Things to Consider Before Buying Uniforms

Uniforms can establish an impressive image for your company. They can also help protect workers, especially in the harshest environments.

Whatever your reasons are for choosing uniforms for your company, you should consider a few things before making any major purchases or agreements. These options can help your budget and increase the safety and security needs of your employees.

In this article, we'll quickly review the most important considerations to make before buying uniforms. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive picture as to the need for uniforms and workwear in the workplace.

Because even though we sell uniform programs to businesses, what's most important to us is the health and stability of your business. If uniforms aren't a fit for you, that's okay with us.

So let's jump in. We'll start with a question.

Why are you even considering uniforms?

One of the most important things to think about is why you are getting uniforms for your company and employees. Is it a safety issue? Security need? Do you want to establish your brand or image?

Knowing why you want uniforms can then determine the style, comfort factor, which level of employee needs a uniform, and the durability or selection of fabric. These factors determine the cost of the uniform, as well as how effective it will be in your specific industry.

Should you buy or rent your uniforms?

We've written a more extensive article on considering whether to buy or rent your uniforms, so we won't get too deep here. The short version says to consider employee turnover and wear and tear on the workwear.

When choosing which way to go, think about how big your company is and if all the workers will wear uniforms or only some will. You should determine volume before contacting vendors.

Also consider the maintenance of the quantity of uniforms you are considering. Will your organization be responsible for the upkeep of the uniforms, or will the individual employees maintain them. Laundering can affect your overall budget.

Another important thing to consider is how safe your work environment is. Uniforms play a major role in safety.

Do you need uniforms to help keep employees safe?

If you work in an industry that requires certain safety rules, it may be better to loan your employees more expensive uniforms. Instead, you could have them buy a few t-shirts that they then own to wear and take care of themselves.

Considering what fabrics would work in the work environment and colors as well, can affect quality and price. Do your employees need a heavy-duty fabric day-to-day, or would a simple cotton/poly blend work for them? Single-color fabrics can often be cheaper.

Dangerous work environments, where employees face significant injury, are obvious choices for requiring uniforms for employee safety. Heavy construction, low-light conditions, and natural gas / electricity are three dangerous examples. Environments like these often require high visibility clothing or flame resistant clothing to benefit employees.

What about your brand?

Adding your company logo is rarely second-guessed. You want your market to see your brand when your employees are working in the field.

But is it necessary?

Printing on both sides of a shirt, or using multiple colors in a logo can affect the price. Likewise, consider volume, the more you order, the smaller the unit price is, which does affect your bottom line.

Logos on uniforms can make workers feel good about their jobs and confident. They can also help you advertise your business if your employees wear their uniforms when they are not at work.

Before purchasing uniforms for your company, consider practicality, marketability, and price. Your organization should not be defined by a poorly made, ill-fitting uniform. Consider the volume of uniforms you are purchasing, and think about the colors.

Choose whether you want printing on the front or back, or not at all. Choose how many colors you want in any logos or printing you use. A good quality fabric that accommodates a variety of sizes and shapes, as well as options for both male and female employees will make a huge difference in your company’s image.

Thinking about why you want uniforms for your company can help you decide who wears them. You can also think about the style, fabric, rent vs buy, and the budget to help you choose the best option for your business.