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NAUMD Launches Introductory Online Courses for Members and Their Teams

Jun 9, 2025 | NAUMD UPDATES

Uniform University Offers a Starting Point for Industry Learning

The Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) has rolled out a new set of online courses to help member companies onboard employees and introduce them to key topics in the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry. These courses—now live on TheUniformNetwork.com—are designed as introductory learning modules and are ideal for those who are new to the field or looking to build foundational knowledge.

Housed within Uniform University, the education section of NAUMD’s member portal, these courses cover a variety of practical and industry-relevant topics. From product development to thermal protection and fiber basics, each course offers a straightforward introduction to concepts that are useful for daily operations and long-term understanding.

“Our goal isn’t to overwhelm new hires with complex materials but to give them a clear, simple starting point,” said Rick Levine, Executive Director of NAUMD. “These courses offer a helpful way to get familiar with our industry’s language, workflows, and considerations.”

Highlighted Courses

Apparel Product Management: Strategies for Success
This course introduces the basic elements of managing uniform apparel effectively. Lessons include:

  • Crafting Accurate Product Descriptions – how to write useful and clear product details that focus on performance, durability, and compliance.

  • Naming Colors with Precision and Consistency – the role of color naming in maintaining brand identity and uniform standards.

  • Size Scale and Fit – understanding the importance of consistent sizing, especially in uniforms across departments.

  • Creating Effective Product Categories for Analysis – strategies for grouping products to help with both sales tracking and easier customer navigation.

Introduction to Textiles and Fibers for the Uniform Industry
This course offers an overview of materials used in uniform design and production. It’s organized into four sections:

  • Natural Fabrics – Covers cotton, wool, and other natural fibers, including care tips and historical use in uniforms.

  • Man-Made Fabrics – Introduces synthetic options like polyester and nylon, with a look at performance benefits and environmental challenges.

  • Sustainable Fabrics – Discusses eco-friendlier materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled fabrics.

  • New Technology and Future Trends – Touches on smart textiles, wearable tech, and innovations in sustainable production.

The course is geared toward product developers, buyers, sourcing professionals, and anyone who needs a general understanding of fabric selection and use in the uniform industry.

Additional Courses Now Available Include:

  • Cold Stress 101: Essentials of Thermal Protection in Uniform Workwear

  • Keeping Cool: Managing Heat Stress in the Uniform Industry

  • Color Matters: How Workwear Colors Impact Branding, Safety & Functionality

  • Direct Sale Versus Rental in the Uniform Industry

  • Introduction to Marketing Plans – Part 1

  • Introduction to Marketing Plans – Part 2

  • Product Development Lifecycle

  • Product Lifecycle Management in Apparel Sales

  • Mastering Uniform Personalization: Techniques and Durability

  • Understanding PFAS in Apparel Workwear – Part 1

  • Understanding PFAS in Apparel Workwear – Part 2

These short courses are meant to provide orientation and entry-level insight, not in-depth technical training. They are structured in clear steps and designed to be completed at a learner’s own pace.

How to Access the Courses

All employees of NAUMD member companies can create a profile at TheUniformNetwork.com to access the full course library. In addition to these courses, the portal includes hundreds of resources—articles, PDFs, videos, and recorded presentations from recent NAUMD conventions.

Uniform University is expected to grow, with additional content being developed based on member feedback and evolving industry needs.

“These courses aren’t trying to make anyone an expert overnight,” said Levine. “But they are a great way to get oriented and feel more confident working in or with this industry.”

To get started, visit the Member Portal at TheUniformNetwork.com.
To join the NAUMD, visit naumd.com/join

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