Custom workwear is a valuable investment in your company’s brand and employee comfort. By choosing the right fabrics, washing carefully, maintaining daily habits, and avoiding heat damage, you can significantly extend the life of your uniforms and keep your team looking sharp.
Much more than just a uniform, custom workwear is part of your business’s identity, an indicator of your brand, and an investment in both comfort and professionalism. Whether you’re outfitting technicians or skilled tradespeople, keeping your work apparel in good condition ensures it stays comfortable, functional, and durable even when put to the test on a daily basis.
From understanding fabric types to fine-tuning your washing routine, the right care can potentially extend the life of your workwear significantly. Here’s how to get the most from your custom uniforms, one step at a time.
Understanding Uniform Fabrics
Knowing what your uniforms are made of is key to caring for them properly. Cotton, polyester, canvas, and ripstop fabrics all require different handling to stay durable and professional-looking.
Before you think about washing or storing your uniforms, it’s best to start with the fabric. Different materials require different levels of care, and understanding what your custom work apparel is made of is crucial for long-term maintenance.
Most high-quality US made uniforms are crafted from blends of cotton, polyester, or canvas. Cotton is breathable and soft, while polyester offers durability and resistance to shrinking. Heavier-duty work pants may incorporate ripstop or canvas fabrics to withstand abrasion and stress.
Always check the care label before you wash or treat any garment. Following manufacturer guidance isn’t just a suggestion, it’s essential for helping uniforms last as long as possible.
Proper Washing Techniques
Use gentle cycles, cold or warm water, and mild detergents to reduce fabric wear and fading. Avoid bleach and over-washing to help uniforms last longer and maintain their appearance.
Washing may seem like a straightforward task, but one wrong setting can take a toll on even the toughest work pants or overalls. First, avoid over-washing. Unless your uniform is visibly dirty or exposed to harsh chemicals, you may not need to wash it after every wear.
When laundry day does come around, follow these key tips:
- Turn garments inside out to protect logos and printed designs.
- Use cold or warm water as hot water can break down fibers and fade colors.
- Skip the heavy-duty detergent and opt for mild, enzyme-free formulas that won’t degrade fabric finishes.
- Avoid bleach, even on white uniforms as it’s harsh and shortens lifespan.
- Wash similar fabrics together to prevent abrasion. For example, keep soft tees away from anything with a zipper..
Proper washing keeps your workwear looking fresh and professional without prematurely wearing down the material.
Daily Maintenance Practices
Small habits like hanging garments, brushing off debris, and rotating uniforms reduce daily wear and tear. Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become major problems.
Caring for work apparel doesn’t stop once it’s clean. Daily habits go a long way in preventing damage and extending the life of your uniforms.
- Hang uniforms after use, instead of tossing them in a pile. This helps prevent wrinkles and mildew.
- Brush off dust or debris at the end of each day, especially on high-contact items like work pants and jackets.
- Check for small damages like loose stitching, tears, or worn spots before they become bigger issues.
- Rotate uniforms and alternate them throughout the week to reduce constant wear on one garment.
A few minutes of attention each day can prevent major issues later on.
Avoiding Heat Damage
Heat can ruin fabric integrity, cause shrinkage, and fade colors, especially on printed or elastic garments. Air drying and storing uniforms away from heat sources are simple ways to prevent damage.
Heat is one of the fastest ways to break down quality fabric. Whether it’s from dryers, irons, or even the work environment itself, heat can shrink garments, fade prints, and warp elastic.
Here’s how to avoid unnecessary heat damage:
- Air dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, go for the lowest setting.
- Avoid ironing logos or screen prints. Use a pressing cloth or turn the item inside out if ironing is necessary.
- Don’t leave uniforms in hot vehicles. Sun and heat buildup can weaken fabric fibers, especially for garments with stretch materials or elastic waists.
For US made uniforms known for their durability, protecting them from heat helps maintain their quality stitching and vibrant color for much longer.
Caring for Specific Uniform Parts
Stress points like collars, knees, and zippers need extra care to avoid early wear. Spot-cleaning, patching, and protecting logos can preserve both form and function over time.
Different components of your uniform deserve focused attention:
- Collars and cuffs: These areas tend to collect grime and sweat. Spot-clean regularly using a gentle stain remover before full washes.
- Knees and elbows: For work pants and jackets, these stress points often wear out first. Reinforced stitching or patching can help prolong use.
- Pockets and zippers: Empty all pockets before washing and zip up to prevent snags. Lubricate metal zippers occasionally to keep them smooth.
- Logos and custom embroidery: If your custom workwear includes branding, avoid direct contact with rough surfaces or harsh chemicals to preserve the detailing.
By treating high-use areas with extra care, you can prevent premature breakdown and keep uniforms looking presentable.
Long-Term Maintenance Strategies
Creating a maintenance routine and educating staff extends uniform lifespan. Proper storage, minor repairs, and smart laundering keep workwear in rotation longer and save on replacement costs.
Finally, think long-term. Investing a bit of time and attention on a routine basis can delay the need for replacements and maintain a polished look for your team.
- Create a uniform care schedule that includes rotation, inspection, and laundering.
- Train your team on how to care for their uniforms properly. Even the best-maintained apparel will wear out quickly if misused on the job or at home.
- Store off-season items properly in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight or moisture.
- Mend rather than replace. Small rips or stains don’t always require a new uniform. With some basic repairs or patching, you can give garments a second life.
When uniforms are treated as assets rather than disposable items, they return the favour by lasting longer and performing better.
Whether your company supplies rugged work pants, embroidered polos, or full-service custom workwear, proper care ensures every item lasts longer, looks better, and represents your brand with pride. From choosing high-quality materials to adopting smart laundering and storage habits, a little upkeep goes a long way.
With consistent maintenance and the right strategies, your workwear investment will pay off, both in terms of financial savings but also in the confidence and professionalism of your employees.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
SOURCES
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.). The complete guide to work pants. All Seasons Uniforms. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-work-pants
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.). Which workwear brands are American made? All Seasons Uniforms. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/blog/which-workwear-brands-are-american-made
All Seasons Uniforms. (n.d.). Men’s & unisex clothing. All Seasons Uniforms. https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/mens-unisex-clothing
Better Homes & Gardens. (n.d.). How to organize clothes so you can always find what you need. https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/how-to-organize-clothes/
Cleaning Institute. (n.d.). Laundry basics. American Cleaning Institute. https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundry-basics
Cotton Incorporated. (n.d.). Field to fabric—uses. CottonCounts. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/fieldtofabric/uses.cfm
HowStuffWorks. (n.d.). Do clothes always shrink if you wash in warm water? https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/do-clothes-always-shrink-if-you-wash-in-warm-water.htm
ResearchGate. (2021). Importance of fabric care label care instructions [Conference paper]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353142449_Importance_of_Fabric_Care_Label_Care_Instructions
SBA. (2021, July 14). Dress the part: How to use employee dress to market your business. U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/blog/dress-part-how-use-employee-dress-market-your-business
Textile Exchange. (n.d.). Polyester. https://textileexchange.org/polyester/
Workwear.org. (2022, January 14). Carhartt Ripstop Cargo Work Pants review. https://workwear.org/carhartt-ripstop-cargo-work-pants-review/