When the pandemic hit, the world went (almost) completely virtual. "Clocking in" no longer meant long commutes (unless you call the walk from your bed to your home office long), and "getting ready" no longer meant business slacks or heels. Instead, workers opted for sweatpants, pajamas, and slippers: skipping out on traditional and bland work attire.

Some opted for what we like to call the "mullet" approach to work-wear: business on the top, ultra-casual on the bottom. Others went all-in in taking the "business" out of "business-casual."

As a custom t-shirt company, it's probably no surprise that we've always leaned on the side of casual — but for some, this change in dress code has been a bit of a culture shock.

Even as life returns to normal post-pandemic, worker’s attire has not. With almost 25% of all professional jobs projected to be remote by the end of this year, casual and comfy clothes are here to stay. Remote jobs allow employees more freedom; whether that be in their overall time management or in their clothing choices.

As workers grow accustomed to freedom in their work attire, companies' corporate apparel must reflect these changes. Apparel needs to fit into an existing company identity, while keeping up with the demands of a new workspace. It’s time for work attire that is bold, comfortable, and fun. Simple designs are out. Bold and creative apparel is in. 

When making new attire options, think outside the box! Corporate attire can mean more than it ever has before, so here are some tips for pushing the limits with your designs.

Custom Apparel Tips for Remote Teams

  1. Expand your color palette. Presenting apparel that is bold and exciting will help your apparel stand out amongst conventional business looks. A unique color palette can perfectly match and communicate the vibe of your company.  
  2. Use different design techniques. Screen printing, embroidery, patches, and more can be added to whatever products you want to create. Combine textures (like foil, puff, or embossing) to take your designs to the next level. 
  3. Play with your fabrics. Choosing comfortable fabrics that people want to wear can be a huge selling point. Work apparel no longer needs to be stiff and structured; cottons and polyblends are a better option to make clothes that feel cozy enough to sleep in.
  4. Create new items. Instead of making company polos or dress shirts, display your logo on athleisure items like sweatpants or joggers. Switch ties and vests for casual t-shirts and hoodies that employees can wear both in and out of work. If needed, even add a company facemask or tote bag for the occasional trip into the office (or just for repping your company in public).

Remote work has created a unique opportunity for companies to push their apparel past the traditional business space. As remote work becomes more common, companies need to make their designs fit the new freedoms and trends that remote work creates. Get started designing apparel that won’t leave your company behind as the workspace goes virtual.

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