When it comes to uniforms, today’s workforce wants to look their best while on the job—and transition into after-work activities seamlessly. The fabrics need to be high-performance, comfortable, and fashionable. Demand is growing for shirts, polos, woven shirts, fleece jackets, vests, and aprons in the hospitality, construction, food/beverages, and crafts industries that feature wrinkle-resistance, wicking, stretch, contemporary styling, and ease of care.
According to Aja Norman at Vantage Apparel, a top trend in the uniform market is the addition of performance features in traditionally non-performance garments, such as garments with moisture-wicking properties. The primary drivers of this trend are consumers’ demand for additional comfort and styles that can be worn in and out of the office, she says.
Edwards Garment Company’s Taraynn Lloyd believes that “anything hospitality” is trending—including hotels, restaurants, catering, event centers, and even amusement parks. “The robust economy and the building or opening new venues daily is driving these trends,” she explains. “The opportunities in most markets are tremendous, and since the promotional products distributor is at these properties providing hard goods, adding uniforms to assist the property with their brand is a natural extension of the service provided.”
With regards to aprons, upscale aprons featuring unique fabrics and construction methods are popular, says Pam Pennington of Aprons, Etc. “Entertainment cooking shows and upscale kitchen supply shops have fueled the interest in an apron that offers style in addition to protection,” she states. “Smaller and mid-size restaurants are seeking to upgrade the appearance of their servers and staff with goals of refined image and the associated benefits to brand awareness for their business.”
Due to the increased costs of uniforms and laundry services, Grethe Adams of Southern Plus adds that aprons continue to sell well because they protect clothing and uniforms from spills and stains, which reduces laundry costs.
When it comes to work uniforms for blue collar industries, Fred Haws of Haws USA notes that trends mirror those in the hospitality industry, with the younger workforce focused on fashion, functionality, and performance, in addition to wanting to look good on—and off—the job. “These clothes become part of the worker’s identity,” he emphasizes, “no matter where they are.” Additionally, garments for these types of jobs must not only be moisture-wicking, but also durable to deal with heat stress. He adds that it is all about the pants in this sector of the market, and that workers are demanding ergonomically designed, high-performance pants with a wide leg.
An array of new and popular selling garments more than adequately addresses trends in uniform wear. Vantage Apparel’s best-selling, tried-and-true polo is the Vansport Omega Polo (Men’s 2600 Women’s 2601), which Norman notes has many benefits such as moisture wicking, no-curl collars, and resistance to snags and wrinkles. The company’s Strata Polo (Men’s 2795 Women’s 2796) is a go-to for a textured uniform piece. “This double-knit fabric creates interesting texture on the face but has a smooth back so it’s comfortable against the wearer’s skin,” Norman maintains.
Edwards Garment Company has added a variety of new styles that complement its traditional wear. “We are now offering more stripe and check shirts, polos in bright colors, fleece vests, and sweater knits, and slim chinos with stretch for that younger audience,” Lloyd states. “Additionally, we’ve updated our apron collection with color blocks and wide chalk stripes.” The company’s best sellers include microfleece vests, slim chinos, and stripe/tattersall woven shirts.
A new line of aprons is being rolled out this fall at Aprons, Etc. “Our Kitch Style aprons will feature premium fabrics including textures, colors, denims, and 100 percent cotton fabrics,” Pennington comments. “Colors will be mainly earthy, but popular colors will be included.” The line will include bib aprons, half waist aprons, and bistro styles. Bib aprons remain the company’s top seller.
Adams at Southern Plus adds that the company’s best sellers include the Bistro Apron and Café Apron. The Bistro Apron is a full-length apron with two patch pockets at waist level, available in both a twill and poly/cotton fabric. The Café Apron, also available these fabric options, is a heavy-duty waist apron with a pouch divided into three equal compartments.
In order for distributors to promote uniform items to their clients, promotional products suppliers recommend a thorough knowledge of the products. “Consider the cost of replacement uniforms, as well as the look of uniforms that have stains, and excess wear and tear,” Adams of Southern Plus explains. “The best uses for aprons are in the hospitality, construction, hobbies and crafts, and food/beverage industries. They can be a colorful enhancement to the uniform’s look, offer peace of mind and protection, as well as offer up additional pocket storage for tools of the trade—whatever that may be.
“Southern Plus offers seven different styles of aprons suitable for almost every need,” she continues. “We offer three waist aprons and four bib aprons. Bib style aprons are typically used when the primary need is protection from spills and stains. They cover the majority of the front of the user, some with pockets and some without. These are most common in food preparation/serving and crafts where stains are imminent. Waist style aprons are just worn in front from waist down, and offer some protection, but mostly are used for the additional storage of the pockets. These are more common in construction (holding nails and tools), or hospitality and food service (holding order pads, pens, and condiments).”
Aprons Etc.’s Pennington expands on Adams’ sentiments. “Aprons represent a way to help clients upgrade and update their brands in a very visible way,” she states. “Since they are a functional uniform, it allows some of the costs to be pulled from existing budgets. All fabrics and trims in these aprons are able to be cared for in a home wash environment, so you don’t have the worries associated with similar aprons that may be non-washable leather trims or details.”
“When a promotional product distributor is discussing hard goods with the restaurant owner, ask them if they have a need for new uniforms,” Lloyd of Edwards Garment Company suggests. “It may be a simple as changing up their apron or adding a fleece jacket to those servers who run food curbside. And, they should always remember to offer decoration services.”
To sell workwear and uniforms, Haws at Haws USA says that nothing speaks better than samples or a test trial. “These pants need to be touched and worn, especially because of the higher price point,” he emphasizes. “This will decrease returns. It is up to the distributor to sell that value. They may cost more but will last three times longer. Plus, employees will feel valued by their employer, and feel proud wearing the uniform.”
Norman of Vantage Apparel adds that distributors should always remember to emphasize the versatility of the garments. “Customers are always seeking out versatile products,” she says. “The Omega and the Strata can be easily transferred from the office to leisure activities.”