Wondering what to give as part of your corporate apparel? Check out the latest styles that employees will love to wear—including jackets, shirts, hats, and more.
From showing off company colors to create a consistent client experience to incorporating logos for a stronger brand presence, there are many benefits to corporate apparel. And thanks to today’s technology, selecting well-fitted, wrinkle-resistant clothing is an affordable and realistic option.
Team colors
When it comes to corporate apparel programs, one tried-and-true technique is to pick a few colors that are consistent with your company’s brand and image—and mix and match them in staff uniforms across various job types. This not only builds a sense of team membership among employees but also creates a consistent experience for customers.
For instance, if you are sending your team out into the field for a conference or a tradeshow, you might choose coordinated polos, track jackets, and location appropriate accessories (like wool hats for a winter mountain retreat or visors for a conference held at a golf course). This doesn't mean that you have to outfit your team like the purple people eaters—or whatever your signature color might be.
Think instead about versatile neutrals with small pops of identifiable brand color in embroidery, logos, and trim. The trick is to gift your team with gear they want to wear—and that they can easily incorporate into their own signature styles.
Consider that conference or tradeshow attendees will have multiple interactions with your brand. They might attend a panel hosted by one of your team members, pick up some literature and a business card at your booth, and chat with a small group of your employees at the event’s social hour. Coordinated apparel lets your team members represent your brand with consistency (and in style) just by being themselves.
Comfortable fit
While it’s true that employee apparel could be uncomfortable or ill-fitting in the past—leaving some team members swimming in absurdly large clothes—it doesn’t have to be. With today’s technology, it’s entirely possible to purchase affordable, high-quality apparel.
Employees who are on their feet or otherwise highly active at work—and spend hours a day interacting with customers—need clothing that fits appropriately. For example, consider the day of a sales team member. Her itinerary might involve multiple flights, lunch in the airport, and a high-stakes presentation before dinner. Set her up for success with a wrinkle-resistant black trenchcoat, a fleece for chilly airplane air, and the umbrellas, coats, hats, and mittens she’ll need for the weather on arrival.
Branding consistency
As with any aspect of your company, it’s important to strive for branding consistency. This can be reflected in the styles, colors, and detailing of employee apparel—as well as design and logos.
Your brand can be reflected in custom fabrication and decorations such as the colors chosen for piping, drawstrings, zippers, and buttons—as well as the incorporation of materials like quilting, reflective fabric, and leather patches.
For example, an airline could choose to emphasize its brand colors through the selection of custom buttons, tie patterns, and cuffs. Or the implementation team at an IT consulting firm might wear apparel with logos and detailing that evokes the look at feel of the corporate brand.
Custom fits and styles allow for brand consistency across many different employee apparel types—and simply aren’t available with off-the-shelf clothing options.
Good impressions
Impressions matter. This is why medical practices, law firms, financial institutions, and other businesses take time to design and decorate their lobbies in a way that makes people want to spend time in them. Just as company leaders think about how they want an office or building to present to clients, they also need to consider how employees fit into the picture.
Fortunately, corporate apparel programs can allow for the flexibility, style, and detail needed to create a unique but cohesive representation of your company.