Uniform Do's and Don'ts: Top Tips

Shopping around for the perfect uniform for your business and staff can be challenging, regardless of your industry.

Every employee deserves workwear that ticks all the boxes. When it’s time to update an old uniform or introduce a new one, it’s important to consider some key factors.

Biz Corporates is here to provide you with a list of uniform do’s and don’ts to help you with your search – mainly because we know how easy it can be to get side-tracked!!

DO

Get a uniform that is good quality! Quality = durability

Regardless of the industry, uniforms will get dirty and grubby. A good uniform needs to be resistant to stains, sweat, water, etc. Quality uniforms are designed to last and stay looking fresh after multiple washes.

One of the simple ways to check that clothing is durable when shopping is doing the “tug test”. Make sure that clothes are properly stitched together. This means checking that garments are evenly stitched and don’t have loose stitches or places where some stitching is already coming apart. Gently tugging on stitches and buttons while shopping should ensure that the piece of clothing will not fall apart after a couple of washes or rough movements.

DON’T

Get garments that you or your employees cannot maintain

The first step is getting quality clothing. The second step is making sure that you can maintain the quality of your uniform. Certain fabrics require a lot more attention and care than just chucking them in the washing machine and dryer. Some garments should be hung to dry or hand washed to maintain their prime condition.

For example, elastics are ruined by heat. Workout clothing, t-shirts, and jeans are garments that commonly use an elastic blend. For this reason, these garments should be washed in cold water and left to air dry. Learning how to take care of your uniform will ensure the quality lasts.

DON'T

Cheaper is not always the way to go

A uniform that looks and feels cheap is more likely to be thrown away by your staff rather than trying to wash it and re-wear it. For example, hospital scrubs need to wash up well and last for longer periods. If you’re shopping for the cheapest option, your staff may be at risk of throwing them away instead of rewashing them. Cheaper items also aren’t made to last for as long as more premium garments are. Choosing quality uniforms will save you money in the long run.

DO

Keep your uniform for work only!

Even if you choose premium quality fabrics and garments for your employees’ uniforms, constant washing and continued use can damage the clothing. There is no way of preventing worn-out clothing, but there is a way of prolonging the life of your uniform. Reserving workwear and uniform for work only means fewer washing cycles, avoiding extra wear and tear of your garments.

DO

Get more than one option

At the end of a long shift, often the last thing your staff are thinking about is washing their apron or their scrubs for the next day. It’s important to have multiple options so that your team have enough.

For example, when we are talking about corporate workwear, jackets and trousers should be able to be mixed and matched with different skirts, shirts and coats to maximise the outfit options. Having a minimum of two jackets and three bottoms will ensure you always look presentable.

DON'T

Comfort does not look the same for everyone

Your employee's opinions on what is comfortable will vary. Offering a wide range of sizes and fitting options to all different body types and ages is key to ensuring your employees are comfortable on the job. At the same time, if you have the opportunity, get some input from your employees before purchasing. By asking them their opinion and making them part of the decision process, you might have a better understanding of what they are comfortable with. You might even get more information on textiles, styles, and elements that you haven’t considered yet.

DO

Keep it on-brand

It is essential to keep your brand in mind when browsing through your uniform options. Being sure of who and what your staff will be exposed to while representing your brand can significantly impact how your company is viewed. If your brand is focused on being modern and professional, you might want to focus on a simple design with logos. Whereas, if your brand is targeted at parents of young kids, more colourful shirts and pants might be more appropriate. Remember to consider where your logo will be embroidered or printed on the garment.

DON'T

Race through fabric checking

The fabrics you choose should be comfortable, easy-care, and suitable for the job. Your employees will be wearing whichever uniform you choose for long periods. Take into consideration selecting comfortable fabrics that they will be happy wearing during all different seasons. Avoid materials that can be uncomfortable or feel rough to the touch.

Fabrics that are easy to take care of will help your staff maintain their uniforms when trying to clean or wash them. Avoid garments with confusing or difficult care instructions.

Certain materials and fabrics are more suitable for specific jobs. For example, if your employees work in extreme weather conditions, you might be looking for water-resistant fabrics or blends of cotton and polyester. If your staff work in a corporate environment, they might be more comfortable with cotton.

Choosing a brand that picks comfortable and quality textiles that are good blends and are transparent about it should be on the top of your list.

DON'T

Ignore industry requirements

You might have a particular design and style in mind for your employee’s uniform. However, not every design will work for every job type. The uniform you choose for your staff must be functional for the specific kind of job they have to do.

Having a list of specific tasks while you are browsing for uniforms will help you to consider the nature of the job. For example, if you are looking for a sports team uniform, you might want to prioritise sweat-resistant uniforms.

Ensuring that you have high-quality uniforms as an option does not only rely on you. Manufacturers need to introduce clothing designed to be reused, recycled, and redesigned. Making sure that you prioritise brands with these options will show the industry that their customers value those sustainability changes. Biz Corporates has a wide range that considers the sustainability of garments, comfortability of fabrics, range of different sizes and cuts, and are transparent with the textiles chosen and their various features to make your uniform picking process easier. Head into your closest stockist today.