Uniform Care 101: Tips to Keep Your Workwear Looking Its Best
Your team’s uniform says a lot about your brand—professional, polished, and ready to deliver. But keeping uniforms looking that way takes more than just good design. With the right care, your workwear can maintain its shape, color, and comfort longer—saving you money and ensuring your team looks sharp shift after shift. Whether you’re outfitting a fast-paced restaurant team or a customer-facing retail crew, here are our top tips to help extend the life of your uniforms.
- Start with the Label
Before tossing a new uniform in the wash, take a moment to read the care label. It’s not just fine print—it’s your first step toward long-lasting workwear. Some fabrics need a cold wash or low tumble dry, while others do best with air drying or minimal detergent. - Sort by Fabric and Color
Uniforms are often made from performance or blended fabrics. To avoid damage or pilling, wash them separately from heavy or abrasive items like jeans, towels, or Velcro-fastened garments. And of course—separate darks, lights, and brights to prevent color bleeding. - Go Easy on the Heat
High temperatures can break down performance fabrics, shrink cotton, or damage logos and embroidery. Stick to cold or warm water washes, and avoid high heat when drying. If possible, line dry or lay flat to dry to help preserve fit and finish. - Skip the Bleach
Even on whites, bleach can be harsh. It weakens fibers and may discolor logos or decorative stitching. Opt for oxygen-based whiteners or mild detergents designed for uniforms or performance fabrics. - Turn Inside Out
Before washing, flip uniforms inside out. This protects logos, screen prints, embroidery, and any surface designs from friction in the wash cycle, helping them last longer and stay vibrant. - Treat Stains Quickly
Grease, ink, and food stains are part of the job for many employees—but quick action makes a big difference. Blot (don’t rub!) the stain and apply a stain remover before washing. For recurring issues, keep a small stain-treatment kit on-site. - Rotate Your Uniforms
Encourage team members to rotate between multiple sets of uniforms. Not only does this reduce wear and tear, but it also gives garments a chance to rest, breathe, and fully dry between uses. - Store Them Right
Uniforms should be hung or neatly folded—never crumpled at the bottom of a gym bag. Investing in locker space, hangers, or uniform bags can go a long way in keeping uniforms wrinkle-free and presentable.
Uniforms are an investment in your brand image—and with just a few simple care habits, you can help your team protect that investment. At Threads, we don’t just supply high-quality, branded apparel—we want to help you get the most out of it. Need help choosing easy-care fabrics or looking for replacements? Our team is always here to help.