Uniforms of Distinction

Take a day or two to scrutinize how employees are dressed in any business or establishment you enter (from restaurants to healthcare, to salons, banks, etc.) – and you may notice an imperceptible belief that the establishment is well-run. Uniforms have a way of conveying professionalism and expediency of business.

Ace Uniform, a company exclusively devoted to supplying uniforms for businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region, provides five reasons why uniforms can be appealing to your clientele:

• Promotes team spirit: If employees are dressed in the same logoed polo shirt and black pants, for example, they are more likely to interact with one another as a team and feel stronger connections with one another.
• Increases safety: For certain businesses (eg, industrial, utility, manufacturing, etc.), uniform garments that are fire-resistant or high-visibility will enhance their protection during the performance of their jobs.
• Creates a distinctive image: Employees who are outfitted in neat, attractive uniforms will convey the perception that the business is professional and will garner favorable impressions among customers.
• Enhances identification: Retail stores such as Best Buy outfit their employees with polo shirts in the company’s signature blue so they are easily identified on the vast floor space. Likewise, in auto dealerships, the mechanics wear specific uniforms that are recognizable from the parts and sales teams.
• Acts as advertising: Employees often wear their uniforms when they venture out on lunch hours and before and after work to do errands – so wherever they go, they are advertising your client’s business.
  

“The business/work landscape continues to change and evolve,” observes Taraynn Lloyd, vice president of marketing, Edwards Garment. Through the last five years, she relates, Edwards has seen an increase in promotional product distributors land uniform programs with their clients. “Distributors are learning that there is more business with their established client beyond selling hard good items. Understanding their uniform branded apparel requirements is a successful solution.”

Uniforms today are also keeping up with lifestyle trends, according to Aja Norman, marketing and events coordinator for Vantage Apparel. With technology increasingly essential in our everyday lives, uniform garments now sport added features that cater to these necessities. And these are perfect for employees on the tradeshow floor. “For instance, our Pullover Stretch Anorak has a hidden microfiber cleaning cloth attached to the underside of the pouch pocket. This is perfect for keeping tech clean of dirt and fingerprints,” she describes.

 Further, there are several trends in uniform apparel, notably for business events such as tradeshow exhibitions. Of note, the conservative formality is being overshadowed by more contemporary and edgy looks. “You’ll notice iconic styling and 80s and 90s looks as brands go to their archives for design inspiration. Think ‘Nowstalgia,’” she describes. “These are old-school favorites with revamped color and fabrication. Retro chest blocks, popovers, and varsity sleeve stripes are prevalent here.”

Streetwear influences are now showing up in a variety of business atmospheres, such as in sophisticated office attire, workout gear, and casual wear, Norman adds, advising to look for edgy styles, hooded silhouettes, quilted fabrics and bomber style jackets. Also adding to the trend are standout trim details including bold zippers, asymmetrical zippers, and chunky drawcords.

“Rugged silhouettes made with durable fabrics (eg, flannel, denim and canvas) and utility pockets in earth-tone shades are trending,” she says. Shirt-jackets (also called “shackets”), which is a jacket that looks like a shirt – featuring the spread collar and shirt tail bottom – are an example.

Other nuances to present to clients include non-traditional and unexpected details in construction and style such as button-down collars for a more sportswear look, a variety of neckline options with zip necks and snap plackets, and collarless golf shirts and full-button polos provide a laid-back feel and appeal to younger employees. Patterns commonly used in button-down shirts like plaids and palm prints are being used for polos, she adds.

Lloyd sees a growing trend is the concept of building a wardrobe, which is rapidly becoming an extremely popular trend for uniform programs.  “What this means is associates are offered multiple options to create their uniform apparel that builds their wardrobe,” she describes. For example, if the associate needs a uniform that requires three tops, two pants, and a jacket or vest, they will purchase three different color top choices, two pants (casual and dress) and one suit coat or vest.  “As long as they select from the garments listed in their corporate uniform guidelines, then it is simple for them to create a wardrobe that make them look great and feel engaged,” she comments. “Wardrobe building gives the wearer choices and makes the image of a uniform more appealing.”

Ace Uniforms suggests having your client solicit opinions from the employees who will be wearing the uniform garments. Consider their input on comfort, breathability, layering options, color combinations, logo placement, pockets for accessories, and ease of care. Employees will be more likely to enjoy wearing their uniforms and be more productive if they know their opinion counts.

There are more options for uniforms than ever as the term has relaxed quite a bit – making it much easier for you to increase your repeat garment sales. So don’t be hesitant to inquire if your non-uniform customers may be interested in stepping up their presentation to their customer-client base. Says Lloyd, “My recommendation is to never underestimate the power of the relationship that a promotional product distributor establishes with their client, even if a uniform program is something they have never fulfilled before."

CASE STUDIES
Aja Norman, marketing and events coordinator for Vantage Apparel: “A private beach club was looking to re-merch their uniform program with updated apparel their staff would enjoy wearing. The Vansport Pro Maui Shirt was offered for its mix of resort-inspired style and practical benefits. Made of premium moisture-wicking performance fabric with UV and antimicrobial properties, the Maui met all the client’s uniform requirements; trendy, easy-care, and comfortable for all day wear. The Maui was a natural fit for this club’s uniform, but we’d recommend it for anyone looking to bring a vacation vibe to their location or event.”

Taraynn Lloyd, vice president of marketing, Edwards Garment: “An Edwards promotional product distributor worked with a local hotel property to provide them with in-room products (pens, notepads, coasters) and just happened to ask one day about their housekeeping uniforms. The property manager told them that they were indeed looking for a new supplier and that they use a decorated polo and housekeeping pant. The distributor mentioned several new styles that may be just what they need and set an appointment to return with some storyboards to review.  The promotional product distributor received the uniform sale and with the help of Edwards was able to get the selected garments decorated and drop shipped directly to the hotel property within a week.” 

The result is the distributor would have never received the order if they didn’t ask about it.