Things to Look for when Purchasing Uniforms

So, the duty of picking out uniforms for the entire company has been entrusted to you…where do you get started? Do not fear. All Uniform Wear has developed a 4-point checklist of to consider when purchasing uniforms. Read through the tips below before beginning your uniform search — and you'll be sure to find uniforms with both fit and function (and that will make YOU look great, too!)

Comfort is Key

Surely, a professional look is key to projecting a good company image. But making cedrtain that the uniform fits the job is important, too. Think about the kinds of tasks that workers will be performing in their uniforms. Your medical office staff may look nice in knee-length skirts, but will they be able to bend to reach the bottom drawer of the file cabinet without looking immodest? Will the trendy flare-sleeve shirts you're considering for your wait staff get easily snagged on sharp corners in the kitchen area?

Uniforms that fit well and feel good mean that your staff can concentrate on their job, and don't have to fuss with pulling down a skirt that's hiked up, or tugging at a collar that is too tight. And let's face it—if your employees are worried about how they look, they can't be focused on the job at hand. A good, comfortable uniform can improve worker productivity, and eliminates the 'I'm late because I didn't know what to wear' excuse.

Picking the Perfect Color

'Uniform' doesn't have to mean 'boring'. These days, the uniforms you choose can be as colorful as a child's box of crayons, or completely neutral and unassuming. Not sure which color to choose? Check out your company logo and choose one of the accent colors within it to bring out; or choose a completely different color that compliments it.

Working with a plain black and white business logo? You can even get inspiration for attractive uniform colors by looking around the interior of your work space and a palette that will look nice in your surroundings.

In terms of functionality, darker colors are favored by those wishing to minimize any stains showing (and who hasn't suffered from the first-thing-in-the-morning-coffee-spill?). Darker colors like navy, charcoal and black are especially good for those with inherently 'dirty' jobs like mechanics, technicians and factory workers.

The Right Fabric for your Enviroment

Unlike the old days of '100% polyester everywhere,' today's uniform buyer has a wide variety of selections when purchasing uniform imagewear for the workplace. For a climate-controlled office environment, heavy-weight, pre-shrunk cotton tops and cotton-twill pants are a practical choice; they feel great on the skin and look great on the staff.

In more industrial environments—a auto repair center for example—you never know what type of spill is around the corner (or on the floor!) Poly/Cotton blend shirts repel water and wrinkles, but aren't as breathable as natural fabrics; workers might be more comfortable wearing a cotton undershirt. Also, cotton or poly-cotton coveralls are an excellent choice to keep workers comfortable while keeping their personal garments clean.

Durability?

Choosing uniforms that are durable may mean a larger initial investment, but will pay divdends in the long term. Uniforms must be able to stand up to day-to-day wear and tear plus contonious washing, while still looking great. When investing in uniforms, consult your uniform provider about factors like stain and wrinkle resistance, pilling, snagging and even fire resistance.

Another excellent way to get real-world advice on uniform durability is to look around you—the next time you're in an establishment whose uniforms look particularly good, ask the office manager who provides their uniforms and if they've been satisfied with how well and long they've worn.

All Uniform Wear offers a full line of uniform apparel for work, medical, school, and corporate. Shop online at www.alluniformwear.com or visit any of our 22 retail stores throughout Florida.

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