Is your team leaving the impression you want them to make? Common mistakes in branded employee uniform selection can say a lot about your team even before they greet customers with a smile. In seconds, uniforms communicate a lot to potential customers about your professionalism and brand—because, as we all know, people often judge a book by its cover.
If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your team’s uniforms, you’re already ahead of companies that have yet to realize the untapped potential of an apparel upgrade. Not only will a new look enhance your company’s image, but it will also make your staff feel valued, allowing them to wear their new gear with pride.
In this blog, we’ll cover three key factors to consider when assessing a new uniform style. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices that benefit both your business, your employees, and even your customers!
Factor #1: Uniform Quality and Durability
When employees agree to work for you, they also commit to wearing your uniforms, for better or worse. That means the uniforms need to look sharp and feel good. While higher-quality fabrics and durable materials may come with a slightly higher upfront cost, they last longer and save you money in the long run.
The market for fabric options has expanded dramatically in recent years. You can choose from moisture-wicking, anti-wrinkle, no-pill, ripstop, and breathable options, ensuring you find something that works well for your workforce and your budget.
Browse thousands of options in our catalogs and find the perfect fit from top brands like Carhartt, North Face, Eddie Bauer, Port Authority, and Nike—trusted for quality, durability, and comfort. When you find something you like, you can quickly add items to your cart and check out—no payment needed now; we’ll follow up to confirm the final details.
When your staff is happy and comfortable in their attire, they’re more confident and productive, leading to improved performance and greater job satisfaction. Satisfied employees also mean less turnover, reducing the need for frequent replacement uniforms.
Factor #2: Uniform Branding and Decorating
Your employees’ uniforms serve as a walking billboard for your company—what message are they sending? Are they all conveying a consistent image, or are skewed logos, incorrect colors, and unreadable fonts telling different stories?
Brand consistency is vital for recognition. When customers repeatedly see the same message, it sticks and reinforces how unified your team is. The design you choose is equally important. When decorating apparel, consider durability, the typical work environment, and comfort for the wearer.
Find the perfect decoration for your brand with the ability to choose from a variety of custom design and decoration techniques offered by Righteous including some of the most popular:
- Corporate logo embroidery
- 3D rubber patches
- Woven tags
- And more!
Factor #3: Employee Comfort and Practicality
We’ve touched on comfort in relation to other elements, but here we want to focus specifically on the importance of dressing employees in a way that keeps them happy. If employees feel restricted, overheated, or uncomfortable in their uniforms, it will show in their posture, energy, and engagement.
The right fabric choice ensures they stay comfortable and productive throughout their shifts. But comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different jobs require different solutions, and the best uniform materials balance breathability, durability, flexibility, and protection based on the work environment.
Choosing the Right Uniform Fabric for Your Industry
- Moisture-Wicking Polyester Blends – Ideal for hospitality, healthcare, and fitness. These fabrics pull sweat away from the body, keeping employees cool and dry in fast-paced, high-energy environments. Example: A moisture-wicking polo keeps restaurant staff fresh during long shifts.
- Ripstop Fabric (Poly-Cotton or Nylon Blends) – Best for construction, manufacturing, automotive, and security jobs where uniforms take a beating. This fabric resists tearing and stands up to tough conditions. Example: Work pants with reinforced knees ensure durability for construction crews.
- 4-Way Stretch Fabric (Spandex Blends) – Provides flexibility and all-day comfort for healthcare, retail, and office environments. Great for employees who are always on the move. Example: Stretch scrubs let medical staff work freely without restriction.
- Breathable Cotton Twill – A soft, polished option for retail, hospitality, and customer service roles. This fabric offers comfort while maintaining a professional look. Example: A cotton twill dress shirt for front desk staff looks sharp but remains breathable for long shifts.
- No-Pill Fleece & Softshell Jackets – Perfect for outdoor workers, delivery drivers, and warehouse employees. These fabrics provide warmth without bulk and maintain a professional look in cold conditions. Example: A softshell jacket keeps delivery drivers warm while allowing mobility.
- Antimicrobial & Odor-Resistant Fabrics – Designed for healthcare, food service, and fitness industries, these fabrics reduce bacteria buildup and prevent odors. Example: Antimicrobial aprons help kitchen staff maintain hygiene and freshness.
- UV-Resistant Fabric – Essential for landscaping, construction, and outdoor event staff, these materials protect against harmful UV rays. Example: A long-sleeve UV-resistant work shirt keeps landscapers safe from sun exposure.
- Water-Resistant & Quick-Dry Fabric – Best for janitorial, transportation, and outdoor workers. This material repels water and dries quickly to keep employees comfortable. Example: Quick-dry cargo pants help janitorial staff stay dry during cleaning shifts.
- Flame-Resistant (FR) Fabrics – A must-have for oil & gas, electrical work, and heavy industry. These fabrics offer crucial protection from fire hazards while ensuring comfort. Example: FR-rated coveralls keep welders safe from burn risks without restricting movement.
Explore our best selling employee uniforms and promotional product collections by industry.
Prioritizing Uniform Practicality
Beyond fabric choice, workwear should enhance performance. Ask yourself:
✔ Does the apparel allow for full range of motion?
✔ Are there enough pockets for tools and essentials?
✔ Is the fit comfortable and inclusive for different body types?
If you’re unsure what your employees would prefer or how their uniforms could better support their performance, just ask! They’ll appreciate the opportunity to share feedback, especially if it could lead to improved uniforms in the future.
Elevate Your Team’s Look with Righteous
Your uniforms should work as hard as your team—providing comfort, durability, and a polished brand image. Righteous makes uniform upgrades easy with expert guidance, flexible pricing, and custom branding tailored to your industry. Whether you need new, high-quality gear, a refined brand look, or better comfort for your employees, we’ve got you covered.
For large organizations, our custom online company stores simplify uniform management. Employees can shop pre-approved gear, place orders, and receive shipments directly—no more tracking sizes or handling logistics in-house. Ideal for nationwide teams, our end-to-end solution covers everything from product selection to fulfillment.
Create a Uniform Program That Makes Your Team Proud to Wear Your Brand
Explore our custom company store program today and download our free eBook, How to Strengthen Your Brand with a Company Store, to see how an online store can streamline operations, boost employee satisfaction, and showcase your brand with confidence.
Ready to Refresh Your Team’s Look?
Righteous helps businesses eliminate the guesswork of uniform upgrades with expert corporate branding guidance, top-tier apparel options, and custom branding solutions that fit their needs. Request a Free Quote and a member of the Righteous team will reach out to schedule a meeting to get started.
