Abstract: Antimicrobial fabrics having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish comprises at least one silver ion-containing compound and at least one binder compound. The antimicrobial fabric may be formed into a garment to be worn as a base layer garment, close to the skin, which aids in the prevention of skin infection caused by abrasions to the skin. The garment may also aid in preventing the transfer of microbes from one person to another, for instance, after sharing communal items such as protective athletic equipment. The antimicrobial fabric exhibits long lasting antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram positive and Gram negative microbes and also exhibits antimicrobial efficacy after repeated wash cycles. Also provided is a method for making the silver-containing antimicrobial fabric.

Abstract: Antimicrobial fabrics having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish comprises at least one silver ion-containing compound and at least one binder compound. The antimicrobial fabric may be formed into a garment to be worn as a base layer garment, close to the skin, which aids in the prevention of skin infection caused by abrasions to the skin. The garment may also aid in preventing the transfer of microbes from one person to another, for instance, after sharing communal items such as protective athletic equipment. The antimicrobial fabric exhibits long lasting antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram positive and Gram negative microbes and also exhibits antimicrobial efficacy after repeated wash cycles. Also provided is a method for making the silver-containing antimicrobial fabric.