Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sidestep the uniform companies and read a good magazine instead

Both Uniforms magazine and Made to Measure magazine deal with issues faced by the professional work force, but they're about more than publishing glossy photos of office uniforms. Both publications also provide useful information about various industry and service uniforms, such as fire fighter or police uniforms, and can keep you up-to-date on news and trends related to specific employment uniforms such as nursing scrubs.

I recommend: Uniforms magazine provides interesting takes on the latest news and trends in uniforms for all industries, while Made to Measure Magazine serves the uniform and career apparel industries, giving you an inside look at what's new in business uniforms.

Use dedicated websites to filter news about sports and business uniforms

From sports to office to hotel uniforms, finding an enthusiastic organization that's willing to dedicate its time and energy to either writing about uniform news, trends and history or aggregating stories about uniforms from across the Internet, will save you the time of searching stories out yourself.

I recommend: The Society for Sports Uniform Research gathers news and trends pertaining to sports uniforms, such as professional sport teams' uniform histories and logo design changes. Monsters & Critics offers up the latest world-wide news having to do with all types of uniform, including business, law enforcement and military uniforms.

Hook up with uniforms news and trends in professional blogs

Frequently updated weblogs dedicated to the latest in workplace and office uniform designs are one of the best resources for up-to-date information. Visiting these sites will also give you the opportunity to become familiar with individual bloggers' distinctive personal voice and views.

I recommend: Lydia's Uniforms is an informational blog that focuses on scrubs and nursing uniform style. The Workwear Uniform Blog is just what it sounds like: a blog site dedicated to the latest in business uniforms.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that smart suppliers of workplace uniforms will pay attention not only to the latest news and trends but also to reliable wardrobe staples that will stay in style--and thus guarantee a good return on your investment--for many years.

Guide to Workplace Uniforms

Uniforms build brand awareness, respect and team spirit

By Mary Sit

1. Uniforms can protect, identify, and foster team spirit.
2. You have a legal right to require a uniform, but you must pay for it if your logo's on it and can't be used elsewhere.
3. You can require a security deposit for uniforms, up to the replacement cost. You must return the deposit with interest when your employee turns in the uniform.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Design and approve a logo entirely on-line

First impressions count. Wow clients with your logo embroidered or heat-sealed onto clothing.

I recommend: TheUniformStore.com is a uniform supplier offers turnkey service online. Upload your logo and within 48 hours you'll get to approve a digital swatch and review prices. Land's End can embroider your logo on any of its shirts and match any colors specific to your business logo. The retailer can also heat seal your logo patch onto clothing, allowing easy removal.

Comparison shop for the best deal

Five or six uniforms, designed to last three to five years, will set you back $150 to $250, not counting the cost of cleaning and repairs. If you rent uniforms, you'll most likely be billed a flat rate you've negotiated. Uniform rentals run $200 to $300 per employee every year.

I recommend: Buyerzone.com provides free uniform quotes from multiple suppliers. A questionnaire evaluates your company's need, and then you'll be matched with up to five suppliers to compare price and quality. MidWest WorkWear supplies affordably priced Carhartt brand uniforms, along with free embroidery, free shipping and discounts on orders of 25 or more.

Use a supplier who specializes in your industry

You'll find more choices and possibly lower prices among vendors who exclusively deal with your industry.

I recommend: Ambassador Uniform supplies hotels, restaurants, country clubs, hotels, casinos. Also look at: AllHeart.com for the medical profession; AllHeartChefs.com for the food industry.

Quality counts

High-quality uniforms last longer, but you'll pay more. Most are made of a cotton/polyester blend, with a matching color shirt and pants.

I recommend: Restaurant owners check out Crooked Brook. This New York design studio offers stylish, made-to-order chef uniforms. Women can order different size tops and pants – and even maternity chef uniforms.

In harm's way? Get flame-resistant uniforms

Workers in manufacturing plants may need flame-retardant uniforms to help protect them on the job.

I recommend: WorkUniform.com offers flame-resistant uniforms that also resist aging, mildew and abrasion. Also check out Uniforms Manufacturing Inc. which offers chemical protective suits with Tychem 10,000.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's cheaper to buy uniforms than to rent them.
• •  If you rent uniforms, save money by choosing a firm along a route already being served or nearby.
• •  Uniforms can set you apart from the competition and project a professional image. But remember: It can also result in too much uniformity of thinking. Prisoners also wear uniforms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep employees comfortable in their business uniforms

Your employees will work longer and harder--and be happier about it--if they're comfortable. Knowing that you place their comfort high on your list of priorities is also a good way of boosting employee loyalty. Look for breathable fabrics that help keep employees cool and dry on hot muggy days, anti-microbial fabrics like bamboo or silver threads woven into other textiles to help eliminate odor, or waterproof, windproof and rainproof materials to keep your outdoor workers safe and dry.

I recommend: An article in Apparel magazine explains how uniform technology has advanced to make comfort possible in almost any environment. Whowhatwherewhenwhy.com, a division of Catalogs.com, has a helpful article on how to choose the right veterinary or medical scrubs, a perennial favorite for offices and other workplace environments where uniform comfort and functionality are paramount.

Make sure to offer company uniforms for women

Your female employees are every bit as entitled to a comfortable fit and decent look as your male employees, but one size doesn't always fit both genders. In order to keep your female employees happy and well kitted out, purchase uniform components specially fitted for women.

I recommend: An article at Image Uniforms discusses why supplying workplace and office uniforms for women makes a difference. Many suppliers of workplace uniforms, like Galls, make it a point to cater to those purchasing uniforms for female employees.

Hire a consultant to help with office uniform designs

What sort of message do you want your uniforms to convey? Are you looking for a uniform that declares company solidarity or one that puts your customers at ease? Letting a professional consultant help with your uniform designs ensures that your uniforms will convey exactly the image you're looking for, and that you'll get to take advantage of the absolute latest trends and advances in uniform styling.

I recommend: Creative Uniforms designs and implements distinctive uniform styling, such as their stylish front desk service uniform options. Cintas works with top-line fashion professionals and draws inspiration from the world's fashion runways to make sure that your uniforms stand out from the crowd.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Working uniforms should, above all, be practical. Carefully consider what sort of conditions your employees are likely to encounter, then gauge your prospective uniform choices accordingly. The most stylish uniform in the world isn't going to look very good if it's been worn to tatters or stained beyond recognition.
• •  Don't forget the importance of footwear. From sports to office to hotel uniforms, your employees won't be comfortable unless their feet are properly cared for as they work.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Branding

One big function of uniforms for any business is to put the business name and image in the public eye. Uniforms allow the public to identify workers, but they also reinforce 'brand loyalty' and company image to the outside world. That's why so many companies order uniforms to improve their visibility across many fields.

I recommend: Find out about uniforms for branding at Brand Managing.

Heat sealing

One main way that companies get their information onto uniform apparel is through heat sealing. A similar process is something people call 'iron-on' where an image is transferred through heat. Some of these heat transfer methods are pretty affordable, and with the right application, the uniform can look great and very professional.

I recommend: Find out more about heat sealing and other methods at Team Sports Planet. Also see Spot98 for more ideas.

Embroidery

Other businesses needing customized uniform apparel choose to go the old fashioned route, with embroidered or sewn patches for the company I.D.

I recommend: Find out about the basics of embroidery for uniforms at Squidoo.

Flame retardant uniforms

For businesses where workers will be subjected to industrial conditions, uniform needs might be more specialized. Flame- retardant uniforms help to safeguard worker health, and durable fabrics also help protect uniforms from heavy wear.

I recommend: Find lists of flame-retardant fabrics for uniforms at AllUniforms.

Uniform rental

Some businesses like to look into the comparative costs of other alternatives like uniform rental. The feasibility of rental is different for every business, so it pays to look into these options with a critical eye.

I recommend: Find more on uniform rental options at this guide from Valuation Resources.

Custom uniforms

Then there's the idea of 'customizing' uniforms. In nearly any industry, there is the option of altering a uniform to make it more in line with its use, whether you're a sheriff, a cook, a hospitality worker or a factory line technician.

I recommend: Get a directory-type resource for custom uniforms at Scouting the Net. Custom Uniform Company manufactures uniforms for wholesale or retail.