How CITY Laundering Keeps People and Products Safe with ESD Uniforms

Not all uniforms are created equal. Some are designed for visibility, some for fire resistance, and others for a lesser-known—but equally critical—safety measure: protecting against electrostatic discharge.

“At CITY, we know how important it is to have the right gear for each job,” said Emily Hauber, Director of Communications. “We work with our customers to determine what kind of uniforms are needed based on the work they do, and for some, that means ESD uniforms.”

What Are ESD Uniforms?

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) uniforms are specialized garments such as smocks, coats, and coveralls created to prevent static buildup. By using conductive fibers woven into the fabric, they dissipate static electricity safely, protecting both workers and the sensitive materials they handle.

“ESD uniforms are not as commonly known—especially when comparing them to high-visibility garments,” Emily shared. “But at the end of the day, ESD uniforms are just like most of the uniforms we provide. They provide safety to the individual wearing it. They provide safety the materials they are working with. Lastly, they provide an image of self-worth and belonging. Uniforms like ESD are critical to show the employee that they are important and so is their work.”

These uniforms create a Faraday cage effect around the wearer, meaning charges are trapped and grounded instead of sparking in uncontrolled, dangerous ways. This feature is especially critical in industries where a single spark could damage delicate electronics or trigger a fire or explosion.

How ESD Uniforms Work

• Conductive Fibers: Carbon or metallic threads woven into the fabric create pathways for static electricity.

• Static Dissipation: Charges are carried safely away from the worker’s body.

• Faraday Cage Effect: When properly worn and grounded, the garment shields both the worker and their environment.

Where ESD Uniforms Are Essential

ESD garments are widely used in industries where static can cause harm, including:

• Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing

• Aerospace and aviation

• Medical device production

• Cleanroom and pharmaceutical facilities

• Chemical, oil, and gas industries

• Telecommunications, utilities, and laboratories

From protecting microchips to preventing explosions, the applications are broad—and critical.

CITY’s Process for Laundering ESD Uniforms

Just as important as the uniform itself is how it’s maintained. Improper washing can degrade conductive fibers and reduce effectiveness. CITY uses a specialized laundering formula and strict handling processes to preserve ESD integrity.

“To ensure the ESD uniforms remain effective, we have a professional washing system and we also have testing mechanisms that allows us to ensure the garment’s current state,” Emily explained. “Testing ESD uniforms is just as important for ensuring their effectiveness in preventing electrostatic discharge events. At CITY, regular testing is done because the fabric can degrade after each wash or due to wear and tear and we want to ensure the garments we are sending back to our customers, meet all of the safety requirements. This is just one more way that CITY helps keep our customers clean and safe.”

Quality Testing You Can Trust

CITY goes beyond cleaning—our process includes regular electrical resistance testing, using industry-standard ESD meters and calibrated probes. These checks confirm that garments continue to meet resistance requirements wash after wash. If a garment fails, it’s flagged before it ever makes it back to the customer’s workplace.

Not all ESD uniforms are built the same. Here are red flags to look out for when comparing providers:

• Rapid degradation after washing – Conductive fibers wear out quickly, leaving the garment ineffective.

• Poor stitching – Weak seams shorten the life of the garment, especially in high-wear environments.

• Incorrect fabric composition – Polyester or other static-generating fibers without enough conductive carbon threading.

• No grounding system – A uniform without a reliable ground point fails to provide full protection.

• Resistance test failures – Garments that can’t consistently pass standard electrical resistance checks.

Being in business for over 100 years, CITY has been through the test of time and provides quality ESD uniforms is another service that has been tested, proven, and maintained, so our customers don’t have to worry about these issues.

Yes, CITY is a commercial laundering provider—but our work goes further. “We are also in the business of helping people stay safe,” Emily emphasized. By providing properly tested, properly laundered ESD uniforms, CITY helps keep employees protected and ensures sensitive equipment operates without interruption.