Elevate Your Uniform Program: Discover Fall’s Hottest Trends with Edwards Garment

Some trends stay popular year after year, some come and go. The only consistent thing about trends is that everyone working in the apparel industry, even promotional products distributors, must pay attention to them. And while many focus on what’s trending in the retail arena, knowing the latest and most desirable products in the uniform space is equally important. Just because certain groups must wear uniforms doesn’t mean they have to put on boring, uncomfortable, and unfashionable apparel. Rather, when employers offer stylish uniform options that are on trend, employees will not only be happier wearing them for work hours, but they’ll also be more likely to wear them outside of the office. From creating custom pieces to offering trendy stock items, Edwards Garment is set up to run point on every uniform program. And with the fall season in full swing, they’ve kept abreast of what’s currently in fashion. When you’re ready to do uniform business, these are the folks to work with.

Trendy Stock Options

One traditional route to create a uniform program is the stock products option. But just because a style is a stock option from Edwards doesn’t mean it’s boring. In fact, this fall season, Nicolette Dykstra, director of merchandising and product development, notes that uniforms are influenced by everything from street wear to runway looks.

“Just about anything influences uniform/apparel program trends,” she says. “Inspiration can come from street wear, or what a celebrity or influencer might be wearing, or being influenced by trends on social media. Runway and what is being shown by retail brands will also influence a uniform/apparel program.”

Uniform trend influences also come from the company wearing them as well. “New building and remodels also influence the uniform trend as both the building and the uniform are parts of the company’s brand and image,” Dykstra notes.

And this fall season, trends will of course switch from summer styles to cozier looks, all while paying homage to uniform needs. “Changing out a style from a long-sleeve button down shirt/blouse worn during the winter months to a casual polo for men and a soft short sleeve blouse for women is a great way to keep the integrity of the apparel program [while] offering a choice to address the needs of the individual wearer,” says Dykstra.

For fall, think casual yet polished when it comes to stock styles. Dykstra suggests incorporating multiple silhouettes for layering, performance shirting, polos in eye-catching colors, and sustainable options.

“You can never go wrong with layering pieces like sweaters, quarter-zips, and jackets,” she adds. “Make sure to include pants as well — a pant can be half of a uniform program, and if you aren’t including the bottoms of a uniform, you are leaving money on the table.”

Here’s where Edwards steps in to ensure distributors have access to multiple stock styles for the fall season. The company carries over 325 in-stock styles at its Kalamazoo, Michigan location. Not only do they have the traditional, ever-popular basics like polos ready to ship, but they take it a step further. “We also have industry-specific categories such as culinary, security, and housekeeping/EVS uniform tops and bottoms,” Dykstra says. “Edwards has multiple suiting collections that can fit any budget.”

Plus, the company has some new styles to offer. “Edwards is bringing in over 12 new styles and has added new colors to 11 existing styles,” says Dykstra. She goes on to say that the Point Gray brand has been expanded (including a dress!), and the company has added a vest option to its best-seller Performance Tek Jacket that will be available later this fall. “Already in stock is our new retail-inspired Sweater Blazer for ladies that is available in three colors,” Dykstra adds. “We have also updated our brocade hospitality vests, which are great for special event food servers, country clubs, and casino workers.” And rest assured that while some trends go out of style, the quality that Edwards offers does not. “When you purchase an Edwards product, you know that you are going to receive a top-quality product that an end-user wants to wear,” notes Dykstra. “We partner with our distributors to address all needs of a uniform program whether it be in warmer climates or cooler climates.”

When You’re Ready to go Custom

When clients are ready to build a custom uniform program, EdwardsX is the route to go. Like stock items, these can also be built to stay on trend this fall season. Carmen Gunn, director of product and programs, EdwardsX, notes that these trends are often influenced by the “brand experience.” “Maintaining a professional image while ensuring employees are comfortable and supported to do the work they need to do will always be the focus,” Gunn points out. “That said, an interesting shift has been the equal importance of enhancing the brand experience. Uniforms are an extension of our clients’ brands, and strong messaging means carrying that thought the entirety of an organization.”

Part of building that experience can lie in creating a custom uniform program. “Being able to create something that is uniquely tailored to your client’s brand is exciting to be part of,” Gunn feels. “We’ve seen first-hand how dramatic the effects can be for both employees and customers when there is a shift from an inconsistent uniform package to being aligned across all doors and departments.”

And while custom is, of course, governed by the needs and wants of each specific client, Gunn does point out that certain overarching trends do play a role in this area as well, especially when it comes to fall trends. “I’m seeing layering pieces such as cardigans and vests become the norm,” she says. “Outerwear is becoming more technical with strategic tailoring, materials, coatings, etc. Staying warm and dry is the goal, but [companies are] taking it a step further and making sure the design marries seamlessly to their brand identity.” Gunn notes that creating a custom uniform program that is also on-trend helps with employee retention. “If high turnover is an issue, a strong uniform program is an important lever to consider enhancing team cohesion and morale,” she believes. “We like to focus on enticing but functional uniforms where the team feels put together and allows them to layer on a visual reassurance to their customers.”

Like in the world of stock uniform options, EdwardsX steps in to be a top partner in the custom space. Not only do they bring their emphasis on high quality to custom programs, but there are some new products available from the company here as well. “On the custom side, we’ve launched the second drop of our premium healthcare apparel collection, Nova Custom,” says Gunn. “It focuses on quick turns and express delivery. It’s been gaining a lot of attention, which has been great to watch.”

Whether going stock styles or custom-made, keeping an eye on fall and seasonal trends in the uniform space is crucial to a program’s success. Let Edwards be your partner in success.