard polyester knits.
Appearance: Classic piqué honeycomb texture. Matte finish — no synthetic shine. Dye colors are deep and saturated. The fabric accepts sublimation printing cleanly for logo and branding applications.
Breathability: Piqué knit structure is inherently more breathable than flat knits or jersey. Combined with moisture-wicking, this fabric keeps the wearer dry and cool in hot kitchen or outdoor environments.
Performance Summary
Property
Performance
Bacteria reduction
≥99% after 50 washes — does not degrade further
Moisture-wicking
≥120mm wicking — pulls sweat away from body
Drying time
≤30 minutes to 90% dry
Odor control
Continuous — bacteria cannot establish on fiber surface
UV protection
UPF 50+ — blocks 98% of UVA/UVB
Sublimation printing
Fully compatible — heat does not degrade embedded silver
Anti-pilling
Grade 4 — minimal fiber fuzzing after extended wear
Applications
Application
Why This Fabric Works
Restaurant & F&B staff polos
Odor control in hot kitchen environments — stays fresh through double shifts
Hotel staff polos (front desk, bellhop, valet)
Professional piqué appearance with active moisture management
Fitness center & gym staff
Moisture-wicking + antimicrobial for sweat-heavy environments
Corporate uniform polos
Premium piqué look with no-iron, no-odor convenience
Security guard polos
All-day comfort in warm climates — quick-dry between shifts
Golf course & resort staff
UPF 50+ sun protection, breathable for outdoor roles
Airport ground crew polos
Durable, quick-drying, odor-resistant through long duty periods
Event staff & promotional polos
Sublimation-ready for custom branding with antimicrobial built in
Note on lead time: Embedded antimicrobial requires masterbatch compounding at the fiber extrusion stage — not a post-fabric finish. This adds approximately 10–15 days to production compared to standard polyester knit. For time-sensitive orders, stock colors are held in finished inventory and ship within 20–25 days.
Certification Documents Provided with Every Batch
Document
Standard
Antibacterial Activity Test Report
ISO 20743 or AATCC 100 (per customer region)
Wash Durability Test Report
ISO 6330 — efficacy at 10, 30, and 50 cycles
Moisture-Wicking Test Report
AATCC 197 — wicking height
UV Protection Test Report
AS/NZS 4399 — UPF rating
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
For silver masterbatch compound
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Available upon request
REACH Compliance Statement
EU chemical safety
Care Instructions
Care Step
Instruction
Washing
Machine wash 60°C, normal cycle — industrial wash compatible
Bleaching
Compatible with chlorine and oxygen bleach — embedded silver is bleach-stable
Drying
Tumble dry medium — quick-dry fabric reaches 90% dry in ~30 min
Ironing
Low iron (110°C) — polyester content requires low heat
Dry cleaning
Permitted (PCE)
✅ Care advantage: Because the antimicrobial is embedded inside the fiber (not coated on the surface), it is compatible with chlorine bleach, high-temperature washing, and industrial laundry. No special care protocol needed — this fabric can be laundered exactly like standard polyester polo fabric.
FAQ
Q: What does “embedded silver ion” mean exactly? A: The silver-based antimicrobial masterbatch is mixed into the polyester polymer before the fiber is extruded. The silver particles are physically trapped inside the fiber — not coated on the surface. This means the antimicrobial effect is permanent and cannot wash off, wear off, or rub off.
Q: How is this different from the antimicrobial finish used on your woven fabrics (PCT-190-AM, COT-130-AM)? A: Those use a pad-dry-cure surface application — the silver is bonded to the fabric surface. It is durable and lasts 50 cycles, but it will eventually degrade. The embedded technology in KNIT-180-AM lasts for the entire garment life — there is no treatment to wear out.
Q: Can this fabric be sublimation printed with logos? A: Yes. Sublimation printing bonds dye to the polyester fiber at high temperature. Because the antimicrobial is embedded inside the fiber (not on the surface), the printing process does not affect antimicrobial efficacy. This is a major advantage over surface-treated antimicrobial fabrics that lose efficacy when heat-processed.
Q: How does the moisture-wicking performance compare to typical poly-cotton polo fabrics? A: Significantly better. Poly-cotton absorbs moisture (it stays wet) and dries slowly. This 100% polyester piqué does not absorb moisture — it wicks moisture through the fabric to the outer surface where it evaporates. Typical drying time is under 30 minutes vs. 60–90 minutes for poly-cotton.
Q: Does the embedded silver affect the fabric cost? A: Yes — approximately 10–15% premium over standard polyester piqué knit. However, because the antimicrobial is permanent, the cost-per-wear over the garment lifetime is lower than surface-treated alternatives that need re-treatment or replacement when efficacy degrades.
Q: Can this fabric be used for chef coats and kitchen uniforms? A: Yes, but for kitchen environments we recommend the woven chef coat fabric (CHEF-240-AM) which has a heavier weight (240gsm) and combined antimicrobial + stain-release finish. The knit fabric is better suited for front-of-house polo uniforms rather than back-of-house chef coats.
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