When it comes to customising uniforms, selecting the right decoration method is crucial. With many different options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which technique suits your specific business’ needs.
This blog examines four popular decoration methods that are ideal for uniforms and their unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a subtle embroidered logo or an eye-catching all-over design, this guide will help you make your uniform memorable.
Embroidery: Adding Elegance and Detail
Embroidery is a classic and sophisticated decoration method commonly used on the left-hand chest of shirts, caps and beanies. It involves stitching the design onto the fabric, creating a raised, textured effect. Embroidery is particularly suitable for showcasing logos, monograms, or intricate details. Its durability and professional appearance make it a popular choice for corporate uniforms and team apparel.
Heat Transfer: Vibrant Colours and Fine Detail
When it comes to designs with multiple colours, intricate patterns, or short runs, heat transfer is a versatile and cost-effective option. This method involves using heat to transfer a design onto the fabric. It provides excellent colour vibrancy and allows for intricate details to be captured accurately. Heat transfer is an ideal choice when you need to customise a limited number of shirts or when the design requires precise colour matching and shading.
Screen Printing: Versatility for Large Designs
Screen printing is one of the most widely used decoration methods, renowned for its versatility and ability to create bold, high-impact designs. It involves applying ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting prints. Screen printing is particularly suitable for large design areas, making it a popular choice for t-shirts, hoodies, and the backs of work shirts. Its affordability, durability, and ability to reproduce intricate artwork make it a go-to method for many uniform customisations needs.
Sublimation Print: All-Over Design
For those seeking to make a statement with their uniforms, sublimation print offers a unique solution. This method enables you to achieve an all-over design that seamlessly covers the entire garment. Sublimation involves using heat to transfer dyes onto the fabric, resulting in vivid, permanent colours and exceptional detail. It is particularly effective for designs that cannot be achieved through screen printing or embroidery alone. Sublimation print is perfect for sports uniforms, event apparel, and situations where a visually impactful, customised look is desired.
Selecting the right decoration method for your uniforms is a crucial step in creating a visually appealing representation of your brand. If you need help choosing the right technique, we can provide personalised recommendations based on your desired outcome, budget, and timeline.
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.
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.
