Hong Kong’s construction workers can now cool off with new uniform design

An award-winning uniform designed and manufactured in Hong Kong can help the city’s more than 300,000 construction workers beat the heat and humidity during the hot summer months.

The Construction Industry Council, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University, has officially launched the second generation of the uniform for construction workers, which enhances ultraviolet protection, and allows for better breathability and a faster evaporation rate of sweat.

Professor Albert Chan Ping-chuen, head of the Department of Building and Real Estate at Polytechnic University, explained that after testing 30 types of fabric, the research team selected Coolmax, a type of synthetic polyester fibre with good moisture-wicking capabilities.

But the biggest change was its look, with the polo shirt coming in a cool, light blue shade instead of the bright yellow seen in its previous design. Chan said the colour was found to effectively repel ultraviolet rays.

“But there was another reason for the [colour] choice – the uniform now looks smarter and more attractive. We even teamed up with PolyU’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing to fine-tune the design,” Chan added.