This Is The Best Way To Buy Work Uniforms

Whether you’re outfitting a restaurant, school, or sports team, choosing the right uniform is a big decision. The right work uniform not only makes your team look more professional, but it also makes them feel more comfortable and perform better. This helps them be their best every day.

However, purchasing work uniforms can be a complex process. This is especially true when you need to balance quality, cost, and compliance with safety standards. Or when you have a large team of employees spread out across a region or country.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best strategies to streamline your uniform purchase. We'll look at assessing your needs to finding reliable suppliers and using online tools to simplify the entire process. Get ready to outfit your team with the perfect uniforms that meet all your requirements!

Assess your uniform needs

Gone are the days where you start flipping through catalogs and swatching fabric samples. 

Or even worse...you pass catalogs around to your team telling them to pick what they want. Ouch.

First, it’s important to assess your uniform needs and set clear goals for what you hope to achieve. A well-thought-out uniform strategy not only improves your team’s professionalism but also ensures that your employees are comfortable, safe, and compliant with industry standards. 

The first step is to identify the essential uniform items for each role within your team. Different jobs may need different clothes, so it's important to know what each department needs. For example, the ground crew might need lightweight fabrics while the electricians might need flame resistant clothing. By clearly defining the essential items, you can ensure that every employee has what they need to perform their job effectively.

Also, it is important to think about how the seasons can affect how comfortable and practical your uniforms are. The weather can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, and your location and type of business will determine specific needs. 

Lightweight, breathable fabrics may be more suitable for warmer months, while heavier, insulating materials may be necessary in colder seasons. This is not simply a matter of comfort; it also impacts the performance and morale of your team. Ill-suited uniforms can lead to discomfort and decreased productivity. By anticipating seasonal changes, you can ensure that your uniforms remain both functional and comfortable year-round.

Safety is an equally crucial aspect to consider. When necessary, your uniforms must follow industry rules to protect your employees and reduce possible legal problems. This may encompass using flame-resistant fabrics, high-visibility clothing, or specific types of footwear. 

For example, in sectors like construction or manufacturing, uniforms are often required to meet strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents. It is imperative to thoroughly research and comprehend these prerequisites before procuring work uniforms. 

Moreover, consider the daily tasks your employees undertake and select uniforms that facilitate these activities. For example, uniforms for warehouse workers should be made to make it easy to move around and be strong enough to last a long time.

Finally, establish a budget and replacement schedule to manage costs effectively. This can be tough to do when just starting out, but it's possible. Uniforms are a recurring expense, and planning for their regular replacement is crucial to maintaining a professional appearance and ensuring your team is properly equipped. 

Assess the frequency of replacements needed due to wear and tear, and incorporate this into your budgeting process. Consider different pricing models, like buying in bulk or renting, to find the best way to save money for your business. By thinking about your budget, you can make smart choices that balance cost with quality and functionality.

We're addressing what you need first because we've seen uniform programs spiral out of control. Where there are no processes in place to support your company's brand. By identifying what you truly need in workwear, you're able to save time and energy on future headaches by avoiding them.

Now let's look at where to buy work uniforms.

Compare uniform suppliers

Once you have a clear idea of your uniform needs, the next step is to compare the various suppliers on the market. This could be considered the most important factor because of the relationship you'll want to have with the uniform company. 

One of the most important factors to consider is the supplier’s reputation. A supplier with a strong track record of customer satisfaction is more likely to provide reliable service. To evaluate a supplier’s reputation, read customer reviews and testimonials. These can often be found on the supplier's website, but it's also a good idea to check other review sites and industry forums. Pay attention to common themes in the feedback, the responsiveness of customer service, and the reliability of delivery. If a supplier has consistently positive reviews, it’s a good sign that they are a trustworthy choice.

The quality and durability of the uniforms themselves are also important. But this factor comes with some context.

Most uniform companies, be they larger or smaller businesses, are simply suppliers. This means that they have very little control over the quality of the uniform you buy. That responsibility falls to uniform manufacturers. 

It's important to know that manufacturers specialize in sourcing great materials and building great products. The uniform company will specialize in providing great service with delivery, customization, etc. Each company plays a unique role in the life cycle of your workwear.

Pricing and bulk purchase options are also critical considerations. Work uniforms can be a significant expense, especially for larger companies or those with multiple locations. Compare the prices offered by different suppliers, but don’t make your decision based solely on cost. Look for suppliers that offer bulk discounts, as these can significantly reduce the overall expense. 

Some suppliers may also have promotional deals or seasonal discounts, so it’s worth checking for these as well. A final check to make is that you can save money by ordering online. This saves some administrative costs for the uniform company and can be passed on to you. However, always balance cost with quality and other factors to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Customization is another critical consideration. Many businesses seek uniforms that reflect their brand, often requiring embroidery, logos, and other brand elements. It is important to verify whether potential suppliers offer flexible customization options. 

Some may have design teams to help make a special uniform that fits a specific need. Others may offer a smaller range of customization services. It is essential to determine the level of customization required and select a supplier accordingly. This not only contributes to a professional image but also improves employee morale and brand recognition.

Delivery times and return policies are also key considerations. Lengthy delivery times can disrupt your operations, so it's important to find a supplier with fast and reliable shipping options. Additionally, review the return policy. A supplier with a flexible and customer-friendly return policy can provide peace of mind and help you avoid potential headaches. Be sure to review these policies carefully to understand the terms and conditions.

Use online ordering to streamline the process

It might sound strange to use this as a factor, but smaller uniform businesses might not have these kinds of resources. They may still be taking and placing orders by hand. The convenience and popularity of e-commerce systems have changed things, though.

Once you have a supplier in mind, consider how online ordering can simplify the purchasing process and save you time. Today, buying work uniforms is easier than ever. Online platforms offer a more streamlined user experience that is unmatched. This allows you to create individual employee profiles so they can order their own gear. Assign a spending limit or an order approval process and you've got a simple system anyone can use. 

A popular comment we get when suggesting online ordering goes something like this:

"But how will I know if it fits?"

A valid question, for sure.

We like recommending a fit line. It's like having the convenience of being able to try workwear on, without the hassle of dealing with reps from the uniform company. You order a range of sizes of core styles in your uniform, and your team gets the right size, on their time. It's more convenient than any other option.

Some companies are talking about building technology that lets you try on work clothes virtually, but these products don't exist yet. Frankly, we wonder if such a tool is truly possible. Clothing is a basic need and very personal at the individual level. For now, the safest option is to order the fit line.

Bulk ordering is another possible option with online ordering, but we don't see it often. The theory is to order everything at once in bulk to get a volume discount from the uniform company. While possible, it just isn't as convenient. Businesses would rather order online, by employee. When an order arrives, it has that employee's name on it. It can just be handed to that person. Bulk ordering means sifting through numerous sizes to distribute uniforms. It just isn't as convenient.

So there you have it. Hands down, the best way to buy work uniforms. 

With that said, if you absolutely love having to chase paper order forms, maybe this article won't help. Or if you want all of your employees to bring their receipts to show what they bought, this article isn't for you. We believe in moving forward.

We're fans of knowing what you really need, finding great people to help source it, and streamlining the whole process. There are plenty of great uniform companies that can help you do that. Our hope is that you can buy work uniforms easily so you can get back to doing your work sooner. Let us know how we can help.