Believe it! These are real uniforms worn by real professional athletes. There are bad uniforms and then there are these. We’ve posted some of our favorites below:

1. 1999 Ryder Cup Shirts

The U.S. team’s come-from-behind victory was incredible, but even more incredible was the willingness of Tiger Woods, David Love III, and Phil Mickelson to be photographed in this shirt!

2. Bogota Humana team riders at the women’s Giro Toscana race in Italy in 2014

No, these cyclists aren’t half naked, but their uniforms were deemed ‘unacceptable,’ for obvious reasons, the Colombian women’s cycling team uniform caused quite a stir. As some point out, the garment’s light-colored section appears to make the riders look partially nude.

3. Fresno Grizzlies, The Price is Right jersey, 2007

Wow. Just Wow. Brings to mind Happy Gilmore – the price is wrong, Grizzlies!

4. 2012 Olympic Silver Medalists

Most biking uniforms aren’t the most flattering, but come on! The cut and seams of these uniforms are in all the wrong places.

5. 1976 Chicago White Sox

This uniform is just extremely confusing… baseball player meets elementary school dress code? The open collar, the shorts, the high white socks – all fashionable during this era. Just not all together at the same time!

6. Last, but not least … Australia’s Men’s Discus Team in London, 2012

Yes look again, that is a uniform. The team found seriously creative way to show off those muscles!

While we don’t focus on sport uniforms, we do specialize in outfitting large groups, organizations, and businesses. Whether you are in the medical field, culinary, or hospitality, UA Corporate Solutions’ uniform programs make uniform shopping, options, and overall experience a breeze. Contact UA Corporate Solutions to learn more or get a quote for your business.

Surprise! You are suddenly responsible for managing your organization’s corporate uniform program! Until now, your exposure to the world of uniforms may be limited to the dress code policy included in your New Hire Handbook, but don’t panic. Launching a new program or revitalizing an existing one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Today, we are sharing a simple guide to help you design a uniform program.

1. START BY CHOOSING THE FEATURES AND SERVICES YOU NEED

Before you do anything, take a moment to think about what you want your uniform program to do.
Why does your organization want the program – to streamline the purchasing process? Enhance your brand image? Increase caregiver recognition?
Do you want one person to be responsible for placing orders and handling day-to-day administration tasks?
Or, do you want this system to take the process out of your hands with employees placing orders and choosing where the order will be delivered?
Once you zero in on what you want to get out of the program, make a list of “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features and services. At this stage, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• What are my logo and personalization needs?
• Do we need a web-based uniform portal?
• How will we order and what payment methods will we offer?
• Will we need an online tool for program administration?

If you take the time to identify your must-haves early in the process, you are more likely to be pleased with the resulting program.

2. DECIDE ON YOUR APPROVED BRANDS, STYLES AND COLORS

In our 30 plus years in the uniform business, we have yet to find two identical corporate uniform programs. Your business is unique to you, so flexibility to design the right program for your team and specific corporate branding mission is a key part of the process. The most successful programs provide specific guidelines outlining approved uniform styles and colors. Some organizations choose one color for all employees, some select a specific color for each department, some don’t dictate a color or style, but rather the way uniforms are ordered. There is no right answer, so use these tips to help move through this stage:

• Find a vendor with a large selection of styles in standard colors.
• Consider including long-sleeve tops and jackets.
• Decide if color coordinating teams make sense for your business.
• Have samples in the full range of sizes when collecting initial orders

3. READY TO PLACE ORDERS AND TAKE DELIVERY

Now that your employees know what to wear, you will need to tell them how they can buy their new uniforms. Work with your vendor to set up a system that makes sense and is easy to manage. You will need to decide how orders will be placed and how items will be delivered. Don’t be afraid to ask for uniform services you need to cut down the time you spend placing orders and distributing uniforms. In many cases, there are routine services for the uniform vendor that are included for no (or very little) extra cost.

Where can we buy uniforms?
Custom web portal; retail store; telephone; traveling (onsite) store

How are orders placed?
Employees select items and order; department level bulk orders

How do we receive our uniforms?
Delivered to employees home; bulk delivery to business; orders bundled and labeled by employee and delivered to business (pack-by-employee)

Breaking down the complex process into smaller, more manageable steps is a great place to start. Know what you want to get out of the program, and start evaluating corporate solutions providers using your list of must-haves. Your uniform program will begin take shape in no time at all!

Do you have any tips for implementing a company uniform program? Help a colleague by sharing a pro tip or lesson learned in the comments!

Happy Shopping!
UA Corporate Solutions Team

It takes a person mere seconds to evaluate you and form a lasting impression. The same is true for your business, regardless of the industry. Make the most of the opportunity to impress potential patients by shifting the way you view uniform programs. Sure, you want uniforms to be durable, to be available in the range of sizes you need, and of course budget-friendly. But have you considered the impact your uniforms have on your brand identity? Patients say they associate a neat, clean appearance with competence and professionalism.

Studies show customers are simply more inclined to do business with employees who wear uniforms. Independent survey results make a strong argument in favor of using uniforms to help shape the perception of your business.

75%

of consumers prefer employees in uniform*

97%

of the public believes uniforms make your employees easier to recognize**

70%

of your customers think uniforms make your employees look neater and more professional**

60%

of your prospects feel that uniforms make your workers look better trained

*survey by J.D. Power and Associates, 2008
**survey by Weintraub Associates, a national management consulting firm, 2008

BUILD AN ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS IMAGE

Coordinate a look that reinforces your brand identity by selecting quality garments, and add your company logo. When evaluating uniform options, remember “neat” and “clean” were important factors in patient perception. Reduce effort from your employees to maintain the appearance standard you want by including some of the stain-resistant, wrinkle-free fabric options available.

PROMOTE COMPANY PRIDE

Foster a sense of belonging and pride among employees with stylish uniform options, designed to be comfortable and functional. Uniforms promote a work culture of teamwork and unity which can, in turn, improve worker productivity.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

In some instances, work uniforms are viewed as an additional benefit, or perk, for the employee. The reduced wear-and-tear on the employee’s personal clothing is considered a positive, and depending on your industry, laundering and replacement may be handled by the employer. Add in the time saved selecting an appropriate work outfit each morning, and you can really start to see the upside.

IMPROVE SECURITY

When you have a uniform program specific to your business, employees are easy to identify. Also easy to identify are people that are in areas or on sites where they do not belong.

BOOST THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

While we are on the topic of identification, nearly every survey respondent agreed that uniforms make your employees easier to recognize. Show your customer you value their customer experience by making it convenient to find assistance.

In an era where healthcare facilities are learning to compete within a patient-centered care model, set your caregivers apart with a smart, stylish, flexible uniform program! Creating a positive perception of your approach to patient care is critical to shaping your brand identity, and it often starts with the right uniform. Uniforms are more than just colors and logos.

Read our post Launch a Great Uniform Program in 3 Easy Steps or contact us to learn more.

Good luck!
UA Corporate Solutions Team