Your employees are your brand ambassadors. A company that has uniquely identifiable employees who are enthusiastic about the brand does wonders for marketing. Company pride is a matter of many little things. Strong brand equity for employees translates into strong brand equity for customers. Being mindful about your branded merchandise and corporate custom apparel is a smart way to acknowledge your employees as brand ambassadors.
But when it comes to company-branded apparel, not just any items will do. No one cares for scratchy or unflattering t-shirts. Lack of attention to what employees are given to wear is a clear signal to your customer that quality is not a core company value. For those who need to perform in branded workwear, outfitting employees in substandard gear is the same as giving them a hammer for a job that requires a screwdriver. Comfortable and appropriate gear means their tasks are done without distraction - and they look good doing it!
When you want your marketing dollars to work at work, consider these key factors when choosing an apparel vendor:
Quality
Look for indications that thought was put into the clothing’s design. Details like reinforced pockets, tapered hems, stitched sides, and options that use moisture-wicking fabrics rather than plain cotton. High quality manufacturers will also provide warranties against defects in workmanship or materials so you can be confident as you place your order.
Avoid limited descriptors on product pages. When you visit an item’s page can you learn what the fabric is like? Is there an easy indication whether the shirt can be custom printed? What stitching techniques were used? If the answer is no, it’s an indication that the distributor doesn’t know and the quality is not very good.
Safety Standards
Look for required safety certification and standards. Workwear can be customized and still retain safety certifications. Look for all hi-vis gear to be marked with its ANSI class rating and each item of any fire-resistant line to list the appropriate standards.
Avoid clothing options that lose their safety certifications once they are customized. Keep an eye out for any clothing options that make safety claims without evidence of full compliance to industry standards.
Comfort
Look for options that let your crew members stay warm without added bulk that might impede movement.
Avoid shops that have limited options. A variety of products and categories removes the hassle of working with multiple vendors who have different standards, costs, guaranties and sizes to manage. Your full seasonal needs should be considered when choosing a vendor. For example, the shirts worn by a landscaping crew in the summer are not going to need the same features as those same employees running a snowplow in the winter.
Fit
Look for standardization in sizes. Only a handful of people might fit the standard small, medium, large, XL sizes offered by some shops, and many companies need the flexibility of inclusive sizing from small to 4XL, and an extensive women’s wear clothing line designed for women’s bodies. No matter their size or gender, every member of your team deserves a uniform that makes them look sharp.
Avoid one-size-fits-all nonsense. When your employees are being physically active, you need apparel that will move with them. Clothing that comes in limited sizing options can constrain, bunch, pull, tug, or sag.
Sharp Graphics
Look for in-house graphic options with no art charges.
Avoid cheap silkscreen options.
An interesting study done on the impact of employee uniforms on job satisfaction in the hospitality industry revealed that wearing a uniform positively impacted employees’ ‘belongingness’ and job satisfaction. A nicely uniformed employee is a satisfied employee that takes pride in both their appearance and the brand!
High-quality uniforms = High-quality business
Are you ready to put your marketing dollars to work and increase employee satisfaction? Find out why KEY Apparel can help your team stand out with transparent pricing, no order minimums, simple reordering, bulk discounts, easy online ordering, and apparel options suitable for all work types.
