The Top Five Advantages of Work Uniforms

If you’re thinking about getting some uniforms for your office but aren’t quite sure if they are right for you, then you may want to look at the top five advantages that workwear can offer you.

1. Smarten your Appearance

First and foremost, wearing a uniform to work can help you and your colleagues to come across as highly smart and professional.

It has been argued that in some lines of work, staff who wear distin­gu­is­hable work uniforms are often more trusted by customers than those who do not. Being professional is the key to success, so it’s very important to keep your workforce looking smart and sharp. Whether it’s with a smart-looking buttoned-up shirt, plain polo or a work hat, incor­porating standardised apparel into the workplace will help both your employees and your business look more profes­sional.

2. Managed with Ease

Sometimes it can be rather difficult to get everyone looking right. Trying to ensure your employees look their best at all times can sometimes seem like a tall order, as what one person considers to be smart, another would see as quite scruffy.

Employees’ uniforms can help you to banish this problem for good, ensuring that everyone knows exactly what they need to wear at all times. Invest in some work-friendly apparel and you can make sure that you’re spending more time sorting out the issues that matter in your workplace and less time worrying about employees’ appearances.

3. Corporate Identity

Free branding alert! Alongside profes­si­onalism and manage­ability, work uniforms can also be a source of free advertising for your business.

If your logo is on staff members clothing and accessories, you will be promoting your company without even realising it. Travelling to work, taking a lunch break, even eating out at a restaurant means that company members will find themselves all across the local area and they will be promoting your company.

4. Sense of Togetherness

Do you find that sometimes your team members can’t work together? Or maybe they struggle to find some common ground over which they can build on? If so, uniforms could be the answer!

Workwear can bring people together, giving them something that they can all be part of. This experience can be rewarding and could not only help improve work relations but encourage a happier, more hardworking member of the team too.

5. Keep cost in check

Finally, it’s great to know that alongside all of these benefits, staff uniforms are incredibly cost-effective as well. When buying workwear in large quantities, you can save huge amounts of money that can be put to good use elsewhere in your business.

So, whatever you are looking for on the uniform front speak to the experts at Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

How to choose workwear uniforms

So, you want to plan out a new kit for your employees with a uniform that reflects and matches your companies needs comes with a few considerations.

Here is a quick rundown of the key points:-

1. How sweaty are your crew likely to get?

This is a very important factor to consider. Garments are made from cotton or polyester either 100% of either or a mix of the two. Cotton is considered a more comfortable fabric that is slightly cooler in hot working conditions. This is true but polyester does have some virtues that are worth considering especially when it comes to workwear. If your staff work in air-conditioned offices then cotton is perfectly fine. If your employees are outdoors in inclement weather conditions or they are doing active tasks that cause them to perspire then polyester or a garment with a heavy poly mix might be a better solution. Polyester has natural wicking and drying elements that means an active person will perspire but the garment will allow for quicker evaporation, cooling and drying which cotton simply cannot match. Sports garments are nearly always made of a synthetic like polyester for this exact reason. It also stands up to more regular and hotter washing which means those filthy jobs where garments are put through a wash rigour can last a great deal longer.

2. Do you have non-standard colour schemes with your brand?

When your graphic designer was given a brief to create an amazing logo and branding, they got carried away with the Pantone book! The result looked amazing when you opened the PDF they sent through the next day but wait!! They decided that they needed to cram 12 colours in your design with loads of gradients and some obscure colours that were all the rage right now. This leads to a lot of problems if you want your garments to match those colours and when we have to print or embroider the logo. Garments come in all the basics like Black, White, Navy, Red etc…and there are also lots of off-kilter colours and interesting tones and textures but there is a limit. We have compiled a list of some colours available with Pantone references for some of the main brands. If you want a garment in a colour that does not exist as a standard off the shelf then this can be done but you will need to buy in bulk and wait 6-8 weeks for them to be manufactured offshore. Our sales staff can provide advice on this point.

3. What decorative process is going to be best for you?

There are five options for garment decoration but in all honesty, only two are suitable for workwear. Screen printing or embroidery.

Screen printing is cheaper and works in most instances for images.

Embroidery is a little bit more expensive and only really is viable for small logos. The reason for this is that it takes longer to embroider a design and the number of stitches in your logo determines the price. The bigger the design, the more stitches, the higher the cost.

A screenprint is great for t-shirts used for short term / high staff turnover situations such as on a waiter/waitress in an informal restaurant setting.

Embroidery is best for a more prestigious look for smarter shirts or polo shirts or for chef wear and aprons, which needs to stand up to the rigours of repeat washing. Embroidery is almost impossible to wreck during the normal wash and wear cycles but screen print can be damaged by over washing or incorrect settings. 

It is not uncommon for us to embroider a logo on the breast of a polo shirt or t-shirt but screen print in the back. This enables a large graphic to go on the back of the garment but avoids the cost that a large embroidery would incur for that back image.

4. What is the objective for this garment?

Are your staff likely to be interreacting with customers or just in the general view of the public?

Is there a health and safety element that needs to be considered?

In a busy store or restaurant or at a trade show or wherever there is a ‘throng’ of human bodies, your guys need to stand out. Being on hand to provide a service that helps the sale is vital. Printing a big welcoming statement like ‘I’M HERE TO HELP’ on the back of the garment helps customers identify your staff. Using your personnel as walking adverts for your business with your website or phone number or whatever you feel is the most pertinent message on the back of a garment is also an opportunity that should be taken. If you are pushing a particular product at any time then ‘WHY NOT TRY OUR NEW VANILLA LATTE’, or whatever is also an opportunity to cross-sell.

5. What is your staff turnover rate and your growth expectations?

Like all purchases that you will make with your suppliers, the more you buy, the cheaper they eventually become. Screen printers and embroiderers work in price breaks so factor this into your t-shirt printing order. There are great savings when you hit the 50pcs and 100pcs price break so think about how many t-shirts you are going to get through in the next 6 months before you make your purchase. Remember that it takes about 10 working days for most print suppliers to turn your order around so plan for that opening or promotion or trade show you know is coming up.

For all your corporate clothing requirements please get in touch with Logos4Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

Work Shirts Explained

So, you are looking to find the right work shirt – we thought we would come up with a few tips to help you browse through our catalogue of personalised work shirts.

 Most customers tend to buy shirts that are described by the manufactures as “tailored” or “fitted” in the actual hope that it will look more professional and in uniform. What you need to understand is that everyone has a different body shape and only catering for two body types can be a recipe for disaster and can hit you in the pocket!

If you are buying a uniform for a team – try ordering some samples of different fits and styles such as slim fit, fitted, standard fit and tailored. You might also want to consider short, long and oxford shirts when you order.

Fitted Shirts

These are designed to hug your chest, arms and waist area. These shirts should feel snug but not too tight. If the shirt is too tight you will start spilling out. This style might not be the best style for you and your team.

Slim Fit Shirts

Slim fit shirts are designed to fit like a second skin and they are usually better for slimmer, more petite men and women. A slim shirt offers a curved hem, shorter sleeves which in turn makes the garment look perfect when it’s nicely tucked in.

Tailored fit shirts

These shirts are made for the average person. The garment offers more shape around the shoulder, sleeve and collar. They are usually a good bet for the whole team, but ensure you order the correct sizes for each team member!

Standard Fit shirts

Standard Fit shirts are made loose, with no darts or curved hems and often do not have collar buttons. This fit is very popular and it often offers a large range of sizes which all the other fits simply do not.

So, if you are looking for more advice with regards to fitted shirts, slim fit shirts, tailored fit shirts or standard fit shirts please do not hesitate to speak to the team at Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

Ten Ways to Upcycle Your Old Workwear

Here at Logos 4 Clothes, we understand the impact textile waste can have on our fragile environment.

As we all know synthetic clothing can take over 40 years to biodegrade, but 95% of textiles are recyclable it only makes sense that we should do whatever we can to recycle and repurpose our older pieces and save them from the landfill.

1. Safety first

If you have an article of clothing with reflective bands you can cut off the strips then attach them to whatever accessory of clothing suits you best. You could also sew these strips to jackets or backpacks for a safer stroll in the evenings, or even tie them around your ankles for some night time cycling. Also, you could repurpose an old reflective jacket for your dog to act as a little jacket for those night time walks.

2. Stay Warm and also Lower those Bills.

 No one likes paying more for their bills than they have to, and one easy way to reduce overall heating expenditure is by using draught excluders. But why not make yours yourself by using an old uniform at virtually no extra cost. Here’s a video of how to do this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqPcDkAJVbM.

3. Make Some Extra Money

If you’re a dab hand at sewing and D.I.Y. you can experiment with all your excess fabrics and create your products to even sell online similarly to the team behind the Bike Project charity (https://thebikeproject.co.uk/pages/mission). Proceeds from products sold on their website go towards helping refugees and there are plenty more ways to support their efforts.

4. Scrub Up and Save Up

According to recent surveys, the average UK households spend £125 on cleaning products every year – money they could spend on more exciting items in life! There are some products we can easily avoid buying. Like for example wet wipes and disposable cloths. It’s a shame for them to end up as waste, but it is also incredibly easy to fashion reusable alternatives at home. If you have any old uniforms or clothing maybe in a softer fabric (or other worn underwear, t-shirts you name it!) simply cut them up and into the necessary sizes. Scrub what you need and wash when used.

5. Help a Creative

The web is home a vast array of small artists and designers, amongst whom a significant number are involved in what is probably best described as an anti-fast fashion movement. With sites like Depop (described as the creative community’s mobile marketplace) hosting over 10 million independent merchants, these designers are not hard to find. Any many of them refuse to buy virgin fabrics – which is where you could come in.

6. Pass Them Dove to The Youth of Today

Remember, you don’t have to completely reinvent hi-visibility wear. If you have enough undamaged, usable fabric, you can simply save the best bits and fashion a new child-size vest. These are always useful for schools and day-care centres that take their kids on field trips. They would appreciate the gift.

7. Good Things Come in Small Packages

Why not make a bum bag following the steps and pattern in this inspiring video by the ProperFit Clothing company – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdgOzArP4Xs.

8. Get Nice and Cosy

Remember too much fabric for your current bum bag needs. No worries.

You may want to try a bigger D.I.Y. project like perhaps making a throw blanket or patchwork quilt. All you have to do is to save the best bits of each garment and go crazy with your artistic instincts!

9. Fun for Your Furry Friend

If you have a dog, why not create a snuffle mat? Dogs love them and they are simple to make. All you need is a pair of scissors, some old clothes and fabrics and a drain mat. Once you have these materials to hand follow these steps:-

• Cut your fabric into some long strips. Vary the sizes if you like, but ensure that they are long enough to complete the following steps.
• Loop each strip through two neighbouring holes in the drain mat. With the long ends facing upwards – away from the ground. Then tie them into a knot.
• Repeat this until you have every hole filled – going over holes multiple times if necessary.
• Tie any remaining strips around the perimeter of the mat to hide the rubber edge.
• Then, the fun starts…let your dog loose!

10. Reinvent to Look

For many years the world of fashion has taken a great deal of inspiration from labourer’s uniforms, but we are starting to see it go a stage further now for the sake of the environment.

Too many used uniforms have been discarded as trash and therefore save them from the landfill and you can do the same. Here are some little tweaks that you can do to transform a look. For example, why not embrace the cargo pant trend by attaching a decorative chain to the belt loops of your work trousers – any colour works.

Chains can be bought from eBay from as little as £1.39, whereas a brand new pair of carbo trousers can cost up to £45. So even if you’d rather gift this look than wear it yourself it’s certainly worth a try!

For more great clothing and workwear ideas why not speak to the team at Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

5 Reasons Why Creating a Uniform is a Great Idea for your Business

1. It Promotes Trust

In the same way that a police uniform identifies a law officer to you, a uniform can identify someone which is out in the future making a service call or travelling to visit a customer home. A uniform eases the mind of the customers letting a plumber into their homes, or handing over the keys to a motorbike mechanic when their bike needs servicing.

2. A sense of belonging

Employees wearing the same clothes feel a sense of commonness and belonging. This is quite difficult to achieve otherwise and adds a degree of motivation and pride for the employee.

3. Corporate Branding

When you ask employees to wear uniforms in your distinctive colours this can have a real effect in cementing an impression in the mind of the customer. Uniforms act as a further distinguishing mark from competitors and therefore helping to reinforce your brand. Furthermore, consistency in your employees’ appearance with the overall branding effort will have a very positive impression on the customer and enhance the corporate image you portray.

4. No need for a dress code!

In today’s workplace trying to enforce a dress code is very problematic at best. Often boundaries are hazy and this can lead to resentful feelings from the employees who are told their attire is not appropriate for the workplace. Some employees often see receiving a uniform as a perk of the job. Often it can encourage people to apply for a job and represents considerable conservation of effort and time for the employee who doesn’t have to foot the bill for their work attire.

5. Projecting Professionalism

In customer-facing businesses its important to look professional, uniform and ready to serve. Uniforms make staff identifiable, letting customers seek out help in a store if they need it. Staff wearing uniforms inspire confidence by letting customers know that the person is professional and with product knowledge and also keen to help. With uniforms, employees take on the reputation of the company making them look trustworthy as the company you have built.

For all your uniform requirements speak to the team at Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

The Evolution of the Polo Shirt

The polo shirt has been one of the best selling garments in history and we thought we would give you a trip into the past to see how this short-sleeved, casual garment is a true wardrobe staple and why it works perfectly to any uniform.

Polo-shirts and its name are quite recent in their creation compared to other items in your wardrobe. Their story takes us back to the 19th Century in India when the British soldiers decided to watch a polo match. As the sport grew in popularity and the British Military became avid fans and players of the sport they found that the traditional Polo attire of the time was not up to the job and they decided to add buttons to the collars to stop them flapping all over the place while they were playing.

As the 19th Century drew to a close, a gentleman called John E Brooks (grandson of the founder of the Brooks Brothers company based in America) came over to Britain on a European buying trip. While he was there he decided to watch a polo match and noticed the button-down collars the players were wearing.

John was so impressed he took the idea back home to America and Brooks Brothers proceed to apply button-down collars to dress shirts.

This shirt was then introduced in 1896 and became the iconic Button-Down formal shirt. In turn, changing the face of menswear. The shirt is said to be the most imitated item in the whole of the fashion industry and Brooks Brothers still call their shirts the original polo-shirt.

The next evolution of this famous shirt took place on the Tennis court. A gentleman by the name of Rene Lacoste found his tennis attire was rather uncomfortable, it was made more for fashion and looks rather than sporty function. He proceeded to redesign the clothing to make it easier to move in and perform so, in turn, took inspiration from the Polo players.

Lacoste developed a new use for the polo-shirt ad also, in turn, created a new fabric. He designed a short-sleeved white, loose-knit pique cotton shirt with an unstarched, flat collar with a buttoned placket and a shirt-tail longer in the back than in the front.

The aspects that were changed from the original tennis polo-shirt garment to the new design are factors that make it a great all-round item to wear both for work and leisure.

• The soft collar could be loosened easily by unbuttoning the placket.
• The short, cuffed sleeves solved the tendency of long sleeves to roll down.
• The pique collar could be worn upturned to protect the neck from the sun.
• The “tennis tail” prevented the shirt from pulling out of the wearer’s trousers or shorts.
• The jersey knit pique cotton breathed and was more durable.

Other sportsmen took heed and then replaced their current sporting outfits and swapped over to the Lacoste Poloshirt, the polo-shirt then became its own identity and with the economic boom and more relaxed popular culture, the shirt began to move more into everyday wear.

The last step cemented its place in every wardrobe (when it comes to every occasion) was when Ralph Lauren wanted to give his new fashion line a name. He took great inspiration from the royals and the wealthy and the result was Polo.

Since then the polo-shirt has spread across all elements of society – from the everyday hardworking labourer to the smart outfits to be worn at black tie events across the globe.

Logos 4 Clothes have a huge range of Polo-shirts on offer. For more information please visit our website or call 01400 230 180 or email us at info@logos4clothes.com.

What is the best workwear for pub staff?

It is really important to strike a balance between clothes that look the part and workwear that helps get the job done!

When it comes to deciding on your staff’s workwear, comfort levels, cost and style are priorities likely to spring to mind first. You may also want to think about whether sustainability is a priority for you and consider that when looking at different suppliers.

For multi-site operators, a set uniform across sites can consolidate your pub brand in the eyes of customers, especially when it incorporates branded elements like logos.

However, a less formal workwear code may prove to be the more affordable way to go. Operators say it depends on your pub’s selling point and atmosphere as well as what is practical.

Individual style is what’s required!

Allowing staff members to show off their style can sometimes work better than everyone kitted out in the same clothes. This will give staff the individual freedom to be quirky and allow them to express themselves. It leads to a more carefree look and feels. Some pubs encourage smart-casual but something that at the end of the day is still practical and more to the point comfortable to wear for many hours working behind a busy bar.

Some say don’t have too many hard and fast rules and embrace the different fashions that staff members can wear. Some places even encourage staff to wear more ‘party style’ clothing on Friday and Saturday nights and go with the more upbeat feeling of the evening.

Outfits must be presentable and shoes must be comfortable but also sensible too. Tatty and dirty clothes simply won’t cut it!

Open toe shoes and sandals can also pose a problem due to risk of cuts (because of glasses and bottles etc) or bruising and as you would expect high heels are just too dangerous to wear in a working environment where you are constantly on your feet.

Create the perfect atmosphere

At the end of the day, you need to create a welcoming atmosphere at your pub and what your staff wear can also play a part with this. Jeans are great to show your not too fussy, with maybe an apron that holds what you need i.e. a pen and pad. Wearing white shirts shows you are serious about your work and also clean and smart too. Some staff could wear a brewery shirt (if it’s going to be a long customer-facing day), the shirt would match the beers they have on sale that day for example.

If for example your pub is based in the highlands of Scotland, for example, you might like your staff to wear tartan pockets on their aprons because you are proud to be Scottish and go with the theme of the pub!

Be careful with the legislation!

Be careful! Some pubs have been faced with big fines from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after docking staff’s wages to cover the expense of uniform costs when this results in their pay being lower than the minimum wage.

Employers have a legal duty to issue their staff with protective clothing if needed and they cannot be charged for their uniforms if the result is that they receive less than minimum wage.

The dress codes can fall under (what is classed as a uniform) so please make sure that your staff aren’t charged or expected to pay for their workwear!

Changes in the seasons

As businesses look to planning summer offers and promotions, many will be hoping for a return of the scorching temperatures of last year. However, it is also important to consider if any seasonal changes needed to be made to uniforms or dress codes updated.

Lighter materials can help keep your staff looking professional in the sweltering temperatures. Ideally, you need to find the right balance of style, comfort and affordability that will ensure your staff enjoy their role more. You want to make sure that your staff are comfortable during their working shift – with no tight waistcoats or high heels… and remember a happy waitress/waiter makes for a happy pub guest and it starts and ends with comfort!

For more information on how to get the best out of your staff’s uniforms talk to Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230 180 or email us at info@logos4clothes.com.

5 tips for creating your logo

We all know the importance of a company logo. It could be the first thing a potential customer sees and it needs to be right! A logo can make your business instantly recognisable just by a stylish, simple design. Here are five tips that should help you on the way to creating your own new powerful company logo.

Establish your brand personality

Before setting off designing a logo, think about what you would like your logo to look like. Think about your company brand personality and how you would like it to be portrayed. What does your brand stand for? What are the aims and what image do you want to create in the minds of your customers. These questions will put you in good stead before designing your logo.

Research, research, research!

You need your logo to stand out from the competition. With this in mind, it doesn’t want to look too similar to anyone in your industry. Ensure you take a good look at the competition, small or big before you start designing.

Draw it out!

Back away from the computer now! Before designing your logo digitally, it’s a good idea to draw the logo on paper first. This is very important, especially if you are going to use the services of a graphic designer. Give them a clear, concise picture of what you would like – this will avoid miscommunication and constant design revisions.

Colour can be powerful

Making your logo stand out is vital. Colour can help to do this. Colours can evoke different meanings to a wide variety of people – If you think of green for example, people often think about the environment and eco-friendly ideas – when people think of red people usually think of love, strength, action and leadership.

Finally, how will your logo be used?

Before starting this whole project you need to think about the end game – where you logo will be used? Will it be embroidered onto your corporate wear? Where do you want your logo to be seen? You need to also create different variations of your logo that can be rolled out to multiple areas such as shop signage, billboards, websites, t-shirts and so on.

For all your corporate clothing and workwear requirements look no further than Logos 4 Clothes. Call us on 01400 230 180 or email info@logos4clothes.com. 

Your Spring Workwear Refresh

So, Spring is finally here and there’s never a better time to take a good look at your clothes and have a refresh. With the weather getting warmer, it’s a great idea to get some new lightweight layers to your workwear. Here are a few of our spring recommendations for you.

General benefits of wearing cooler clothes in Spring

The main benefit of wearing lightweight clothing in hotter weather is the coolness they provide. The lighter breathable fabrics allow more airflow over your body . Employees will feel fresh, cooler and more comfortable, as well as being able to perform their duties more efficiently, work harder for longer.

Lightweight Jackets

Whether you opt for either an embroidered or printed logo, personalised jackets will make your brand stand out from the crowd. Being lightweight your employees will feel cooler and more relaxed whilst working or representing your company. They also look very smart and fresh for Spring. Why not check out our great range of Spring 2020 Lightweight Jackets.

Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Sweatshirts and Hoodies are perfect for wearing all year round. They can either be worn layered up with body warmers or jackets or just simply on their own. Hoodies are a real favourite amongst our customers – they also come in a large variety of colours, so finding one to match your corporate colourway is no sweat! Sweatshirts are also a great inclusion to your spring workwear range. Both provide a great professional look whilst remaining comfortable and soft to touch. Why not check out our great range of Spring 2020 Sweatshirts and Hoodies.

What about a Gilet?

When it starts to get a little colder (and living in Britain we all know about this!) you might want to consider a gilet. They can make all the difference. Consider wearing them layered on top of a hoodie, jacket or even a sweatshirt. Opting for a gilet might eliminate the need for an additional thick coat. Check out our superb range of gilets – all of which can be personalised with your logo and don’t forget we have them in a vast variety of colours to match your corporate colourways. We also have a great range of padded body warmers too.

Finally, the essential: Polo Shirts

Good base layers are so important for a uniform. They need to be lightweight and comfortable. Polo Shirts always fit the bill and are extremely popular with our customers. They provide style and comfort in all seasons and are cost-effective too. They too, come in a wide variety of different styles and colours to suit your individual requirements.

So if you feel it’s time your workwear had a refresh, why not get in touch with Logos 4 Clothes on 01400 230180 or email info@logos4clothes.com.

School Leavers Hoody Ideas

Becoming more and more popular with school students and available in a wide variety of colours and styles. Theses hoodies can be personalised in many ways, a particularly popular choice is having all of the names of individuals from a particular class or school year which makes them great mementoes for school leavers.

Great Value Hoodies, with Great Quality

The design of the hoody can be tracked back in time to the middle ages; however, the concept of the school leaver hoodie has only been a recent one that occurred in the last 10-20 years or so. It’s commonplace to have the Badge or name of the school printed on the front of the hoodie and the back left to accommodate the personalisation side of things.

Situations and ceremonies that are more popular choices for having a leaver hoodie are times such as graduation from school, college, or university or an annually held activity group such as a camp or dance troupe. A lot of these moments will be an important time in a young person’s life when they are setting off on their journey into adulthood. This could mean leaving that way of life or certain people because of this and a leaver hoodie is a great way to create something that will be able to honour that for time to come.

The actual design of the hoodie isn’t customisable but the design of everything you want on it is. There are a few concepts that are generally used for this type of thing.

One idea is to have either your surname or preferred nickname and the year of the event that is being honoured, similar to team shirts used by professional sports teams. Another popular choice depending on the size of the class/group is to have everyone’s names that are involved on the same top with the year above, these tend to be more popular as you have records of everyone and not just yourself. A take on that idea is to have a large number on the back denoting the year for example 19 for 2019 and then to have the number made up of all of the appropriate names and titles required meaning at a closure look you can see the names but from further away it will appear as just a number.

Those are just a few ideas for creating a custom leavers hoodie, if you have any other ideas don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs.