function, durability and fabric: why it matters for work uniforms

Studies show the average American spends one-third of their life at work . That’s a lot of hard work and devotion from your team. So, why should they have to sacrifice comfort on the job?

Workers care about what they wear when they’re on the clock, and the research backs it up. Cintas surveyed 1,000 professionals in industrial jobs from 12 cities to learn more about what they want to wear to work. Overwhelmingly, respondents prioritized comfort and mobility (91%), durability (85%) and fabric (84%).

So, what fabrics are workers looking for in their uniforms? And how does that choice impact fit and garment function?

Full function. Full range of motion.

Work clothes need to serve the wearer first and keep up with the demands of the day. Apparel needs to move with the worker when they bend over to pick up a tool, not restrict motion.

Modern workwear — including Carhartt® RuggedFlex and Cintas Comfort Flex Pro® — features functional fabrics that enable workers to bend, twist and flex during tough jobs without worrying about rips, tears or stretching out fabric. These innovative fabrics keep workers comfortable and allow them to get the job done right.

Durability is key

Flexibility is important, but workwear also needs to be durable and resilient enough to take on the toughest jobs.

Workwear built with stretch ripstop threading combines flexibility and durability, so workers don’t need to compromise. These fabrics are reinforced with a grid of thick and stretchable fibers, which provide resistance and redistribute stress when stretched. Ripstop prevents small tears from becoming large holes, expanding the lifespan of the garment while still providing elasticity to keep workers comfortable.

Get the right fabric for the job

Fabric makes all the difference in workwear, so it’s important to choose garments made of materials that will suit the task at hand. High-quality workwear will often include several different fabric types to best serve a worker’s daily tasks, their working environment and protect against any potential hazards they may face.

Breathable mesh paneling will give your team relief on hot days. Moisture-wicking textiles help keep workers cool and dry while also reducing chafing. Finally, flex ripstop will absorb the wear and tear on active job sites and keep your team moving freely.

Consider these features to build a uniform tailor made for your worker’s tasks, jobsite and applicable safety standards. Don’t let your team show up to their shift unprepared. Go with the fabric that works best for your business.

Putting it all together: The benefits of a managed apparel program

It’s clear that today’s apparel is light years ahead of where it was even a decade ago. But how do you go about making sure your team has the apparel they want and need? A managed apparel program delivers convenience you didn’t know existed. Here’s how it works:

• Choice: Employees choose from pre-selected apparel that’s been approved by you, the employer. Select from apparel that can suit almost any job imaginable — from durable work gear in a wide range of colors, to FR and visibility workwear that can meet nearly any regulation, to stylish polos and button downs fit for an office setting. From there, your employees choose what looks and feels good for them, and you can feel confident it will reflect well on your business.
• Stress-free delivery: Every week, a dedicated Cintas representative delivers a fresh set of the garments you selected to your facility and collects apparel that’s ready to be laundered. Dirty clothes are scanned into a garment inventory management system that carefully tracks each piece during the laundering process, ensuring it’s delivered right back to you.
• Professional, hygienic laundering: Your team doesn’t need to bring work home with them. Get the confidence that comes with our professional standards. Our industrial washers, guided by sophisticated computer programs, ensure optimal detergent levels and drying temperatures, so you get the confidence that comes with hygienically cleaned garments.
• Inspection and repair: Garments are professionally inspected throughout the laundering process. Garments with small rips and tears are repaired. Buttons are replaced. Apparel that’s past its prime is swapped out for new items at no extra cost to you — guaranteeing your team’s work clothes meet the Cintas quality standard.
• Returned to you: After your clothes are laundered, they’re scanned again, loaded onto our trucks and returned to your business the next week — always on time. The cycle starts again with another pick up of garments that are ready to be laundered.

What your team wears directly impacts how the work gets done. Don’t compromise durability, comfort or efficiency, and choose the apparel that’s right for you. When your team looks good and feels good, they perform at their peak.

Learn more about how a managed workwear program can help meet the needs of both your employees and your business.