Designing with Passion: NEO TOOLS Original Apparel
At NEO TOOLS, we understand that personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for long hours of work in demanding conditions. Therefore, we are actively involved in creating workwear that harmoniously combines modern trends and comfort with ecological awareness. Our designs are characterized by flexibility, versatility, and environmental care; they set the standards for future collections.
At NEO TOOLS, every piece of PPE clothing is the result of conscious design and years of experience. We pay attention to the smallest details to ensure our products not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. NEO TOOLS clothing is synonymous with comfort and functionality, inspired by nature and advanced technology, reflecting the innovative spirit of our brand.
ORIGINAL DESIGN Created by NEO
To emphasize the importance we place on the process of creating workwear, we have introduced the ORIGINAL DESIGN mark, indicating designs developed by NEO TOOLS clothing technologists. These designs are based on the latest technological advancements in high-quality materials, zippers, and reflective elements.
Moreover, the foundation of creating PPE clothing is listening to the needs of our customers. The changing labor market, along with the specific nature of outdoor activities and industrial conditions, allows us to meet the demands of various industries by offering not only functionality and comfort but also an appropriate level of safety.
NEO TOOLS Recognized by Experts
Proof that we are heading in the right direction is the awards and distinctions that NEO TOOLS has received for its PPE clothing. In 2023, we were honored with the prestigious Consumer Quality Leader title.
We have also been finalists several times in the respected Good Design competition, and in 2022, we won the main prize in the “work and office” category. It is evident that NEO TOOLS workwear is unrivaled!
Interview with NEO TOOLS PPE Technologist
To highlight the significance of introducing the Original Design Created by NEO mark, we conducted an interview about design and trends with our Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer.
NEO TOOLS: What are the current main trends in PPE clothing technology?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: In recent years, I have observed two main trends: comfort and functionality. Fashion has recently taken a significant place, leaning towards outdoor styles in workwear. Users (NEO TOOLS customers) expect workwear to become a “second skin,” not restricting movement and working with the user, with all necessary items at hand.
This offers ample opportunities for constructors, technologists, and designers who must meet this challenge. Additionally, workwear is no longer solely for work but is also being used as everyday, trekking, and outdoor clothing.
The days when one could instantly identify typical workwear are fading. Of course, there remains a wide range of such products, as they are needed and find buyers, but increasingly, the same pants can be found with workwear and sportswear manufacturers.
Moreover, brands that previously only dealt with sportswear are introducing workwear, proving that the market demands modernity, versatility, and a touch of fashion.
NEO TOOLS: What innovations or new developments have appeared in recent years in fabrics and materials used for clothing production?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: The definitive leaders are 2-way/4-way stretch materials and those containing elastic fibers. Additionally, materials from recycled fibers and renewable sources play an increasingly important role.
An ideal choice is combining all these types of fibers into one fabric. Many companies are also working on materials made from banana leaves, coconut, or coffee fibers. There are even materials from recycling processes that do not require water, a resource we have less and less of.
NEO TOOLS: What challenges does the clothing industry face regarding sustainable production and the ecological impact of garments?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is reducing the production costs of recycled materials, making garments made from these materials more affordable for a wider audience. While it might seem that recycling avoids additional production costs, in reality, processing raw materials for reuse in another product is often more expensive than creating it from scratch.
Another issue is the stereotype that recycled materials are of lower quality or weaker. This is not true, as recycled materials are as durable or more durable than newly created ones.
Another challenge is increasing the final consumer’s awareness of product choices and optimizing the “fast fashion” trend, which is harmful to both the environment and the factories producing such clothing.
NEO TOOLS: What technologies and materials are used in producing outdoor clothing to ensure comfort and functionality?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: These include elastic 2-way/4-way fabrics and knits, thermal and antibacterial technologies, and various coatings that prevent dirt or make it easier to remove.
To ensure comfort and functionality in outdoor clothing (and not only), it is essential to consider another aspect. While technologies and materials play an important role, they are not the only factors. No matter how advanced the materials or finishes, they are useless without the knowledge of the technologist and constructor in the creation process. Combining these four factors achieves the desired result.
It is also important to remember that there are no good or bad materials, only improperly used ones. The same principle applies to clothing – there is no good or bad clothing, only clothing unsuitable for the conditions in which we want to use it.
NEO TOOLS: How does technology influence clothing design and create more efficient and durable products?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: It plays a crucial role because using better materials extends the product’s life, making it more durable and long-lasting. By “better,” I mean materials and accessories of appropriate quality and suited to the specific type of clothing.
Moreover, technology in clothing manufacturing creates opportunities to achieve the desired properties in the most optimized way. For example, a winter jacket does not need to be very thick to be warm if we use insulation with the right parameters and technology.
NEO TOOLS: What trends in clothing design and styling do you see in the future?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: The “eco” trend, utilizing recycled and renewable fibers, is already very strong today.
Regarding fashion in workwear, it is definitely moving towards stretch & slim versions geared towards sports and outdoor/trekking. These three trends are increasingly interpenetrating, leaving their characteristic elements for their industry.
NEO TOOLS: How does NEO TOOLS create its clothing?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: The starting point for creating “something new” is always the current or potential customer’s need. This happens in two ways: the first is a market signal, where customers tell us what they need, what they lack, and what they can’t find but need. This is an easier path for the design team because they translate the customer’s words into paper and then into the product.
The second way is trying to anticipate customer needs before they arise. We continuously study the market, observe trends, competitors’ actions, international industry leaders’ activities, listen to suppliers who reflect the market, and participate in various trade fairs (also outside the PPE sector) to find new technologies applicable to our industry – sports, fashion, and other relevant trade fairs.
We need to know how and what tools a specific industry uses to create clothing that helps in daily work, as this is also a tool for our activities.
The first operational step is defining what product we want to create, its parameters, functionalities, and what it should be made of. Of course, paper and pen can create anything, so close cooperation between the designer, technologist, and constructor is necessary.
This creative part of product creation must be balanced with the right price and product positioning on the shelf, involving the buyer and product manager’s work. Once all conditions are met, we move on to testing, where we repeatedly and variously check and test samples to eliminate as many errors as possible, including hidden ones that may appear during use.
We also carefully select the factories where our clothing is sewn, reinforced by numerous production and post-production inspections. This is a long and complicated process to create a universal product tailored to the final user’s needs.
NEO TOOLS: Is working for NEO TOOLS challenging?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: Definitely! Especially when the design team has to guess customers’ needs. Proper material selection, colors, and fit are crucial, and every element must work together.
Additionally, the product must follow fashion and industry trends while meeting potential customers’ expectations for functionality and comfort. The task is further complicated by the fact that we have many successful projects behind us, and we do not want to duplicate them.
Thus, we must create a product that simultaneously refers to our collection range while being entirely new, fresh, and modern. Working on clothing can be compared to a watch mechanism – every cog must interact correctly with another for the whole process to work properly.
NEO TOOLS: Who are the NEO TOOLS PPE clothing customers?
Chief Technologist, PPE Clothing Designer: Demanding yet loyal. They expect us to understand the tools they work with, the various industries’ needs, and adapt our clothing to be as universal as possible, responding quickly to their needs.
We strive to meet their expectations, rewarded with their trust and choice of products we create for our brand. However, the most significant recognition we can receive from our customers is that they observe what we do, anticipate new ideas that meet their tastes and needs, evidenced by their daily use of our PPE clothing.
