Summer Workwear to Keep Your Staff Comfortable
When you want your employees to represent your company in a professional manner, but the summer heat makes them feel uncomfortable, their job performance will be negatively impacted. Not only that, but it can be bad for their health as well, especially if they work outside and face the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. If your employees are currently wearing custom company shirts but the shirts were designed for cooler weather, this is a perfect time to reevaluate their comfort level and consider implementing a summer uniform. You can still have a separate winter uniform, of course. In fact, doing so will allow them to be comfortable and productive year-round. Here are our top tips for choosing summer workwear to keep your staff comfortable.
Choose T-Shirts That Last
If your staff works in a casual environment, you may allow them to wear T-shirts for certain occasions or job functions. But if your staff is going through several T-shirts a season because of fading, shrinkage, stains, or ripping, you’re buying them the wrong T-shirts. By investing in custom company work T-shirts that are durable enough to last through the summer yet lightweight and comfortable at the same time, you will save you money in the long run. The T-shirts you choose should resist wrinkles, be easy to clean and dry, and have summer-friendly features that keep moisture at bay so your staff stays as cool as possible. Don’t forget to add your logo! For summer tops, you’ll probably want the logo to be printed instead of embroidered since embroidered shirts tend to require fabric that is thicker and heavier than that of a summer T-shirt.
Look for Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Moisture-wicking fabric does exactly what it promises: It takes moisture (perspiration) from the body and passes it through the fabric to the outer layer where it can quickly evaporate instead of being trapped against the skin. The result is a more comfortable employee. Nowadays, moisture-wicking fabric may also have antimicrobial properties that ensure any moisture absorbed resists odor as well. Polyester blends are common types of moisture-wicking fabric, and they’re not just used for athletic apparel, either. Because of the comfort they provide, they’re being used more and more in workwear, and they can look quite professional as well. For example, custom work polo shirts not only can keep your staff comfortable and dry in the warmest weather, but they can also have your logo embroidered on them instead of painted or printed. Choose high-quality material so the collars lay flat instead of curling up, no matter how many washes the shirt goes through.
Keep Them Safe from the Sun
The sun can be brutal when your staff is exposed to it all day long. Even while wearing a shirt, their shoulders and backs can still become sunburned. In fact, if you try holding up your employees’ uniform shirt to the sun and any light gets through, you can pretty much assume they’re being exposed to UV rays. For those employees who are exposed to sunlight more than others, consider choosing workwear that offers UV 50 protection.
Don’t Forget About Pants and Shorts
It isn’t just the shirts you have to consider for summer workwear; you also need to put some thought into what to offer for bottoms. Whether you pick pants or custom uniform work shorts, you’ll want them to have the following features:
- A durable fabric blend that’s machine washable
- A little bit of stretch
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Wrinkle resistance
- A waistband that allows employees to tuck their shirts in easily
- Blended fabric is durable, with a hint of stretch
Consider a Summer-Casual Dress Code
Even if your employees don’t work outdoors, simply getting to and from the office can be enough to work up a sweat, especially if you have a dress code that requires suits and jackets. Because of this, many companies have had success in relaxing their dress code during the summer months. You can always make an exception for important meetings or events.
When choosing summer workwear for your staff, you’ll want to not only follow the tips mentioned above but also consider the individual roles of each of your employees. Don’t be afraid to require a different dress code for employees who work in a hot warehouse or are on the road all day. The most important thing is they’re comfortable and also look professional. When employees are comfortable, it not only allows them to be more productive, but it also boosts their morale, which benefits the entire company in the long run.