Atlanta, GA, April 19 – The Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) last night released its list of best-dressed businesses, public safety departments and corporate apparel innovators for 2023. The announcement came during an awards ceremony in Atlanta honoring the winners of NAUMD’s three recognition programs: The Best Dressed Public Safety Competition, Image of the Year Awards, and Innovation Awards.
This year’s list includes some of the most prominent companies and names from across the globe. Here’s a quick look, by program, of each:
The Best Dressed Public Safety Department Competition calls attention to the important role uniforms play in law enforcement and public safety. The award celebrates the manufacturers, law enforcement departments and first responders that go the extra mile to create versatile, functional and stylish uniforms that represent public safety professionals. Ten departments and 7 uniform providers made this year’s list:
The Israel Police Department was recognized for its new Sorbtek Stretch EXS uniform program. A collaborative effort between the department and uniform supplier Spiewak, the program includes wear for everyday officers as well as uniforms for specialized units.
The Kentucky State Police was honored for its sharp appearance supplied by Spiewak. Uniforms are colored in gray with black accents, and feature a gusseted crotch, hidden button-down collar, and expand-on-demand waistband for increased comfort and functionality.
The Canadian Coast Guard now operates under a full gender-neutral uniform offering provided by Unisync. This distinctive program includes shirts, pants and shorts, outerwear, sweaters, dress uniforms and service caps affixed with rank braiding, insignia/badges and name tags.
Nevada State Highway Patrol’s return-to-tradition program consists of multiple options, with fabrics and colors developed specifically for the Patrol by Spiewak. Shirts and trousers and gray with navy accents. Navy ties and campaign hats complete this very polished look.
The State of Hawaii Sheriff’s Division is the nation’s only law enforcement agency to have reported to a King. Uniforms are colored in green and silver tan in materials suitable for tropical and temperate environments. The manufacturer 911 Supply produced this winning program.
North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office houses a detention and deputy division, each with distinctive wear. The Class B Cross FX STAT uniform updates the look while providing lasting stretch, durability, a modern fit, and functionality. Uniforms are provided by Galls.
Incendie Repentigny – Repentigny Fire department wanted a professional and classic l look that didn’t compromise comfort. Martin & Levesque Uniforms’ loose, athletic cut polo with military crease and pleated patch pockets, paired with a blue trouser, fulfills both requirements.
The Garner, NC Police Department’s Core STAT uniform is both professional in appearance and functional for modern police work. Manufactured by Flying Cross and supplied by Galls, the 96%/44 Poly/spandex weave is capable of maintaining a court-approved Class A look.
Conservation and Protection Directorate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada desired a functional look that projected authority. Logistik’s solution includes cargo pants with hidden fasteners to protect against insects, and new wear for women, which was not part of the previous wardrobe.
Fresno, CA, Police Department Honor Guard crisp blue garments are a cross between traditional law enforcement wear and military-styled garments and are worn during many community events, increasing their visibility and instilling pride in officers and the public they serve. The program is manufactured by Fechheimer.
NAUMD’s Innovation Awards recognizes unique design, advanced technology and excellence within the public safety uniform and apparel industry. Thirteen innovations from twelve industry leaders topped the 2023 list:
There has been no easy solution for an adjustment in pant length. Until now. Flip-Hem® Adjustable Length Technology was designed to enable a single pair of pants to cover multiple inseam sizes. One pant length, with Flip-Hem inserted, provides up to 3 inseam sizes. Created by Flip-Hem.
The ENFORCR™+EVO vest is a first-of-its-kind thermodynamic, micro-climate controlling load-bearing vest that ensures 360-degree protection. The technology results in an intelligent, lightweight, breathable vest made with a hyper-cool penta-layer system that regulates the wearer’s thermal ecosystem. Designed by Australian Defence Apparel.
Vegeto Milkweed Insulation, a 100 percent plant-based solution was developed by Logistik Unicorp to update the existing insulation for Canada Post’s wardrobe. Following a trial run, Canada Post offered the new high-performance and eco-friendly material option to its entire workforce.
Technology innovator Bodd has developed the only Uniform Sizing Solution that can size head to toe from a single body scan. Specifically built to service the global uniforms sector, the Bodd solution eliminates costly sizing and fitting processes, provides an instant size match for infinite products and reduces labor costs associated with lengthy fittings.
The Rocky Coronado Collection, created by Rocky Boots, is built for water operations with a fast-drying mesh that offers breathability. The outsole is designed with specific drainage ports that remove water quickly for faster drying times. The fast-drying mesh upper combined with the drainable Vibram Mega Grip outsole allows this boot to excel at being the best in its class.
Red Kap’s Airflow Raglan Chef Coat with OilBlok technology is purpose-built to help repel heavy stains keeping chef coats looking newer for longer. OilBlok technology gets clothes clean quicker with 1/3 fewer washes, while Airflow breathes in the hottest conditions keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. Supplied by Workwear Outfitters.
Sapphire, a longtime proponent of sustainability, has developed a technology that extends the life of uniform products. Fabrics and garments produced with SAPPHIRE X LYCRA® DUAL COMFORT provide comfort, shape retention, good dry-wicking, and a natural aesthetic with minimal shine. Products also receive OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN product labeling.
The Ready Set Cargo is a reimagined and stylish multi-pocketed pant designed with intuitive functionality for tough jobs featuring CORDURA® NYCO Fabric in a micro-ripstop fabric and milled by Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. With 8 pockets and 2 clip tabs for carabiners, the pant is a walking storage unit for tools, supplies, and gear. Created by Cordura Advanced Fabrics.
Smith & Warren used its BadgeStudio consultative process to design a one-of-a-kind badge for the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement. The badge was digitally sculpted using techniques that mimicked the percussion methods used when developing arrowheads out of stone, leaving behind a lifelike arrowhead.
C4 Belts tested different medical grade elastomer formulas for tensile strength, aesthetics, printability and durability to arrive at the collection of premium belts and now have a proprietary print-on-demand process for flexible substrates. Their no inventory dropship program and 100% recyclable materials make C4 Belts a sustainable operation as well.
The Digital QC Process from Kariwala Industries increases value creation of a product by lowering the costs of production, increasing quality and flexibility and reducing time to market. The digital transformation of QC on a single dashboard giving real-time defect ratios and correlation systems is a step towards smart factory transformation and new customer relationships.
Penn Emblem’s branding of its 75th Anniversary was recognized for its creation of a commemorative logo using its Flex™ design technique. The 75th Anniversary logo was used in a plethora of marketing initiatives throughout 2022, including trade shows and celebratory parties. The logo was displayed on shirts, bags and other keepsake items.
The Dumpster Fire Emblem was created by Penn Emblem as a promotional giveaway. The “Dumpster Fire” became famous in the aftermath of 2020’s pandemic, as people humorously deemed the year a dumpster fire. The design itself appears cartoonish. The use of PVC allows for the design elements to appear three-dimensional and realistic.
Image of the Year Awards honor the most thoughtfully designed apparel collections and concepts worn in today’s global workforce, and the suppliers and designers who created them. Twenty one programs, and ten creators made the list this year:
The Conrad Nashville uniform collection is designed to compliment the hotel’s interiors and collection of local art. Design Collective by Cintas used sublimation printing to create a unique print that includes Tennessee’s state flower, the blue Iris, which can be seen within ladies’ scarves, blouses, and dresses as well as bowties and neckties.
Renaissance Aruba is known for its signature pink flamingos, and the color is used in several designs created by Design Collective by Cintas. Fun prints and happy colors are used extensively and are intended to evoke a carefree, relaxed mindset. Garments are infused with a myriad of performance features that provide comfort while supporting the work environment.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures program is made up of polos, tees, pants, shorts, and outerwear. This program reduces environmental waste in a way that’s unique and personal to Pepsi. Design Collective by Cintas accomplished this with Repreve®, a Unifi material made of 100% recycled plastic bottles — so there’s brand DNA in every fiber.
BC Ferries crew members are required to stand for long periods of time exposed to elements, so Unisync provided specialized insoles and wide-brim hats specifically to address these concerns. The custom-made suiting in 54% Polyester/ 43% Wool/ 3% Lycra, is specific to special event requirements.
The Porter Airlines uniforms were designed by Pink Tartan, Kimberley-Newport Mimran and Porter’s branding partner, Winkreative, and distributed by Unisync Group. The suiting is composed of 100% Italian virgin wool; navy silk ties, neck scarves and leather handbags add to the luxury look. Accent colors of light blue and orange reinforce the Porter brand.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority program consists of functional and comfortable pants and shirt options that wick away moisture, resist wrinkles and provide stretch. A three in one waterproof and breathable jacket offers the wearer protection from any form of outside elements. Manufactured by Lion/Elbeco
The Shore House at Hotel Del Coronado has a staff of 53, spanning job functions from guest arrival, front desk, as well as Food & Beverage outlet with servers, runners, and bartenders. Garments are a carefully curated mix of pieces from Design Collective By Cintas trusted collaborations and custom designs; featuring fabrics created specifically for the client.
The Popeyes collection was created by Halo Branded Solutions and includes custom aprons with Popeyes embroidery and patches, custom-colored manager shirts decorated with Popeyes pocket trim and embroidery, and “chalkboard” name badges. A custom dyed, blend fabric provides the comfort of cotton and the performance of a recycled poly blend.
The Home Hardware collection is colored in the company’s signature red with the contrast of black, softened by touches of gray. Offerings include t-shirts, polos, shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets/vests, pants, shorts, aprons and a full range of outerwear specific to job function needs. Unisync added a refresh with technical outerwear products in updated fabric, trim and fit.
Tesco is a British grocery and general merchandise retailer. Supplied by Dimensions, the uniform range is vast, and includes polos and t-shirts, blouses and casual top options; tunic/pharmacy shirt; menopausal casual top; maternity roll up blouse, cargo trouser, chino trouser, smart formal trouser for managers; and waterproof outerwear.
The Tesla program created by HPI X Bamko, a division of Superior Group of Companies focuses on sleek and modern aesthetics. Subtle components such as hidden buttons and zipper pulls accomplish the desired look. To further emphasize authenticity and Tesla’s commitment to quality and ownership, each garment bears a signature red grosgrain tape.
The Verizon program consists of modern blade polos, black jeans and a black puffer as a layering piece.. The blade polo has double faced knit, which has a pique cotton front for a retail-inspired look, and a smooth performance knit backing with moisture wicking for comfort. A 3D-printed Verizon logo ties the program together. Created by Design Collective by Cintas
Petro-Canada required that next to skin garments not be comprised of more than 50% polyester, as it is known to conduct static. Unisync constructed a 60/40 cotton/poly plaited pique for the polos and headwear to meet this requirement. The team was also able to preserve the red pantone while at the same time exceeding the cotton safety requirement.
The ADT Sales Team program includes shirts, sweaters, tech pants and an outerwear jacket system. Shirting is in their signature blue, and it is complemented with black or gray layering pieces. This program utilizes a space-dyed knit with moisture-wicking technology. Pants include several pockets and a side-hidden zipper pocket. Supplied by Design Collective by Cintas.
Penske Corporation’s new uniform program revolved around the redesign of the Penske work shirt. Aramark designed a unique, brand-centric shirt that came in both male and female silhouettes. New styles, such as outerwear options were made available for locations to purchase directly. Some of the jackets are also used for employee recognition or anniversaries.
The CLEAR Ambassador Program consists of minimal but impactful three items, which include CLEAR’s iconic outerwear vest, a patterned gingham shirt, and a low-profile accessory pouch. Protecting the iconic blue and white coloration and sharp appearance was set to front and center of the rework designed by HPI X Bamko, a division of Superior Group of Companies.
ServiceMaster Restore® uniform program by Aramark consists of polos for on-location technicians, woven shirts and oxfords for supervisors and sales personnel, hats, outerwear, pants and t-shirts. All pieces had to adhere to brand standards, had to incorporate the ServiceMaster “spotlight” logo and keep in line with their sustainability initiatives.
The Seattle Space Needle partnered with seasoned uniform designer Luly Yang for a new team uniform refresh. Included in the collection are polo shirts, mid-layer fleece jackets, rain jackets, hats, and vests. To achieve the perfect fit, Yang used a couture-based 3D approach to garment fitting where the pattern pieces are manipulated to achieve a flattering sculptural look.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is infused with European styling and fit. Inspired by ships sailed by allied forces in WW1, Design Collective by Cintas created a custom fabric that was used throughout the program. Each garment has some element of the battleship’s “dazzle camouflage,” creating a seamless color story.
The Bourne Stuntacular is a live-action stunt show in Universal Studios Florida. UPF protection and moisture wicking were built into the Carolina blue polyester shirting as well as back armhole venting concealed by the vest for extremely hot climates. The navy baseball cap is flex-fit and moisture-wicking, and the navy pinstripe polyester vests and trousers/slacks are travel worthy with little care. Manufactured by Universal Orlando.
The Miami Grand Prix uniform program includes wear for the stadium and track staff. Supplied by Unitex Direct, the collection features a trackside flame-retardant orange jumpsuit with embroidered logo, a custom-made gray flame-retardant balaclava and a white traffic safety helmet. Shirts for stadium positions were screen printed with the Formula 1 Crypto.com logos.
About NAUMD
The NAUMD is a non-profit global network of companies that outfit hundreds of millions of workers around the world. The association believes heroes wear uniforms, that uniforms empower employees and that uniform companies make good corporate citizens. You can learn more about NAUMD and its programs by visiting https://naumd.com/
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Media Contact
Rick Levine
Executive Director
NAUMD
(847) 448-1333 x700
rick.levine@naumd.com
