A variety of fabrics can work for an employee’s uniform, depending on their role. Cotton and wool are very common since they’re well-suited to many different tasks and are typically very affordable. Polyester and nylon have arguably more downsides, but they’re still useful fabrics. Then there’s denim, which is suited to a more limited number of roles but can be very durable.
Uniform Fabrics to Consider
Some of the most common types of materials used to make uniforms include the following:
Cotton
Cotton carries many advantages and is probably the most widely used material in clothing. It breathes well, it’s fairly durable, and it’s usually very affordable.
Cotton is also a renewable resource, although cotton farming does have an environmental impact that still should be considered. Some farmers engage in greener practices than others, so it’s worth it to ask companies about their sustainability practices.
Overall, cotton or a cotton blend can be a good default option when choosing the apparel you want. It’s popular for reasons beyond availability and cost. It works for most roles. It also comes in more luxurious forms, like Egyptian cotton, if a company is aiming to achieve a more elite aesthetic.
Wool
Wool is one of the materials most often considered next to cotton. It can be very warm, deals with water relatively well, and is still reasonably durable, even if cotton tends to be stronger.
Additionally, while cotton is cooler, wool can often be better at wicking away perspiration from the skin, which can help keep someone in the heat a bit more comfortable. Wool has its own environmental impacts, with sheep and other wool producing animals producing greenhouse gasses, but it's also renewable, like cotton.
Wool can be pricier than cotton, but it’s an option to consider when cotton lacks the traits necessary for what you need in apparel. It's warm, and it wicks away moisture. In addition, some people just prefer it to cotton for use in uniforms.
Polyester
Polyester is perhaps the most popular synthetic fabric in the world. It is produced from petroleum and comes in virtually any shape or color desired. It’s often used in activewear, as it doesn’t absorb water, meaning it dries very quickly. Polyester is also very lightweight and relatively comfortable.
At the same time, polyester isn ’t very friendly to the environment. Petroleum is non-renewable, and polyester production and washing is a major contributor to microplastic pollution, the impact of which isn’t fully understood at this time.
Polyester can be very affordable while still making apparel that doesn’t feel cheap, as long as one sources from the right provider. Its two biggest downsides are that it isn’t very breathable, and it has a fairly significant environmental impact compared to alternatives like cotton or wool.
Denim
Denim is a particular type of heavy-duty cotton, with unique enough properties that we want to discuss it separately from other types of cotton apparel. Most closely associated with jeans, denim originally was used primarily for workwear.
It’s somewhat breathable while still retaining heat, and it can resist piling. It’s also very durable, making it well-suited for the uniforms of those who perform heavy labor, like those who work in mines, garages, and other blue-collar environments.
Denim isn’t necessarily visually unappealing, but it has a very specific aesthetic that means it’s usually avoided for very front-facing workers who primarily deal with customers. It’s a good option to consider for those who need durable clothes with plenty of utility.
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric, with nylon clothes offering many advantages. The material is strong, lightweight, fairly temperature resistant, and durable overall. Like many other synthetic fibers, it also can repel water and therefore dries very quickly.
Environmentally, it shares many downsides with polyester. Its production requires fossil fuels and contributes to the world’s growing microplastic problems.
Nylon is in a very similar niche to polyester. It has a comparable environmental impact, although it can be more breathable than polyester.
Blends & Unusual Materials
The above materials obviously aren’t the only materials used to make uniforms. For one, blends are relatively common in uniforms. For example, cotton and polyester are blended at various ratios, and this blend is used for apparel that could benefit from traits of both materials. Some materials, like leather, aren’t typically used in general workwear apparel, but have specific niches (like aprons and boots) that they work very well in.
A business should also keep aware of any safety requirements they may be obligated to meet when it comes to employee uniforms. Not only can this reduce legal liability, but these requirements also typically exist for good reason. Following them can keep employees safe and may even save lives.
Conclusion
Overall, cotton is probably king when it comes to uniforms and apparel material in general. It’s comfortable, versatile, and affordable. However, that doesn’t mean it's best for all situations.
Consider what a particular team member needs and then see which options are available that are suited to that niche. Denim and leather certainly aren’t suited for most roles, but these materials can still be useful when chosen for the right reasons.
Whatever your workwear needs, Alsco Uniforms has decades of experience helping businesses stay prepared. Learn about our uniform rental services by clicking here or explore our site to see what else we can offer your team. You can also contact us directly and speak with our staff about any questions you may have. We’re ready to help you today.