Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to shed those winter layers! From refreshing wardrobe updates to must-have merch for outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how you can gear up for the warmer days ahead!
1. Revamp Your Wardrobe with Vibrant Staples
As the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with a splash of colour. At Red Roo Australia, we’ve got a wide range of clothing options that will make your spring outfits pop:
Polos in Spring Colours: Elevate your casual look with our collection of polos in bright, vibrant shades. These polos, for men or women, are versatile enough to take you from work to a weekend picnic effortlessly: https://redrooaustralia.com.au/product/mens-pilbara-polo/
Delta Dress: When the days get warmer, you’ll need something light and breezy to stay comfortable. Our Delta dress is designed for just that – easy, elegant, and perfect for those sunny spring afternoons: https://redrooaustralia.com.au/product/delta-dress/
JB’S Wear Hi Vis Arm Panel Polo – Long Sleeve: For those early mornings when the air still has a chill, our long-sleeved Hi Vis Arm Panel Polo is a must-have. Crafted with moisture-wicking fabric, it’ll keep you cool and dry even as the day gets warmer: https://redrooaustralia.com.au/product/jbs-wear-hi-vis-arm-panel-polo/
2. Spring-Inspired Merch for Outdoor Adventures
Spring is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Red Roo Australia brings you some fantastic merch to enhance your team or clients’ outdoor experience:
Stay Fresh and Delicious: The Zest Lunch Cooler Bag is designed to keep your teams or clients’ meals at the perfect temperature, ensuring that sandwiches, salads, and snacks remain fresh and delicious: https://promotionalproducts.redrooaustralia.com.au/item/113760
Vacuum Bottle in Bright Colours: Staying hydrated is crucial, and our vacuum bottles not only keep your drinks at the desired temperature but also come in vibrant spring-inspired colours: https://promotionalproducts.redrooaustralia.com.au/item/108574
Whether you’re looking to update your clothing collection with colourful staples or seeking the perfect merch for your clients and team members, we have everything you need to welcome spring with open arms.
Are you in need of ordering hi-vis vests for your workplace? Hi-vis vests play a crucial role in enhancing safety and visibility in various work environments. Whether you want to distinguish between contractors, visitors, and staff or ensure the visibility of workers during the day or night, choosing the right vest is essential.
In this blog post, we will address some common questions and considerations raised by our client, M. B., regarding hi-vis vests. Let’s dive in!
M.B.:
“I’m needing to order some different colour hi-vis vests for my workplace to indicate the difference between contractors, visitors, and staff. It says in the blog that the hi-vis standards for the main colours are red, orange, and yellow (lime green). Red isn’t that common, or is the blog referring to pink?”
Cassie, from Red Roo Australia:
“That’s correct if you need to meet industry standards. Red is not as common as it used to be, with most hi-vis workwear shifting to either yellow or orange. Pink shirts will only meet standards for night-time use (so long as it has a reflective stripe). Do you require hi-vis to be worn day to day generally? Or are you only wanting vests to identify visitors compared to staff?”
M.B.:
“Definitely day to day. A lot of our visitors and contractors go into our manufacturing plant and warehouse. The staff also go into these places as well day to day.”
Cassie, from Red Roo Australia:
“To ensure compliance with Australian Standards, it is preferable to stick with the base colours such as yellow, orange, and red when selecting hi-vis vests. These colours provide the necessary visibility and meet the requirements for daytime use.”
M.B.:
“Is the visibility tape on the vest only necessary for night-time work?”
Cassie, from Red Roo Australia:
“Yes, the reflective tape on the vest is primarily intended for night-time work when visibility is reduced. If you are just wearing the vests during the day, then reflective tape is not necessary. However, if you have forklifts or other machinery moving around a darker warehouse, having the reflective tape wouldn’t go astray.”
In summary, when choosing hi-vis vests for your workplace, it’s crucial to consider the industry standards, the purpose of the vest (e.g., identifying visitors, contractors, or staff), and the lighting conditions in your work environment. While yellow and orange are the most common colours, red is less frequently used in modern hi-vis workwear.
If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, feel free to reach out to us!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on a chat conversation with a client and is intended for informational purposes only. It is always recommended to consult relevant safety standards and regulations before making any decisions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workplace.
A Comprehensive Guide for the Construction, Trade and Mining Industries
Your staff uniforms are an essential part of your brand image. They not only reflect the style and culture of your business but also play a significant role in keeping your employees safe and comfortable while they work, especially if you are operating in the Construction, Trade and Mining Industries. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive 4-step guide on how to choose the perfect uniforms for your business.
#1 – Align with your Brand Image
The first and foremost thing to consider while choosing your staff uniform is how it represents your brand image. Your uniform should reflect your company’s values, culture and style. For example, if your business is more traditional, then a classic, corporate-style uniform might be a better fit. On the other hand, if your business is more laid-back and creative, then a casual and trendy uniform might be a better option. Make sure the uniform you choose accurately represents your brand and makes a positive impression on your customers and clients.
#2 – Comfort and Durability
Comfort and durability are essential factors to consider when choosing a uniform. Your employees will be wearing the uniform for extended periods, so it’s imperative to choose one that is comfortable and breathable. Consider the type of work your employees will be doing and choose materials that are suitable for their work environment. For example, if your employees work in harsh outdoor conditions, high-visibility workwear made of weather-resistant materials would be a good choice. On the other hand, if your employees are tradespeople, breathable polo shirts that dry quickly would be an excellent option.
#3 – Safety Requirements
Depending on the industry you work in, there may be specific safety requirements that your uniform must meet. For example, if your employees work in the mining industry, they may need to wear high visibility workwear that meets Australian safety standards. It’s essential to be aware of these requirements and choose uniforms that meet them to keep your employees safe and compliant while they work.
#4 – Customisation
Customisation is another important factor to consider when choosing a uniform. Whether it is adding your company logo through embroidery or screen-printing, or simply customising the fit and style, having a uniform that is uniquely tailored for your staff can help to reinforce your brand image. Look for a uniform supplier that offers customisation options and can help you find a uniform style that is trending and uniquely customised for your business and staff.
Also consider the turnaround time when looking for a uniform customisation supplier. Did you know? Red Roo provides the fastest turnaround time on custom uniforms – ONLY 10 DAYS, compared to the industry average of 6-8 weeks.
Ultimately, choosing the right uniform can make all the difference in keeping your employees safe and comfortable while they work, as well as in creating a presentable and professional look for your staff that leaves a lasting impression on your clients and suppliers.
We understand purchasing uniform for your staff is an investment. So, it is important to be getting value for money. You want it to be comfortable for your staff and durable for their challenges of their job, especially when your staff spends more time on-site.
There are cheaper options on the market, however you will quickly learn that it is false economy, with the items having to be replaced often, having implications on both your budget and the environment.
How To Pick Quality Hi Vis Uniforms
Here are 3 quick tips you can use to ensure you’re getting good quality hi-vis uniform (refer to the images above):
The seam lines will be double stitched and reinforced with over-locking – this will prevent seam lines tears.
The button holes will be finished neatly with minimal loose threads – a tight stitch on the button holes will mean that it keeps its shape.
Lastly, ensure the buttons are stitched using a cross stitch rather than hoop. (When you look at the button face on, there will be an X shape with the thread). There should also be a mound of thread on it rather than just 4 or 5 lines.
As with most things in life, not all hi-vis workwear is created equal, and what might seem like a cheap option, can leave you lacking in safety and compliance.
There are a few standards that legislate the workwear industry. They are the following:
It’s important to understand all three, and how they impact your choices and decisions in buying workwear for yourself or for your team.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS/NZS 1906.4.2010 (specifies the colours to use to meet the standard for hi-visibility)
This standard explains the use of hi-visibility fabrics and retroreflective materials for daytime use. It specifies the quality of colour levels (known as chromaticity) to which fabrics need to be dyed, in terms of performance and atmospheric pressures, in order to comply with daytime safety standards.
Natural fibre garments (cotton) have a lower chromaticity level due to the nature of the fabric. However, when a polyester garment is deemed a risk to the wearer in certain applications, (eg risk of ignition – electrical, gas, welding), cotton or wool should be worn in its place.
Orange, Red and Yellow (or lime as it is sometimes referred to) are the only three colours that meet this standard for daytime hi-visibility. While we have cotton shirts available in bright pink, bright blue and emerald green, these garments will not meet this standard.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS/NZS 4602.1.2011 (specifies the garment requirements to meet the standard for hi-visibility)
This standard refers to how a garment is made using fabrics compliant to 1906.4 above.
There must be over 0.2m2 of unbroken flouro fabric on both the front and back of a garment in the upper torso (this does not include the sleeves). The flouro must not be broken with non-flouro fabric within the 0.2m2 area on both the front and back from the top of the shoulders to the waist and MUST encircle the body up to that measurement. This means no full side panels up to the armpit level are permitted. This standard also explains the position of the retroreflective tapes on the garment and the width and quantity used. These tapes should not be less than the 0.2m2 measurement required.
You may see suppliers referring to a garment “meeting particular classes”, they are as follows:
Class D = Daytime use
Class N = Nighttime use, using retroreflective material
Class D/N = Day/Night use
For example, if they have listed a yellow polo with no tape, they may say in the description Class D. This means it meets daytime use only.
AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS 4399:2020 (specifies the garments ability to protect from the ultraviolet radiation)
This standard refers to the capability of a fabric to protect skin against solar ultraviolet radiation (known as the UPF = ultraviolet protection factor). This standard is an additional bonus to the garment rather than an essential requirement for hi-visibility standards but is often specified from specific industry users.
This standard would be particularly important for industries that work outside – for example landscapers, roofers, concreters and the mining sector.
Something worth noting when you are decorating hi visibility clothing is how big the logo or decoration is. If you screen print the back you may be making the garment void of meeting these standards, as it would contravene the standard requiring the fluoro fabric to be unbroken to a certain amount. We are careful to select and offer only compliant products for our customers.
If you would like advice on the branding of your hi-vis workwear, or on selecting the best options for your team, give our team a call on 07 3255 8755 or visit our shop to see just some of the products on offer.
Introducing a new Hi Vis shirt from Ritemate. There is nothing else like this shirt on the market being 100% cotton and 135gsm. It’s so lightweight and designed for breathability that it’s selling fast and there is only a limited first drop so if you want to place an order we encourage you to email through your order ASAP to avoid missing out on certain sizes of Ritemate’s Lightweight Shirt.
FEATURES
RMX New Generation, RMX Flexible Fit Utility Shirt, Two Tone with Perforated Reflective Tape
Size XS – 5XL
Colour – Orange-Navy, Yellow-Navy
Weight – Ultra Light weight – 135gsm
New Generation, Flexible Fit Styling
100% Cotton Ripstop Fabric and Mesh for Comfort and Durable Performance
Triple Vented, Unique Gusseted Air Flow Vents Located at Chest, Shoulders/Back and Underarms.
Air Flow Perforated Reflective Tape
Superior Garment Assembly, Bar-Tacks and Twin Needle Stitching for Extra Strength
UPF50+ Meets AS/NZS 4399:1996
AS/NZS 1906:4:2010 and AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 for High Visibility Day/Night Wear
You can email us to check availability or for any further questions. As during the summer months it can be difficult wearing longs so this Lightweight Shirt is a fantastic alternative offering more comfortability but still meeting the government restrictions on hi vis and long arms.
We sat down and wrote a few things about cotton as a fabric for uniforms. We’re quite often asked what is the best material for polos or what shirts will last the longest or look the smartest. Have a read through of the pros and cons and make up your own mind!
PROS
– Cotton is a natural fibre so it’s better for the environment as it’s biodegradable. When you select sustainable cotton you aren’t contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. So in a nut shell it’s better for the environment.
-Cotton is a breathable fabric. The natural fibre lets your skin breathe. It also absorbs moisture to keep your body temperature stable.
-Doesn’t hold body odour and when you wash cotton the material releases odorous substances more easily so no more smelly gym clothes or sweaty work shirts!
-Naturally hypoallergenic cotton is good for sensitive skin because it’s not dipped in chemicals like some polyester materials. Garments that are at least 60% cotton are less likely to be itchy, irritating, stiff or clingy.
CONS
-Cotton is a durable fabric but it can lose its colour and shape slightly when washed regularly. The overall life span may not be as long as other fabrics. So if you’re selecting darker colours like black and charcoal the colour may fade quicker.
-Cotton is not the easiest care fabric. If you’re ironing uniforms make sure the iron stays hot because you’ll be using it a lot! Cold wash, line dry and an iron is what is required to keep the fabric going for as long as possible and looking presentable.
So in the end it depends on your personal preference what material you select, cotton has great reasons both pro and con as to why you should/n’t select cotton for uniforms and it’ll come back to what you do while wearing the uniforms and what will work best for you and your needs.
The good news is if you’re ordering over 25 polos we will give you a trial one first to wear for a week to make sure that’s the one! If you want to order a test trial polo, contact us directly.
Now that it’s July a “new” year has begun! What a strange space we were in during the last quarter of the financial year with COVID-19. But, hopefully the EOFY celebrations were still had (with appropriate distancing). If you have a good relationship with your accountant you will know that you can claim deductions for buying and cleaning new uniforms. Especially those with logos, protective clothing and unique or distinctive uniforms specific to industries.
Uniform Budget Formula
If you haven’t forecasted your uniform budget don’t panic, luckily, for you we have created an easy to understand formula that will help for the 2021 financial year. Firstly you take the number of staff you have and times this by your uniform allowance per person. You can use the numbers from last year if you have them. Then times this number by the uniform turnover rate. Depending on what industry and jobs your employees perform this will be different for each business as the longevity of the uniform will range depending on its use. Voila! You will now have your uniform budget for the 2021 financial year. If the above explanation wasn’t clear enough then check out the graphic below!
Budgeting for your uniform allowance and making allocations for merchandise is an important part of your marketing strategy. It also heavily impacts the way that your brand is viewed. It’s said that customers will form an opinion of your business within 30 seconds of meeting your team member. Therefore wearing a branded, clean and industry related professional uniform will reflect well on your business as a whole. It will also, specifically in the mind your customers, show you operate a professional, expert and quality business.
Employee Uniform Checklist
The below checklist will help you ensure your employees are representing your business well. Ask yourself do our employees:
-Look professional when out in the field
-Have the logo easily visible, recognisable and reflecting your brand image
-Display clean uniforms free of stains, rips or fading
-Wear clean shoes (or as clean as possible) that are appropriate for their work environment
-Have appropriate belts, accessories and look put together in a way that customers will find respectful
If you said no to any of the above then it might be time to look at your uniform or the turnover rate. We offer a personalised service that can help you put together a look for your employees that will represent your brand well. You don’t even need to know the specifics of what you want, that’s what we are here for, to help!
You can view our uniform ranges here or contact one of our friendly staff for a free consultation.
Please note that this article provides general advise only. Refer to your accountant or the ATO for financial advise specific to your business and industry.
For uniform inspiration you can head over to our Instagram page @redrooaustralia
Polyester can get a bad wrap for being low quality and becoming smelly after a period of time – and yes if you skimp on quality and don’t follow wash instructions it can definitely be the case.
However, polyester does offer some great benefits, especially when it comes to uniforms.
Polyester clothes tend to way outlast a cotton-based item, making it more suitable to uniforms that are on high rotation.
Polyester will keep its shape, colour and fabric consistency long after you would need to replace a cotton garment.
It also tends to be lightweight which is great for the Australian climate. Its fast drying properties mean that those that do physical labour or spend majority of time outside in the sun, will reap the rewards of being dry in minutes, rather than hours.
Some tips when buying polyester garments:
Don’t skimp on quality
The better the quality of the garment the more likely it has been made it such a way that it will repel body odour rather than soaking it up.
Follow wash instructions
Following the recommended cold machine wash and no tumble drying will mean body odour does not get set into the fabric and the fibres won’t be compromised either, so they’ll look better for longer.
Fabric terminology
Look for mesh in the description which will mean that it is breathable. A smooth finished fabric will act like a plastic bag over a leaf on a hot day. Pique knits tend to be heavier in weight with a rough finish.
Natural fabrics have many benefits and have their place, but for long-lasting, durable uniforms, you shouldn’t rule out polyster.
