If you run a business that creates clothes and uniforms for other businesses, you will already know just how important consistency is. When making clothes, whether by screen printing a design onto fabric or using embroidery, you want to ensure the size and design stay the same throughout. You also want to be certain the high-quality finish stays the same from the first batch to the last.
The question is, how do you manage that? To ensure your custom uniform orders are reliable and top quality, here’s how to get them right the first time.
Use the Right Machines and Software to Ensure a Consistent Logo Design
One of the best ways to get custom uniform orders right is to use the right technology. When making uniforms, you likely won’t do each piece by hand, since that can lead to inconsistent results (and is very time-consuming).
For embroidered custom uniforms, for example, you would use an embroidery machine alongside the best digitizing software for embroidery from Embroidery Legacy. With this software, you can create your own custom embroidery designs based on the client’s logo. It’s super simple to use, too, with a user-friendly interface and next-gen tools that let you test new approaches as you learn.
It’s the kind of software you want on your side when you have multiple projects to create with the exact same design, because it instructs the machine to deliver a uniform finish time and time again.
Always Have a Time Buffer
If you’ve been in the business of creating uniforms for some time, you’ll know how quickly time can run away. You might have a looming deadline, which could lead to making silly mistakes you wouldn’t usually make.
You can avoid this by always having a time buffer. It’s tempting to give your clients a quick turnaround to make them happy, but they will be more satisfied with a job well done. So, add a week to the time limit to account for things like late shopping and editing.
Ask About Fit Ahead of Time
Remember that every client will have their own ideas of how they want the uniform to look and feel. In particular, do not forget to ask about fit ahead of time. Some clients might prefer a looser fit for comfort, for example. Others might require a tighter fit for safety reasons.
Be Careful with Sizing
One thing that can easily go wrong when creating custom uniforms is sizing. The last thing you want is a complaint that the large is too small or the small isn’t snug enough for the smallest wearers.
To make sure you get the sizing right the first time, make sure you:
- Look at the brand’s specific sizes: Different brands use different sizes. Keep this in mind and check before you order from a manufacturer. It’s also worth checking with the same manufacturer, even if you have used them for a while, as their sizes may change.
- Order samples to test out first: It is always a good idea to test the samples before assigning sizes to them for your uniforms. If you have a large enough team with various sizes, have them try on different garments to see how they fit each person.
Know When to Choose Embroidery or Printing
You have a big choice to make when placing a logo or any image design on a uniform: embroidery or printing.
Usually, it all comes down to the type of material you are using for the uniform. If you are using jackets, fleeces, or polos, embroidery is usually best. However, if you are using T-shirts, screen printing is likely the most efficient method.
Send Colors In Advance
When it comes to a uniform, color matters – a lot. After all, many businesses choose their uniform colors based on their brand colors, so they need to be absolutely right. So, it is not enough to use simple phrases like “light pink” or “dark blue.”
Instead, send the fabric colors to the client in advance so they can fully approve them.
Also Send a Physical Sample of the First Uniform Completed
In addition to sending the fabric color in advance, send the client a physical sample of the first uniform your business completes. They can then approve the garment or ask for some adjustments regarding logo positioning or colors.
This part is very important, as it is always better to learn about a required adjustment early, when you haven’t fully started the project, than when you have already created 100 or more uniforms. That can be a huge loss.
Choose Quality Over Cheap Materials
One of the things that makes a good custom uniform supplier stand out is the quality. That’s why who you choose as a manufacturing supplier matters so much. You don’t want to choose t-shirts that have too much polyester in them, for example. Ideally, pick very high-quality material that will lead to a uniform that lasts and lasts. Your costs will be higher, but you will then also be able to charge clients more for the quality that you provide.
Match Fabric to Use
Finally, as well as making sure to choose quality fabrics, also make sure that you test the fabric’s durability based on the type of things it will go through. For example, if the uniform is for a lot of activity, such as for people working in construction, you’ll want to choose moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the workers cool. You’ll also want to know the type of laundering the client’s business uses so you can pick a fabric that doesn’t degrade during that part of the process.
By doing all this, you are less likely to receive news that your custom uniforms aren’t up to scratch. It’s a way of ensuring you don’t waste a lot of inventory, time, and money. Plus, you’ll be more likely to leave a positive impression on your clients, who will likely come back to you for future uniform requirements.
