Happy New Year!

In a previous blog post, I discussed recycling old, unwanted uniforms as a way to keep them out of the landfills. But today, I read an article that reminded me not all uniformed professionals are in a rush to dump their old duds. Some hang onto their uniforms because they're a source of pride or a reminder of a certain period of time. Others transform their uniforms into something very special and meaningful to them, as I learned in this article from NorthJersey.com.

The article discusses a program for veterans called Combat Papers, which transforms their old uniforms into paper that can be used for creative pursuits like painting, drawing, or writing. This program helps veterans express their feelings, which, as soldiers are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with posttraumatic stress disorder, is more important than ever.

I'll let you read the article for yourself, but I wanted to share it because it has inspired me to make a (new) new year's resolution: This year, I'm going to try and remember that uniforms aren't just fabric and stitches, and that the people behind the uniforms are the most important people to consider whenever I am putting together a uniform program. In an industry that can sometimes feel a little dry, stories like this remind us that what we do is important and meaningful.

Thanks for reading!

How to deal with stains on your chef coat

When you work as a chef, you encounter every possible type of stain. There’s tomato sauce, wine, coffee, chocolate, oil splatter, and even blood. And during busy, hectic shifts, there’s not time to deal with every stain that comes your way. So you end up with a chef coat covered in set-in stains, which is especially painful if it was expensive. Today, I’m going to share some tips with you about how to deal with stains on your chef coat. Hopefully you’ll be able to save your chef coat (and other chef apparel) from a premature trip to Goodwill!

Prevention

Chef Works apron  

The best way to keep your chef coat free of stains is to, well, not get stains on it. You should get a high-quality apron that is large enough to adequately protect your chef coat. I know that kitchens are scorching hot, and a lot of chefs forgo the apron for this very reason. But honestly, does an apron really make you feel significantly warmer? And is that little, tiny bit of extra warmth enough for you to sacrifice your beautiful, expensive chef coat? I would hope not. The Chef Works apron on the right offers a good amount of coverage and a sharp look.  

Address the mess

So you tried to prevent stains with a good apron, but alas, stains made their way to the exposed parts of your chef coat. Now what? Well, before I tell you what to do, it's worth mentioning what NOT to do. 

• Don't use hot water, no matter what anyone says! Hot water will do nothing but cook you up a hot mess and set in stains nice and deep. Use warm or cold water. 
• Don't use bleach except as a last resort. Bleach will weaken fibers, and it will eventually turn fabric yellow or gray. It will also fade any embroidery that you have on your coat, which will not make your employer happy at all. 
• Don't ever put a stained chef coat in the dryer. This will only set the stains. If you haven't gotten the stains out, hang the chef coat to dry. 
• Don't keep rubbing a stain if it seems like you're just rubbing it deeper into the fabric. You probably are. Use a different approach. 

Now that you know the no-nos, I'll give you the good tips.

• Carry a detergent pen or stain remover wipes with you (not ones with bleach). This will allow you to get to work on a stain sooner, which may save your chef coat. 
• Vinegar and club soda are also great stain removers that you probably have access to in the kitchen. White vinegar is good for tomato, coffee, grease, and wine stains. Club soda is also good for wine stains. Saturate the stain as much as possible, and dab the stain with a clean cloth. 
• When you get home, soak your chef coat in warm water with oxygen-based detergent like OxiClean. Try and soak it for an hour or more.
• Once you've soaked your chef coat, take a look and see what stains remain. 
• If there are grease stains, try using a dishwashing detergent like Cascade. These types of detergents are made to break up grease and oil. Rub a little detergent into the stain and let sit for a few minutes. If you have a severe grease stain, try a product called Lestoil, which you can find at hardware stores. Lestoil has a strong smell and it's pretty harsh, so you should really only use it as a last resort. If you do decide to use Lestoil, wash the coat first in cold water to get rid of the residues from the other detergents you tried. Lestoil doesn't react well with other chemicals. 
• If you have coffee, red wine, or tomato stains, try soaking them in white vinegar. Even if you already tried dabbing them with vinegar at the kitchen, soaking them may make a difference. Saturate the stain completely with white vinegar and let it sit for ten minutes. If the stain remains, try using Shout gel or another stain remover. Follow the directions on the label. If you're really desperate and nothing has worked so far, try a carpet spot cleaner. Again, this should be a last resort. Harsher products are more damaging to fabrics. As I stated before, bleach should only be used as a last resort. If you do decide to use bleach, only use it with warm water. The combination of hot water and bleach cause serious yellowing. 
• Once you've done what you can to deal with the stains by hand, wash the chef coat in warm or cold water using bleach-free detergent. You can also add oxygen-based detergent to the wash, following the instructions on label. Add a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse to get the chef coat sparkling white.

Chef coats for the accident-prone

Some people are simply stain magnets. If you're one of those people, perhaps you should consider one of these chef coats. 

This ladies' executive chef coat by Dickies comes in white as well as stain-hiding black, celery, and cobalt. The coat is made from a 65% polyester and 35% cotton micro-stretch twill, and features a soil-release finish. And gosh darn it, it looks sharp!

The Aruba chef coat by Uncommon Threads has short sleeves, so there's less of a chance of you staining it. It also has a moisture-wicking mesh back, keeping you cool enough that you won't mind wearing an apron. This chef coat comes in black and white. 

This basic 3/4 sleeve chef coat by Chef Works comes in five colors, so you're sure to find one that matches your favorite stains. And again, the 3/4 sleeves mean less fabric to stain. 

What to do with old uniforms and other clothing

There is a lot of wastefulness associated with uniforms. Hard-working people wear uniforms, and the uniforms get worn out, so they end up in the trash. A company has an “all-hands meeting” which results in a new uniform, and the old ones get tossed. A waitress throws away a shirt that fell victim to a red wine spill. A disgruntled employee quits and burns his godforsaken uniform. It happens, right? What else can you do? I mean, does Goodwill even want torn, wine-soaked, charred clothing? And really, even in the best condition, an Arby’s polo has pretty limited appeal, and you’re not about to do business with the one Craigslist creep who has a weirdly strong interest in setting up a time to see it. So the uniforms end up in a landfill, where they do little besides effectively suffocating and preserving otherwise highly biodegradable material. It doesn’t have to be this way! You may not realize it, but your uniform has so much more life to live, and so much more to give. Today, I’ll show you how you can allow your uniform to be reincarnated into something that will bring slightly more joy to the world than your old uniform brought you.

The average American throws away 54 pounds of clothing and shoes per year. Nine million TONS of wearables enter the waste stream (a 27% increase from eight years ago). The vast majority (99%) of that waste could have been recycled. Hold on for just a second while I barf everywhere.

Believe it or not, clothing can be recycled. Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will accept clothing in a variety of conditions. They can resell old clothing, and items that aren’t sold can be donated or handed over to textile recovery facilities. These facilities separate the items into different categories based on their type and condition. Some items are simply used as rags. Others can be broken down into fibers and made into something completely new, such as upholstery, insulation, building materials, and even new uniforms.

You may even have recycled clothing in your closet or as part of your uniform! If you don't, you shouldn't feel the need to rush out and buy recycled clothing. It kind of defeats the purpose. But if you're already in the market for something new, try finding a recycled version. Here are a few that I found.

Making new polyester uses a lot of energy and petroleum, and polyester does not degrade easily if at all. Recycling polyester is a great way to keep it out of the landfills. This cap by Port Authority is made with recycled polyester. It's moisture-wicking and provides UV protection.

One of my favorite brands for chef clothing, Uncommon Threads, makes a line of recycled chef apparel that utilizes post-consumer waste. It’s called greenTAB, and it features the same great quality and style as the rest of their products. Here's a great chef coat from the Uncommon Threads greenTAB line. These people are smiling because they're not wrecking the environment. 

Post-consumer waste includes things like old clothes that we get rid of. Pre-consumer waste is what's left over after the manufacturing process, like scraps on the cutting room floor. This tote bag is made from 100% recycled pre-consumer waste. It's perfect for carrying everything from granola to your favorite peace pipe. 

What are the best colors for police uniforms?

Most of the time, I’m really good at picking out color schemes for uniform programs. It takes a little creativity, a little listening, and a little awareness of how certain colors will look together. You want new neckwear for your hotel staff? No problem. I’m your guy. You need vests for your restaurant servers that coordinate with the existing décor? Don’t mind if I do. I’m not as confident, however, when it comes to choosing the “right” colors for police officers. It’s a little too much pressure for me. In the past, I’ve kind of avoided making those types of decisions. But I can’t run away from it forever. After all, I’m supposed to be a uniform expert! So today, I’m going to walk myself (and you) through the psychology behind police uniform color, and see if we can’t come to some sort of conclusion on the matter.

The color of police uniforms matters a lot more than the color of, say, housekeeping uniforms. A lot more is at stake. A police officer needs to look and feel tough, strong, and brave but also friendly, caring, and approachable. They need to blend in sometimes for safety, and other times, they need to stand out so that the people who need them can quickly and easily spot them. They should look sharp, polished, and professional, and not at all sloppy. Lives are on the line, and every detail counts. So how does color affect the overall look of a police officer?  

Color can impact the perception of a police officer in interesting and surprising ways. Studies have shown that light colors are often considered pleasant but weak, and dark colors are associated with strength but also evil. For example, the color black is associated with power. But black can also conjure up negative emotions. An officer wearing black can be perceived as being more aggressive, and in turn, people may act more aggressively toward that officer.

On the other hand, an officer may be targeted for not looking authoritative enough. Someone who is in need of help might be relieved to see an officer in a light color, because they will perceive that officer as being helpful and kind. But a criminal might see that same officer as weak, and believe that they can get away with violence or even murder.

So is there a perfect color for police uniforms? Probably not. Each color seems to have advantages and disadvantages. But some are better than others. Psychologist and former correctional officer deputy sheriff Keith Renfroe conducted a study that compared four different color combinations in terms of perception. Uniform colors were deemed good/bad, nice/mean, warm/cold, gentle/forceful, friendly/unfriendly, passive/aggressive and honest/corrupt. Black uniforms were rated poorly, while uniforms consisting of navy blue pants and light blue shirts did the best.  

So there you have it. Navy blue pants and light blue shirts. Mystery solved. 

Here's a great light blue shirt from Flying Cross by Fechheimer. It has permanent creases so it will always look sharp.

And some Teflon-coated navy trousers by 5.11 Tactical. These pants have a waistband gripper, so your shirt will stay tucked in no matter what you're doing.

These Magnum USA shoes are made with full-grain leather and 1650 denier ballistic nylon., and they're metal detector safe.

The Garrison Belt by Premier Emblem is a great value and a really high quality leather belt. 

My 5 favorite slip-resistant shoes

Is there anything better than getting a great new pair of shoes? I think not. Finding that perfect pair of shoes makes me feel like I'm on top of the world, especially when I get random compliments from people. It's the best! And I know I'm not alone. People go crazy for shoes. They write songs about them. They build entire closets devoted to them. They attack each other to get that last pair on the shelf. Ok, maybe that doesn't actually happen in real life, but it does in my imagination. (And it WILL happen in real life if anyone tries to come between me and a pair of shoes; mark my words.) The point is, shoes are SO AWESOME. But we don't always get to wear the shoes we want. Many professions require employees to wear certain types of shoes, usually for safety reasons. Slip-resistant shoes are required by many employers, including restaurants, hospitals, and warehouses. If you are a shoe lover and you're required to wear slip-resistant shoes, don't despair! There are some styles out there that combine form and function. Here are 5 of my favorites.

Mary Jane by Genuine Grip: I'm sure you didn't believe that I could actually find a decent-looking, slip-resistant shoe. Well, ye of little faith, behold! The Mary Jane from Genuine Grip. Ok, this shoe is not for everyone, because some women prefer flats. But some women absolutely have to have a little heel, because it's what they're used to, they like the lift, or they actually find heels more comfortable than flats. These shoes are super sweet and adorable, and they have the perfect amount of heel. And they're slip-resistant! They're made by Genuine Grip, which has probably the best slip-resistance technology for oily and/or wet environments (e.g. restaurants). 

Kate by Dansko: I must have a thing for semi-exposed feet because here's another pair of Mary Janes. I can't help it! They're so sweet. But these Mary Janes by Dansko have stitching and distressing that make them a little more rugged and earthy than the Genuine Grip Mary Janes. And they're sporty. These are the kind of shoes you could wear while running around at work, and then come home and walk the dog, and you'd look cute the whole entire time. These are slip-resistant, and they're also super lightweight.

Florence by Spring Step Pro: Some nurses are required to wear white uniforms, and these slip-ons by Spring Step Pro are white hot! They feature a high quality full-grain leather upper, and they kind of remind me of cute, white cowboy (or cowgirl!) boots. They are studded and accented with floral stitching, making them a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. They are slip-resistant and they also feature a fast-drying, moisture-wicking, antibacterial lining.

Sierra by Klogs: I actually have a pair of shoes that looks exactly like these, and I wear them all the time. I know I said I love new shoes, and I do, but I always come back to this style because it's just perfect. It can be dressed up or down. It's not too fancy or fussy but it's still sharp. And it's just so sleek. So many men's shoes are unnecessarily bulky, but not these. I actually might have to swap mine out for a pair of these Klogs, because they are slip-resistant and mine aren't. And they're waterproof! Ugh, I'm having serious shoe envy. 

Bryar by Nurse Mates: You are going to be moving as swiftly as a leopard in these comfy slip-ons from Nurse Mates, which is good, because you're going to have throngs of nurses chasing after you, trying to steal your hot kicks. The combination of patent leather and leopard print is so fun, and it's the perfect amount of style to jazz up your look without being tacky. These shoes are slip-resistant and they're also really easy to clean.

5 fresh scrub prints for spring!

I love working in the uniform industry! I think it's really exciting, which is hard for some people to understand. See, a lot of people think that uniforms are boring or unchanging, and I know that's not true. In my job, I see how a sharp, professional uniform can transform the way an employee feels. A great uniform program can even give an entire company a fresh look! And since it's officially spring, I'm all about transformations and fresh looks. So today, I'm spotlighting 5 unique scrub prints that I absolutely love.

Live Sweet V-Neck with Collar Band by Urbane Scrubs in "Moogugai Fan": This print may seem pretty simple and subdued, but look closely! Those are little fans! I do declare that this is the most unique scrub print I've seen in a while. And it's so feminine without being gushy. I'm in love! 

2 Pocket Kimono Side Tie by Barco in "Martinique": Barco pretty much invented prints for scrubs in the 1990s. They released a print called "Petite Floral" and the world was never the same! You should take a look at the print. It's sweet, but very '90s. Well, times have changed and so have the prints. This "Martinique" print is very unique and hip. It looks like something you'd pick up while on vacation and adore forever. 

Square Neck Bodice top by MedGear in "Brown Animal": Meowwww! Hot nurse on the prowl! Just kidding. If you are a nurse, you should be working and not prowling. But still, this leopard print scrub top is hot. Animal prints are always in style, and they look good on everyone. And this is definitely not a scrub top that you'll be embarrassed to be wearing during your post-shift trip to the store.

Heidi by Peaches in "Check-N-Out Navy": Could this scrub top be any sweeter? The gingham pattern! The shirring! The puff sleeves! The sprinkling of flowers and peace signs! Even the name of the top is adorable! And what I really love is that it's not over-the-top girly. How cute would this be on a pediatric nurse? She would be like the Hannah Montana of the hospital! 

Tori by Koi in "Dulce": This is not a scrub top. I refuse to believe it. This is resort wear from an expensive boutique in the Hamptons. But it's made by Koi! I don't understand! Ok, I'm just kidding. But really, this print is so chic and absolutely perfect for spring and summer. It's fun but so sophisticated.

It's actually quite easy being green

Spring is in the air! The sun is out, the birds are chirping, it’s getting warmer outside, and I couldn’t be more excited! I love nature, and I can’t wait to get out and enjoy it. I’m pretty sure that everyone around here is just as excited as I am. It’s not quite 55 degrees, but people are already wearing flip-flops! Maybe that seems a little excessive, but here in the Arctic tundra, we go crazy for above-freezing temperatures. With all of this nature love and flip-flop wearing happening, it’s fitting that this is the time of year that we try to increase our awareness of environmental issues. We’ve got Earth Hour coming up this Saturday, which is the day that you turn off all your lights for an hour and reflect on what you can do to make a difference for the environment. And of course, there’s Earth Day, which is in about a month. Well, I got a head start on Earth Hour, because I’m already thinking about what I can do for the environment! One of my ideas was to spotlight a few uniform lines that are using innovative, eco-friendly materials and processes. Enjoy!

Port Authority® by SanMar®: I love polo shirts. They are so versatile. They can be dressed up or down, they look great in any color under the sun, and they are appropriate for a wide variety of professions.  I am always on the hunt for the perfect polo, and this bamboo blend pique polo definitely piqued my interest. You've probably heard of the benefits of bamboo. It grows quickly, it's highly renewable, and it can grow without the use of chemical pesticides, making it a very environmentally friendly choice. This polo is made from bamboo charcoal, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It's also extremely breathable and moisture-wicking. The result is an eco-friendly shirt that keeps you fresh, dry, and cool while you're working on a hot day. 

MTX-ECO Series™ by Perfection Uniforms: Perfection Uniforms makes uniforms for police officers, firefighters, park rangers, and EMTs. Their MTX-ECO Series™ uses REPREVE® 100% recycled fiber, which is made from plastic bottles that are diverted from landfills, as well as polyester fiber waste. These uniforms are a great way for a department or even an entire municipality to go green. This utility shirt would be perfect for the park ranger who wants to express a love for nature as well as for enforcing the rules.

greenTAB™ by Uncommon Threads™: Part of the uniform manufacturing process is cutting fabric, and let me tell you, a lot of fabric scraps end up going to waste. I always thought this wastefulness was such a shame, but I figured that it was par for the course. Chef apparel manufacturer Uncommon Threads™, however, came up with a great solution. The company breaks the fabric scraps back down into fibers, and then spins them into thread which is woven into fabric. The fabric is then used to produce the greenTAB™ line of chef pants, coats, and hats. There's no loss of quality, but there is definitely less waste ending up in the landfill! The greenTAB™ line is great for eco-friendly restaurants. I love these cargo chef pants because they're really functional and they come in six colors.