Duluth Trading Company: Introduces flannel that would make Paul Bunyan proud

–National retailer gets the job done for hard-working guys; launches two new, beefy flannel weights for Fall/Winter–

BELLEVILLE, Wis. (Sept. 1, 2011) – Whether they’re swinging an ax or taming an ox, Duluth Trading Company packs a comfy, yet beefy punch for hard-working guys this Fall, with two NEW flannel shirts. Complimenting Duluth’s best-selling, lumberjack-approved 5.5 oz. Free Movin’ Flannel, the national retailer known for their ingenious workwear is proud to introduce the Heavyweight Flannel Shirt, busting at the seams with full 8 oz. of 100% flannel and the Flapjack Shirt Jac, a hearty 7.7 oz. 100% flannel exterior lined with warm fleece.

The two new flannel workhorses join the Wisconsin-based retailer’s already robust flannel line with built-in functionality that offers total freedom of movement. “For Duluth’s customers, comfort and functionality are paramount to getting the job done,” Stephanie Pugliese, senior vice president of marketing and product development. “Duluth’s flannel shirts feature baked-in functionality that no other flannel shirt can offer, like underarm gussets and bi-swing backs that allow Duluth men room to reach, stretch, and swing a hammer – or an ax – with complete range of motion.”

To ensure that Duluth Trading Company’s men’s workwear line is second to none, Duluth Trading enlists the help of the Duluth Trades Panel – pros in construction, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, environmental restoration specialists, and electricians – to help design and test workwear that’s tougher and more useful than your average workwear. The Trades Panel uses, abuses and improves the company’s products by testing them in real-world conditions and then providing frank feedback that keeps Duluth’s products brutally tough. Duluth’s Trades Panel members make sure the apparel, gear, gloves, and tools live up to the tradesmen-tough expectation.

Beefed-up flannel for hard working, no nonsense guys

Flannel F.O.M.™ Shirt $39.50

A Duluth Best Seller. Every working man needs a good classic flannel shirt. Duluth Trading upgrades the traditional flannel and presents the bestselling 100% cotton Flannel F.O.M Shirt. A hearty 5.5 ounces per square yard for durable wear and extra warmth, this flannel is brushed twice for extra loft and softness, and prewashed so it resists shrinkage. Best of all, it has ingenious F.O.M. (Freedom of Movement) underarm gussets for unrivaled ability to reach and stretch. Available in seven patterns/colors. Now in extended sizes Small-4XL and 3XLT.

Also, check out the women’s NEW No Gap Flannel Shirt $39.50.

NEW Fleece-Lined Flapjack Flannel Shirt Jac $54.50

This brawny, almost Bunyan-esque “hanger bender” is all the warmth you’ll need for most outdoor chores, even when the mercury nosedives toward zero. Just like a flapjack, it’s warm on both sides, with beefy 7.7-oz. 100% cotton flannel outside, 200-gram 100% polyester fleece on the inside. Even the pattern is heroic: a big, bold buffalo plaid like a trapper’s blanket. We give it snaps instead of buttons, for easy off and on – pretty hard to button a shirt this thick, without busting your nails. Two chest pockets – right one has hidden cell phone pocket, left one a hidden pencil pocket. And underarm gussets for F.O.M. (Freedom of Movement) ease. Available in dark red, ocean blue, loden in extended sizes up to 4XL and 3XLT.

NEW Heavyweight Flannel F.O.M.™ $49.50

Built like our classic Flannel F.O.M. Shirt above but even heavier and warmer. 100% cotton, 8 ounces per square yard with built-in ingenious F.O.M. (Freedom of Movement) underarm gussets for unrivaled ability to reach and stretch. Available in dark cobalt plaid, deep orange plaid and green plaid.

Flannel-lined 5-Pocket Ballroom Jeans $54.50

Crouch without the ouch and stay warm while doing so, with the new Flannel-lined 5-Pocket Ballroom Jeans. Our bestselling jeans now come in a flannel-lined version. Featuring a hidden crotch gusset for extra room when crouching and Fire Hose-reinforced cuffs and waistband.

Flannel-lined Fire Hose® Action Jac $119.50

Ever feel like you’re wearing a straitjacket, when you’re crawling or climbing on the job? Most work jackets aren’t built as comfortable active wear. Our Fire Hose® Action Jac is different – it’s job-tough 11-oz. Fire Hose® canvas, but has the free-and-easy feel of a sweatshirt. Bi-swing back, underarm gussets and flexing rib-knit trim at cuffs and waistband deliver easy-moving comfort. New 5.5-oz. 100% cotton flannel lining (same fabric as in our Flannel F.O.M. shirt) is quilted to polyester insulation for warmth without bulk. All pockets are flannel-lined, and include front handwarmers and two zip pockets inside for secure storage. 3-piece hood is fully flannel lined, snugs with drawcord. Full zip front with interior storm flap. Treated for water and stain resistance. Available in black, brown and vintage olive.

Fire Hose® Hooded Framer’s Vest $79.50

Swinging a hammer all day is hard enough without restrictive outerwear to drive you crazy. If you prefer to layer up and wear a vest as your outer layer, this is the hooded vest for you. It’s gutsy 11.5-oz. 100% cotton Fire Hose® canvas, garment washed for comfort and Teflon® treated to repel precipitation and fend off stains. Lined with 3″ diamond-quilted cotton flannel – the same twice-brushed soft, hearty stuff as that in our flannel shirts.

Flannel-lined Fire Hose® Overalls $79.50

Serious overalls for serious workmen. These overalls are lined with 100% cotton flannel for extra warmth and are made from our signature Fire Hose® material for extra strength. Oil and water resistant, these overalls stand-up to the toughest challenges.

Media Contact: Ashley Lawson, alawson@leumpr.com or (701) 721-2378

About Duluth Trading Company

Duluth Trading Company (http://www.duluthtrading.com) was founded in 1993 by two tradesmen brothers tired of making do with inadequate job site equipment. Their first catalog included just nine tool organizers, all field-tested for practicality by grizzly construction guys and hard-as-nails tradesmen. Since then, Duluth Trading has expanded its offering to include hundreds of unique, tough, functional workwear products, tool and car organizers and gotta-have gadgets. Recently, Duluth Trading has introduced and retooled its women’s workwear line, building on the durability, functionality, and unique usefulness built into its men’s line.

Duluth Trading’s adherence to authenticity and commitment to craftsmanship is evidenced in the products. Men’s workwear is designed and tested by the Duluth Trades Panel and the women’s line is tested and approved by the Duluth’s Real Women Test Panel. All panel members have hands-on occupations who know a good – or bad – product when they see one. Signature products include the Longtail T® (the cure for “plumber butt”), men’s Ballroom Jeans (with a comfy crotch gusset for crouching without singing soprano), and exclusive Fire Hose® Workwear (made from tough but soft cotton canvas inspired by the kind that once protected actual fire hoses). Duluth Trading Company is located in Belleville, Wisconsin, and opened its flagship retail store at 100 Main Street, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin in November 2010.