The simple answer is yes, uniforms should be decorated to complement the company branding message.  It could mean adding a logo to a shirt or blouse, but let’s take that a bit further and add a stripe to a stock garment to really make it stand out in a crowd. 

Now you think to yourself, I’ve never done anything like that what types of questions will I get from my clients?  Here’s a few FAQ’s to bring you up to date.

What method of decoration is most popular in the uniform market and why?  
The most popular decoration for uniforms continues to be a mix of embroidery and emblems.  These two options make it simple for the company to build their brand with the garments their associates wear.  However, increasingly companies want their uniforms to take on a custom style and Edwards offers eCustom solutions to stock garments.  A stock garment is easily modified with striping on the collar of a shirt or the side of a pant to accent the uniform and provide a unique solution to the traditional uniform program.  Couple those modifications with embroidered decoration and you have created a one of a kind garment quickly and economically.

Are there any trends in the colors used or in the way colors are used for decoration? 
The color trends for decoration range from embroidery that is colorful and takes on an emblem quality to tone on tone logos placed on collars or cuffs for soft subtle style. 

What locations on a garment are typical for embroidery or emblem placement?  
There is no right or wrong location for emblems or embroidery and the most typical placement continues to be left and right chest.  When deciding where you want to place the decoration the most important decision is how you want it to display visually for the person to see it.  You want the decoration in a location that receives maximum exposure and enhances the brand.

What industries are most likely to put a lot of emphasis on their uniform decoration and why?  
Every time I look at a race car driver I see one industry that puts a lot of emphasis on their uniform decoration.  Sponsorship is an important aspect of their brand and they embrace their sponsors and wear their brand proudly.  Really every industry will benefit by incorporating decoration into their uniform.  The decoration not only showcases the company brand and lets the patron know that this individual is available to assist them.  The uniform and the decoration together quickly identifies the individual as a member of that company that can be of help.  Hotels, casinos, restaurants and the medical industry have done this for years, but now you see service industries like banks, museums, security, transit and even education building their brand with decorated uniforms.

I want to pitch decoration the next time I meet with my client so how do I make sure that I’ll get the business?  
Consider doing a spec sample for them.  Ask them for their logo and then work with Edwards to have their logo decorated on a polo or poplin.  There is nothing more personal than a garment with their logo on it to help close the sale.