Custom Uniforms:  Meeting Individual Needs

Few garments are as frequently custom made as uniforms. While buying custom uniforms do not always involve having the entire garment made to spec, some kind of custom feature is often requested. Uniforms, after all, are worn by the workers or members of a particular company or team. Each company has its special needs, and its own name, logo, and identity.

Even if it’s just a matter of placing a custom order so that a company logo can be embroidered onto every shirt, custom ordering is very popular.  Of course, there is a host of different ways to custom order uniforms. As with any special ordering, there a number of considerations, practical, aesthetic, and financial, to consider when ordering custom uniforms for one’s staff.

What kinds of businesses and institutions custom order uniforms? There is a staggering array, in fact.  Most people will immediately call to mind hospitals, all kinds of clinics and nursing homes. But theme parks and entertainment centers, and movie theater chains also provide uniforms for their employees and take the time to custom order them. Even drugstore chains often have some kind of company uniform even if they’re less conspicuous and more “civilian” looking than, say, the uniforms worn by hospital workers.

A major part of customization involves the affixing or printing of company and institution names and logos on the uniform garments.  Names and logos can be cut and sewn or embroidered onto the custom uniforms.  Many companies, desiring an attractive and distinctive look, also specify which color schemes they wish to have for their names and logos.  Beside the name of the company or institution, many garments are custom ordered to include the name of individual workers. This is a way to lend a personal touch to custom made uniforms. Certainly, workers come in all shapes and sizes. Uniforms must be made to fit the different body types found on the staff of any business or large institution.

Depending on the type of work conditions, garments can also be ordered in a variety of materials. Cost obviously plays a role in determining which fabrics a company will order when they have their uniforms custom made. Another concern to consider are the practical needs of the workers. If staff needs to carry writing implements or tools, custom uniforms can be manufactured so as to include extra pockets and pouches.  Decorative elements of custom designed garments include should straps, cloth striping, epaulets, and braids.

Any company considering the purchase of specially made uniforms must have a very good, very detailed idea of just what practical needs and what image they hope to project. Since customization of a company’s uniforms entails greater cost than buying ready mades, it is best for the company to carefully deliberate over these matters.  Fortunately, there are a large number of experienced manufacturers of custom uniforms who can provide guidance on these questions. They can also provide in many cases examples of their work for a company or institution to see before any money is committed.