Choosing a Fabric

Every A Cut Above fabric is chosen for a reason. Some keep you cool on hot ramps, some resist odor on long trips, and some are built for comfort above all else. Use this guide to compare our fabrics and find the right fit for how you work.

General Care Tips

Our garments are rated and tested for 30 washes. For the longest life, dry clean. For home laundering, turn items inside out and use a mild detergent.

Pilot Shirt Fabric ▼
Fabric Blend Weight Stretch Best For
Altus 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex Mid-Weight Yes Odor control on long days
Brooks 48.5% Bamboo, 48.5% Polyester, 3% Spandex Lightweight Yes Warm climates
Cirrus 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton Mid-Weight No The classic pilot shirt feel
Tropo 73% Polyester, 19% Rayon, 8% Spandex Heavy-Weight Yes Maximum comfort

Altus: Mid-Weight Stretch Twill

Our stretch option with freshness in mind. This poly/spandex blend has an Agion® Antimicrobial Finish that keeps you odor-free on the long haul.

  • Agion® Antimicrobial Finish: Industry-leading technology that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria
  • Performance Blend: Sweat-wicking stretch twill built for enhanced comfort
  • Available in: Men's Fitted, Tapered, and Relaxed; Women's Tess Fitted
  • Care: Machine wash warm with like colors, bleach as needed, tumble dry medium and remove promptly to avoid wrinkles, iron warm/low heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Brooks: Lightweight Stretch Twill

Naturally cool to the touch and breathable thanks to bamboo yarns. This stretchy, lightweight poly/bamboo blend is ideal for warmer climates.

  • Bamboo Fiber: Naturally antimicrobial and more wrinkle-resistant than cotton
  • Cooling Blend: Cool to the touch and breathable
  • Available in: Men's Fitted, Tapered, and Relaxed; Women's Tess Fitted
  • Care: Machine wash warm with like colors, tumble dry medium and remove promptly, iron warm/low heat. White: non-chlorine bleach only. Grey/Black: do not bleach. Dry clean for best results.
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Cirrus: Mid-Weight Non-Stretch Twill

Our take on the traditional poly/cotton pilot shirt blend, unchanged for years. Cirrus is available in the greatest number of variations.

  • Wrinkle Resistant: Durable press finish
  • Traditional Blend: The classic pilot shirt fabric
  • Available in: Men's Fitted, Tapered, and Relaxed; Women's Tess Relaxed
  • Care: Machine wash warm with like colors, bleach as needed, tumble dry medium and remove promptly, iron medium heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Tropo: Heavy-Weight Comfort Twill

Our comfort-minded classic and a cult favorite among our fleet. Tropo is softer and less durable than our other fabrics, so follow the care instructions carefully to minimize pilling.

  • Sciessant Pilltec™: Pilling-resistant finish that limits abrasion
  • Comfort Blend: Made for the comfort-minded wearer
  • Available in: Men's Fitted only; Women's Tess Fitted, Open Collar, and Maternity
  • Care: Machine wash warm with like colors, do not bleach, tumble dry medium and remove promptly, iron warm/low heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Certifications: bluesign® Approved, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Suiting Fabric ▼
Fabric Blend Weight Best For
Falcon 45% Wool, 52% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Anti-Static Mid-Weight Premium wool performance
Pinstripe Falcon 44% Wool, 54% Polyester, 2% Elastane Lightweight Pinstripe look, lighter feel
Goshawk 69% Polyester, 29% Viscose, 2% Elastane Mid-Weight Wool sensitivity, better price

Falcon: Mid-Weight Twill Suiting

A machine-washable suiting blend made to enhance the natural properties of wool.

  • Wool Fibers: Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, perfect for the long haul
  • Antistatic: Blended with antistatic fibers to offset wool's positive charge and remove static cling
  • Available in: Men's and Women's Trousers, Falcon Single Breasted Blazer
  • Trouser Care: Machine wash cold, dry flat/hang dry, iron medium heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Blazer Care: Dry clean only
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Pinstripe Falcon: Lightweight Twill Suiting

A lighter wool blend with a classic pinstripe.

  • Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, iron medium heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Goshawk: Mid-Weight Twill Suiting

A machine-washable suiting fabric made for those with a wool sensitivity.

  • Viscose Fibers: Mimics the look and feel of wool at a more competitive price
  • Available in: Men's and Women's Trousers, Goshawk Single Breasted Blazer
  • Trouser Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, iron warm/low heat. Dry clean for best results.
  • Blazer Care: Dry clean only
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Outerwear Fabric ▼

Softshell (Aspen, Cypress, Kodiak)

58% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyester with a PFAS-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish and brushed fleece lining. It beads moisture and stretches for ease of movement.

  • Kodiak Fleece (Base Half Zip): 100% Polyester
  • Care: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, tumble dry low, iron cool
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, bluesign® Approved, GRS Certified
  • Note: Pre-2024 Aspen and Cypress jackets use a 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex shell with a 100% Polyester back and are made with PFAS chemicals.
Knit Tops ▼
  • Lerune® Pique (Viero Polo): 100% Polyester with a POLYGIENE STAYFRESHQ® finish for industry-leading antibacterial properties
  • 12 Gauge Rib Knit (Cali Sweater, Quarter Zip): 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic. A finer knit for mild temperatures and layering.
  • 7 Gauge Rib Knit (Maryland Sweater): 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic. A wider, heavier knit for the coldest days and nights.
  • Bonded Rib Knit Fleece (Krete Jacket): 100% Polyester, with an 80% Rayon, 20% Polyester rib knit collar, cuff, and hem
  • Twill Patch (Cali, Maryland, Krete): 50% Wool, 48% Polyester, 2% Spandex
  • Care for all knits: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, tumble dry low, iron cool
Law Enforcement Fabric ▼

Griffin Ripstop

  • Construction: 4-Way Stretch Micro-Ripstop. Mobility & comfort for long wear; stretches in all directions
  • Durability: Abrasion-resistant for tough wear, tested above industry standards
  • Anti-Snag: Smooth finish to reduce snagging or catching
  • Wicking: Treated with a wicking & quick-dry finish to enhance comfort and performance
  • Color: Treated with leading dye techniques to maintain color & resist fading

Peregrine Ripstop

  • Construction: 4-Way Stretch Micro-Ripstop. Tougher than the industry standard for long-term durability
  • 4-Way Stretch Fabric: Mobility & comfort for long wear; stretches in all directions
  • Wicking: Treated with a wicking & quick-dry finish to enhance comfort and performance
  • Color: Treated with leading dye techniques to maintain color & resist fading

Wren Mesh

  • Construction: Breathable mesh construction allows for all-day comfort and built-in stretch
  • Antimicrobial: Treated with an antimicrobial finish to maintain freshness in between washes
  • Wicking: Treated with a wicking & quick-dry finish to enhance comfort and performance
  • Color: Treated with leading dye techniques to maintain color & resist fading