Sewing and embroidery threads for protection & defense applications

Personnel working in demanding protection and defense environments can be exposed to heat, flame and thermal hazards. Sewing threads used in protective garments must therefore support reliable seam performance under thermal stress and should not melt or contribute to flame propagation.

Depending on the application, important requirements may include:

• high heat resistance 
• flame-resistant or self-extinguishing behaviour 
• non-melting properties 
• reliable seam strength 
• high abrasion resistance 
• reliable sewing performance under demanding processing conditions 

Typical applications: Combat uniforms, flight suits, flame-resistant tactical clothing, protective gloves and base layers.

Recommended AMANN brands: A-tech, A-tech CS, Ac-tech, N-tech, N-tech CS, Nc-tech, K-tech, Kc-tech

Protective clothing and tactical equipment can be exposed to sharp objects, high mechanical stress and demanding operating conditions. The complete protective system therefore relies on highly resistant materials and seam constructions designed for the intended level of protection.

For the sewing thread, relevant requirements can include:

• very high tensile strength 
• high cut resistance 
• excellent abrasion resistance 
• low elongation 
• reliable performance under repeated mechanical loads 
• durable seam performance in highly stressed constructions 

Typical applications: Body armour and vest carriers, plate carriers, stab- and cut-resistant garments, riot gear, tactical protective equipment and protective gloves.

Recommended AMANN brands: K-tech, Kc-tech

The protective performance of the finished product depends on the complete material and garment system. Sewing thread selection is one component of the overall construction and does not by itself determine ballistic or cut-protection performance.

Defense and protection applications can place highly specific demands on sewing and embroidery threads. Depending on their function, different applications require distinctly different performance characteristics.

Infrared-absorbing performance – Rasant IR
For military and police applications requiring infrared-absorbing thread properties, for example in combat and camouflage systems. 
Applications: Combat and camouflage systems

Maximum strength – Xtreme-tech
For highly stressed applications such as webbing, harnesses and load-bearing straps where maximum strength, low weight and excellent abrasion resistance are essential. 
Applications: Webbing, harnesses and load-bearing straps

Field equipment and protective textiles used outdoors can be exposed to prolonged sunlight, rain, moisture, temperature changes and other demanding environmental conditions.

Sewing threads for these applications may therefore require:

• high UV resistance 
• high weather resistance 
• resistance to moisture 
• good colour fastness 
• high abrasion resistance 
• reliable seam strength 
• long-term durability under outdoor exposure 

Typical applications: Field and rainwear, tents, shelters, tarpaulins, equipment covers, backpacks, rucksacks and other outdoor equipment.

Recommended AMANN brands: Outdoor-Pro, Serabond

Outdoor-Pro, for example, is a bonded polyester continuous filament sewing thread with excellent UV resistance and a PFAS-free water-repellent finish as standard. Its weathering performance is tested according to ISO 4892-1 and ISO 4892-2. 

Footwear, backpacks and other heavy-duty textile equipment are exposed to continuous friction, movement and intensive mechanical stress. Here, long-term resistance to surface wear is a key requirement for reliable seam performance.

Relevant thread properties include:

• excellent abrasion resistance 
• high tensile strength 
• high mechanical durability 
• reliable seam performance under repeated stress 
• good sewing performance with heavy and robust materials 
• long-term durability 

Typical applications: Combat and tactical boots, protective footwear, backpacks and rucksacks, tactical and equipment bags, pouches, webbing systems and other heavy-duty textile equipment.

AMANN brands: Onyx, Strongbond and Strongcore

Onyx, for example, is a polyamide 6.6 continuous filament sewing thread designed for highly stressed seams and combines excellent strength with robust, abrasion-resistant performance. 

Not every protection and defense application requires specialized protective properties from the sewing thread. For service, dress and parade uniforms, the focus is primarily on reliable processing, durable seams and a consistently high-quality appearance.

Important requirements may include:

• reliable sewability 
• good seam strength 
• high abrasion resistance 
• good colour fastness 
• consistent colour quality 
• resistance to repeated laundering and care processes 
• a clean and professional seam appearance 

Typical applications: Service uniforms, dress and parade uniforms, standard police uniforms, shirts, trousers, jackets and headwear.

Recommended AMANN brands: Sabatex, Saba, Serafil and Rasant

Precision embroidery – Isacord Recycled
For ranks, name tapes, badges and identification patches requiring a consistent, precise and durable embroidery appearance. Made from 100% recycled polyester. 
Applications: Name tapes, badges and identification patches