Focus on Outdoor Workwear
developed specifically to take builders from the yard to the bar. It is workwear built with style and its popularity is growing in the market. “Workmen are wanting everyday workwear items to be fashionable, fitted and feel nice,” adds John.
The word fitted is key here as Sara Sanders-Smith, director at Result Clothing, explains: “Buyers are asking for slim fitting styles in the latest fabrics across a variety of styles but in uniform colours to maintain a smart appearance.” Kevin adds: “Within the last few years the other change we have noticed is wearers preferring much more fitted styles. Again, this is a step change in the industry and while we have our old faithful like the 711 Pro Work Trouser, we have added newer more modern fitting styles like the Elite range, the popular Snape and Hopton jackets, TuffStuff Basewear and the X-Motion Trouser.”
“Slim fit has been the war cry in the corporate clothing market for a while now, and this has transitioned into the outdoor workwear market. Men want to feel comfortable in their working clothes, but want to retain a stylish and composed look,” adds Teri-Louise.
While it is most definitely possible for heavy duty workwear to look fashionable, it has got to remain fully functional. Remember that high-visibility clothing must conform to the European Standard BS EN 417 and it is probably advisable that garments must be comfortable and durable enough for a tradesman to wear all day without putting holes through the elbows and knees.
Experts from within the printwear market provide you with some top advice for sourcing, decorating and upselling workwear.
My advice would be to never compromise on safety for fashion – never choose a product not suited to the environment just because of how it looks. Take time to scour products and highlight to fashion-forward customers the features which give that fashionable edge to industrial styles. The devil is really in the detail in this respect, and it is these deft applications of style that can really exemplify how a piece of industrial clothing can be contemporary. – Teri-Louise Deegan, marketing executive, Prestige Leisure
The most
important thing to consider when branding workwear items from premium brands is to read up on the features of the garment and understand the
properties of the fabric used. For outdoor working, the most important property of a workwear garment will be its waterproofness. So embroidery for waterproof garments is generally a no no due to the piercing of the fabric compromising its ability to keep water out. As a general rule, we recommend vinyl print waterproof garments when
When decorating premium workwear brands such as Helly Hansen it is important to understand the fabric’s properties
branding with a customerʼs logo as this maintains the integrity of the waterproof membrane. However, there is always the possibility that the heat created by the vinyl transfer process will melt the fabric on some garments. And sometimes the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating means it just wonʼt stick. In these cases, as in the case where a customer demands embroidery from an aesthetic point of view, the best option might be to embroider and then apply a waterproof back taping on the inside of the garment to seal the area of branding. – Phil Tiney, corporate account manager at The Outdoors Company
I advise you to upsell to customers who want to look fashionable in their outdoor workwear role. Russellʼs Hardwearing Poly/Cotton Piqué Polo Shirt (599M) is a slightly higher price point than other workwear polos, however the detailing on the collar and cuffs and the drop hem makes it a more fashionable style. Embroidery for garment decoration is the best for workwear – it looks more professional and presents a smarter business look. – John Williams, field sales executive, PenCarrie
Workwear brands now offer jackets with flashes of retail inspiration. Pictured here is the R314X Elevator Jacket from Work-Guard
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Keep the look uncomplicated so the logo is still the most prominent feature, and build the look from head-to- foot in a co-ordinated manner. – Sara Sanders-Smith, director, Result Clothing
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