The Difference Maker in Custom Uniforms and Promotional Apparel

May 28, 2024 | Educational | 0 comments

What makes a better uniform? What qualities do employees really want in their uniforms? What makes better promotional apparel that end-users will wear time after time?
The days of starchy, stiff, unappealing uniforms and promotional apparel are over. The tiny logo stitched on the left chest has made way for exciting, enticing, and eye-catching designs. Today’s wearers demand uniforms and promotional apparel that are comfortable and engaging. Not only that, but global trends such as sustainability are also becoming increasingly important in the uniform and promotional apparel space. EdwardsX is poised to meet all of those demands.

For the promotional products distributor (PPD), partnering with EdwardsX means your clients that demand excellence in uniforms and promotional apparel will have their needs met. Don’t be the PPD that brings the tired designs; be the PPD that brings the fashion-forward branded apparel.

A Custom Experience in Uniforms

When talking about EdwardsX and how it defines custom apparel, Chip Danby, VP of Sales, notes that it’s important to separate uniforms from promotional apparel. Each vertical market serves a different purpose for the end-user.

Starting in the uniform space, these programs are tired of the same stiff look year after year. Today’s uniform should be fashionable and comfortable while still meeting the demands of high wear and tear. “The purpose of a uniform is to create identity,” Danby believes. “It’s also about finding a way to build that brand awareness, too. In the past, brand was secondary. Now, you use identifying brand marks to build awareness.”

Danby notes that the way to do so is in the details. Small things like color-blocking, custom neck labels, and even customized inside lining can take a uniform program to the next level. “Employees should be happy wearing their uniforms,” he says. “Employees have to wear uniforms — create something they want to wear.”

Charles Dansby

Vice President of Sales

Puja Sachdev

Puja Sachdev

Account Executive

Uniforms that employees want to wear must be comfortable, notes Puja Sachdev, Account Executive at EdwardsX. “The key qualities that make for a superior uniform or gear include comfort, durability, and functionality,” she explains. “Employees are more inclined to wear uniforms that are comfortable, breathable, and allow for freedom of movement while also being stylish and instilling a sense of pride in representing their company.”

That’s where EdwardsX comes in as a strong partner to help create the perfect uniform program. “EdwardsX addresses these requirements by providing top-notch uniform options that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style,” says Sachdev. “Our uniforms are designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear, offering durability and practicality without compromising on a professional and on-brand appearance.”

 

Danby adds that given the ability to create custom programs, EdwardsX rises to the top when it comes to uniform partners. “From start to finish, we are different because we start with the client, learn about their brand, get their guidelines, then curate it specifically to their needs,” he says. “We produce based on their needs and wants, building from ground up. We get the order all the way through until it’s shipped.”
Danby adds that given the ability to create custom programs, EdwardsX rises to the top when it comes to uniform partners. “From start to finish, we are different because we start with the client, learn about their brand, get their guidelines, then curate it specifically to their needs,” he says. “We produce based on their needs and wants, building from ground up. We get the order all the way through until it’s shipped.”

 

Appealing Promotional Apparel

While promotional apparel might have different end uses and wearers than uniforms, EdwardsX still treats these programs with the utmost attention to detail. According to Danby, those that wear promotional apparel choose to do so, and if it’s unappealing, they simply won’t wear it. It’s the PPD’s job to make sure that this apparel is seen for ultimate brand impact.

EDWARDS X Group Image

“When it comes to promotional apparel, companies are looking for designs that not only catch the eye but also reflect the essence of their brand and look appealing on their employees or wearer,” adds Sachdev. “They want promotional apparel that is high quality, trendy, and exudes style, ensuring that it will be worn and appreciated by customers, employees, or event attendees.”

Like uniforms, this is where attention to detail is of highest importance. Things like comfortable fabric, decoration methods stand out, and telling the brand story through color and messaging placement are key to successful promotional apparel.

Hawks Stadium Jacket
“If you don’t get it right, someone won’t wear it,” Danby believes. He recommends taking inspiration from the retail influence. “Distributors need to build something for clients that their customers want to wear. You can pull them away from that retail mindset and make it about the client’s brand. It’s identifying yet subtle.”

EdwardsX is the partner that will get it right. Just as they create custom programs from the ground up in the uniform space, their same commitment to promotional apparel is also top of mind. “In the promo industry, the brand colors are as important as brand logos, and we make products keeping both things in mind,” says Sachdev. “At EdwardsX, we excel in meeting these demands by offering premium and fully custom promotional apparel designed and produced from scratch that not only meets high manufacturing standards but is also infused with the latest fashion sensibilities.” That also includes the desire for more sustainable apparel. The company is a member of Cascale (formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), which mandates continual improvement of its environmental impact. As part of its Cascale membership, Edwards Garment (including EdwardsX) uses the group’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg Index, to drive environmental and social responsibility throughout its supply chain.

On top of that, Danby points out that EdwardsX works tirelessly with all of its resources to make sure both uniform and promotional apparel programs are successful. “We’re looking for ways to create programs that allow custom to be more accessible,” he says. “We want custom to be easy. The one thing that custom does, is it allows you to differentiate yourself from distributors that aren’t showing custom products.”

“It is as simple as it sounds … call us and let’s chat!” finishes Sachdev. “We can create a custom collection for you based on your needs and within your given budget. … We pride ourselves on our ability to bring your vision to life with precision and excellence, making the experience of partnering with EdwardsX a breeze.”

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