Last year we were lucky enough to provide uniform for a company call the Bubble Bros. Ben and Joe started their venture in 2015 when they converted a 3 wheeled Piaggio into a Prosecco van which you can hire for events.
From there on they have expanded by adding more vintage vehicles to the fleet. The Impact Trading team just loved the style of the logo and branding of this company, not to mention the thought of Prosecco!
The jackets the Bubble Bros chose are traditional utilitarian style welding jackets. This style of jacket was around the 1920’s -1950’s in engineering industries such as the railway and steel industries. These jackets are a perfect fit for the Bubble Bros vintage style and we all agree they look absolutely brilliant in them.
The Bubble Bros showing off their new jackets!
To buy a bubble brother’s jacket from their website just click here
For a long time hospitality wear has remained very stagnant, traditional black trousers and skirts, white shirts and blouses were the simple, go to outfit.
I remember as a student I worked as a waitress casually for a catering company and also in a cafe and restaurant, for each job it was a staple items in my wardrobe. For employers it was an easy uniform option, something that staff would already have or could easily get.
In the last few years at Impact Trading and Cotton Roots we have a noticed a big change, both in office wear and hospitality uniform. Office wear has started to move away from suits and ties to smart trouser and open collar shirts. Dress down Friday is becoming common place in many offices and branding and web agencies actively encourage relaxed and individual clothing in order to create an inspirational environment.
Hoteliers and restaurateurs have also started to realise that uniform plays a significant part in the overall branding and is an important part of the experience for customers.
Bespoke Denim Apron with Faux Suede Cross Back Straps
At the moment we are noticing a huge trend towards an
industrial feel in restaurants and hotels. Lots of hard surfaces in different textures
such at concrete, wood and metal. The uniforms
reflect the industrial revolution era with braces, flat caps, waistcoats which then
have a modern twist of jeans and chinos to go with them.
Hard wearing fabrics such as canvas, denim and leather feature
heavily within this look.
This break away from the conservative traditions of black and white means that staff uniforms and venues can really stand out from the crowd and provide customers with a completely immersive experience.
For more information on branded uniform and bespoke aprons please call Impact Trading on 01908 511395 or email [email protected]
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 25th Feb -10th March 2019
Fairtrade fortnight is run for two weeks each year when campaigners, businesses, schools and groups show their support for the farmers and workers who grow our food, crops and manufacture our clothes in developing countries, people who live in some of the poorest countries in the world and who are often exploited and badly paid.
I have been working for Impact Trading and Cotton Roots for just over a year and right from the start; in fact a long time before I started I knew what they did.
They supply uniform, print, embroidery and also bespoke garments including aprons. Yes, that’s right!
But what I didn’t know is all the other little things they do that make this place quite unique. In fact when I started asking the team all the ways they reuse, recycle and try to reduce, it had become so normal for them that they were struggling to even think of them.
Katt and Liz save all their fabric scraps and at the same time Karen, Ros and Kelly save the middle of the thread roles, all this is donated to local schools and groups for arts and crafts, while courier bags are used by one of our suppliers to separate stock which drives us slightly crazy, they are completely unused so we donate them to local friends and businesses.
Karen revealed today that metal collar clips that come off
some of the dress shirts work perfectly as paperclips and cardboard inserts are
kept to put at the top of packed boxes before they are sealed, this keeps the
garments are protected when the box is opened.
All the boxes that come into warehouse are reused and we
don’t stop there! We are currently talking to suppliers about reducing
packaging on orders we receive and Tina and her team in the office are
encouraging customers to select the no plastic packing option or at the very
least, multi bagging which means we are constantly reducing our plastic usage.
As you would expect we also recycle everything that we can’t
reuse and we are constantly looking for more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle
which includes the development of biodegradable box bags which we hope to be introducing
very soon.
Some of our customers really love a nice flat collar on their polo shirts. After washing collars sometimes needs extra ironing to keep a smart look and prevent “curling”.
Our new Spa polo shirts solves this problem. The collars have invisible tipping which holds the shape of the collar.
Manufactured in Portugal for us, to exacting standards, made with 50% cotton and 50% polyester in a fine quality pique knit. The weight of the fabric is 210gsm and has a dense quality knit.
These are soon to be added to our catalogue and the minimum order will be 20 polo shirts. This can be a mix of colours and sizes.
We are hearing on the ‘grape vine’ that the varsity jacket is making a come back. Our jackets have always been popular and are the perfect garment for embroidering. They come in a range of colours and sizes and are particularly good for sport, school and dance groups.
We can thank the Americans for introducing us to the varsity jacket. This casual wear staple was born in the glittering sports halls of Harvard University. In the 1950’s the newly invented TV beamed the ideal of the American Dream, the varsity jacket came to symbolise the uniform of the sporty teenager. Now its having a resurgence.
American High School sports team
The style is neat, simple and with the distinctive contrast ribbing. It combines the structure of a jacket with the ease of a cardigan, making it ideal for leisure wear. Girls love the look too and from an early stage the jacket became a unisex look. The effect is upbeat with a 50’s retro feel and perfect for team branding!
We have been so busy producing our ‘Made in Britain’ Aprons! They are fast becoming one of our most popular products.
‘Made in Britain’ Apron
Made in Britain Aprons are the perfect accompaniment to any product that is produced or grown in the U.K. What better way to promote your product than wearing an apron made in a british factory.
Our ‘Made in Britain’ labels
We have supplied a wide range of bespoke aprons in all kinds of colours and styles. The great thing about bespoke is you can create a unique look. There all kinds of ways you can add a unique touch, whether it be the fabric, the branding or the straps.
A key advantage for producing in Britain is a quick turn-around time. We are able to action changes and develop samples more quickly. The design process is easier, we can develop ideas and see the results within a few weeks.
We are very keen to support British businesses and the growing trend for British based manufacturing.
Horatio’s Garden apron
The Horatio’s Garden apron was particularly nice to work on. It is such a great charity and one we are proud to have been involved with.
Amy’s Kitchen
The aprons we produced for Amy’s Kitchen were also made using fabric produced in Britain.
Amy’s Kitchen
Applying the embroidery
Our in-house embroidery machines allow us to produce embroideries quickly and efficiently. We can tweak and perfect the colours and positioning as we go along. Our production team have a great eye for detail.
There are all kinds of ways to make our aprons unique. Our customers want something different that will set them apart from the rest. We are always on the look out for new ideas. For Balans restaurants eyelets were used, to great effect!
Polo shirt collars are key to the overall look. It is the one feature that sets it apart from a regular t-shirt and is what gives it that all important smartness and structure.
There are three main Polo shirt collar choices;
Knitted
knitted collars are the most popular choice. They are woven in the same yarns as the main body and are dyed to match. The great advantage of knitted collars is the ability to knit patterns and contrast colours into the collar. This can add interesting details that can enhance and help project your brand image.
Self Fabric
Self fabric collars are made from the fabric that is used in the main body and sleeves. It gives a more tailored appearance and is a good way of keeping the colour consistent.
Contrast
Contrast collars have a more tradition feel. They reflect the style of the original polo shirts that were used by the british military to play Polo. Cotton is used in different colours to create a classic ‘sports club’ feel. A simpler denim contrast can create a more contemporary feel.
Plastic tipping – A great new invention for keeping knitted Polo shirt collars neat by preventing curling.
We think this is a great idea! Especially when you consider that office wear is becoming increasingly more relaxed. This is a great way of ensuring that a polo shirt collar sits neatly under a jacket.
Plastic tipping insert.
The Plastic tip is inserted into a channel down the front of the collar, to keep it straight. It can easily be removed when washing the garment.
Ottoman detail on knitted collars – what are the benefits?
On heavier weight styles, particularly our work wear polo shirts, the collars have an Ottoman detail knitted along the outer edge of the collars. This gives an attractive edge to the collar and more importantly adds rigidity to prevent rolling.
Narrower collars for a more fashionable look
We have recently introduced a more fashionable range of polo shirts where a slimmer fit and a narrower collar are key features. They are an ideal choice for retail and hospitality, particularly for a younger and more modern environment.
Fabric weight is determined by how a fabric has been woven, its fibre type and how it has been finished. Looking at weight can help you decide if it will be the most suitable fabric for its end use.
GSM and OZ’s
GSM is the metric measurement meaning grams per square metre – it is how much one square metre of fabric weighs. The higher the GSM, the denser the fabric.
OZ is ounce per square yard (oz/sq2), it is the imperial measurement and is also commonly used.
Fabric usually falls into three weight categories;
Lightweight – 30 – 150 gsm
Medium weight – 150 – 350 gsm
Heavy weight – 350+ gsm
Most polo shirts fall within the medium fabric weight catagory – usually between 150 gsm – 250 gsm
Fabric Thickness
Generally the heavier the fabric weight, the thicker it is, however this is not always the case. Fabrics of the same weight but with different fibres and weaves may have different thicknesses.
Heavy weight = Quality? Not always
The weight of a fabric does not always determine its quality. Some fabrics will have been woven using finer fibres and yarns that will give them a superior and more lightweight feel, but they will have high quality characteristics. For example cottons woven with longer staple fibres.
Weights of Polo Shirts
As with the weight categories, there are three main polo weights;
Lightweight – 130 – 170 gsm
The polyester performance polos usually fall into this category. The lightness of the fabric is an integral part of their moisture wicking and quick dry properties. This makes the customised polo shirt ideal for wearing in the gym and warm climates.
Lightweight
Medium weight – 170-200 gsm
This is our most popular category and covers the majority of the styles we offer. Our personalised polyester or cotton polo shirts are a good all-rounder. They can be relied upon for both comfort and durability. All fabric types can be found in this category.
Medium weight
Heavyweight – 200+ gsm
Heavyweight
Our heavyweight range of polos are a good choice for workwear. They offer hard wearing fabric that will cope with harsher conditions. The extra weight will also provide warmth. This makes them ideal for working long hours on the factory floor or outside in the elements.
So, how does Moisture Wicking work and what are the benefits?
Candle Wick
Moisture Wicking works in much the same way as a candle wick absorbs wax and draws it up towards the flame.
Wicking is able to occur by a process called capillary action. Polyester fibres are hollow, like tiny little tubes and the moisture is able move along them. The high humidity or wet air next to the skin will try and move up towards the low humidity or dry air on the outside.
In addition to all of this the fabrics can be chemically treated so that moisture does not stay in the fibres.
So clever!
In what environments will moisture wicking Polo Shirts be most effective?
Moisture wicking will be of great benefit if your team are working in warm environments such as gyms and swimming pools. Travel companies should consider these Polo shirts for their staff working in hot climates and of course sports teams would much prefer to be wearing a garment that is going to take moisture away from the body. It goes without saying that any moisture wicking fabric is going to dry very quickly when laundered and this just adds to the appeal.
Do Polo Shirts have to be 100% Polyester to have moisture wicking properties?
Blended Polos can still offer moisture wicking. If you still want the natural feel of cotton but the added moisture control of polyester, there are blends that will do this for you. This is a good choice for someone working in warmer climates, where the cotton will feel cooler against the skin. The polyester will then do its job and wick any moisture away from the body. A great combination!
GSM is the metric measurement meaning grams per square metre – it is how much one square metre of fabric weighs. The higher the GSM, the denser the fabric.
