How to select between Stock supported, Customised or Bespoke Luxury Uniform

hen considering developing a luxury uniform program for your business or revitalising an existing uniform, there are several elements to consider. One of the most fundamental decisions that you will make is whether to use stock, custom or bespoke uniform for your collection.

All options are equally suitable, and each have benefits that may be more suitable for your business. To assist you in making a choice, we have broken down your options to help guide you to what is right for your business.

Stock supported uniform

Stock garments or also called “off the rack” from a stock range which is predesigned and can be purchased without any commitment or minimum order – it is a core product to be purchased by anyone, simple and generic.

Advantages

o   Can suit roles in companies which are not client facing

o   Convenient as quick to replenish

o   Great if you require small units as they generally do not have minimum order quantities

o   Cost effective as usually mass produced

o   Quick to have for sudden events or emergencies

Disadvantages

o   Less luxurious

o   Generic and standard with little to minimal identity to your brand

o   Lack of range of colours and shapes

o   No personality or design

Top tips from Studio 104

We recommend you check that this uniform will still be available for reorders in the next 5 years as some programmes are discontinued when sales are not good.

This seems a viable and recommended option for clients who are very short on time and require uniform within the next 2-3 months.

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Customised Luxury Uniform

A customised garment that you have chosen to personalise and build by using fabrics, linings and trimmings.

Many businesses choose to customise their uniform because it adds extra definition to the brand – if your business has a few brand colours for example, customisation can be a cost-effective way of incorporating your brand colours into the chosen uniform. Customising garments adds flair or interest to the workwear.

At Studio 104, our exciting pre-designed 104 Collection range has been designed and developed by our talented team of Designers, Product Developers and Garment Technologists. You can order new uniform and have it shipped at twice the speed of bespoke projects and to a smarter cost. This range is fully customisable, and you would be invited to our studio to meet our designers and developers and select a range of fabrics and trimmings from our extensive libraires to reflect your brand.

Advantages

o   You can customise your fabrics and trimmings to reflect your brand, ensuring no two uniforms are the same

o   Have a cohesive collection clearly showing role positions

o   Be able to have flexibility and creative input to the final pieces

o   Quicker lead times and more cost effective than bespoke

o   You will have a dedicated team and project Manager to help guide you to make the right decisions for you and your team

o  You can add highly bespoke accessories - These accessories present an opportunity to add a unique touch to your collection by incorporating a bespoke print or logo. Our team of skilled designers are ready to create exclusive artworks tailored to embody the essence and individuality of your brand.

Disadvantages

o   Not available immediately – minimum 3 months delivery plus fabric workshop

Top Tips

This is an excellent middle ground between bespoke uniform and stock uniform and suitable for clients who wish a shorter lead time whilst still being able to put their stamp on their brand to create luxury contemporary uniform.

Get creative - add saddle stitching to necklines and sleeves and insert branded tax tabs in each garment with your logo.

Bespoke Uniform

Bespoke uniform is a capsule collection designed specifically to a client’s vision. Through meticulous research, new silhouettes are designed, and bespoke fabrics are developed in tailored colours and patterns to reflect the brand concept. When you choose to design bespoke uniform, the creativity juices can flow to create exciting designs and add details which cannot be added postproduction. A bespoke luxury uniform is a truly original and individual design for your company that gives your business a distinct identity.

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Advantages

o   Create a design vision with no limitations on creativity

o   You can be bold and select shapes, colours and details to reflect your brand such as printed pockets squares, ties and have a range of different options for each position

o   You can tailor garments to the specific details required by the client, by adding details such as radio clips, additional pockets, pencil pockets making your staff feel more comfortable

o   Going bespoke eliminates the possibility of other companies clearing out the stock you need and allows you and your supplier to manage the quantities based on your usage

o   You will have complete control of how the uniform looks and performs

o   Ensures your uniform stands out against other competitors

o   Results in a range that incorporates flexibility in the style, fabric, fit and branding elements, which extend far beyond a logo application

o   Bespoke, new uniform can make your staff feel valued and encourages confidence. When they feel good, they're likely to be happier all round, making it a good way to improve customer service.

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Disadvantages

o   Additional time is required to allow for the design and development stage, so be sure to start early if you have a launch date in mind

o   Reordering may take time, therefore your procurement team will be required to forecast well and place orders 4-5 months in advance.

o   Bigger budget required

At Studio 104, we offer a full bespoke uniform package. Through meticulous research and careful information gathering, we listen to your uniform requirements, focus on the priorities and ensure every detail is covered.  Functionality and durability remain at the forefront to ensure the garments can withstand the harsh working environment.

Trained by the luxury fashion houses, our Design Team sketch up their bespoke uniform ideas by creating elegant, couture illustrations. We work in the same way as haute couture where we carry out a minimum of 3 sampling stage before client sign off, and once we have the final samples, we launch a fashion show at our studio for the client to sign off the final looks.

Studio 104 also provide a staff fit day where our Development Leads and a Professional Tailor issue out the uniform, making sure that each person is wearing the correct size and to complete last-minute alterations.

Studio 104 recently created a bespoke uniform for The Broadwick Soho in London. Here we go behind the scenes.

The Broadwick Soho story

Studio 104 had the honour of designing a fully bespoke uniform range for Broadwick Soho. The collection features bespoke jacquard waistcoats and jackets with luxurious velvet collars and lapels.

The brief was to create a stylish and unique uniform that captured the vibrancy the eclectic townhouse aesthetic envisioned by the interior designer Martin Brudnizki, using key styling features that flowed throughout all roles. The uniform also had to be of a high quality, with a modern twist on the traditional to create an individual look.

The process began with CADS, to introduce concepts and colours to ultimately home in on what Broadwick soho was looking to achieve. Luxurious jacquard fabrics were exclusively developed for Broadwick Soho, bringing texture and interest to the collection, which seamlessly captured the detailed and opulent interiors of Broadwick Soho.

Additionally, leopard print jumpsuits and polka dot dresses, bespoke pocket squares and ties, along with luxurious bow ties, have been incorporated, mirroring the patterns found within the hotel. Studio 104's bespoke uniform range perfectly complements the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Broadwick Soho, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this theatrical oasis in the heart of London.

The client was delighted with the result and the MD Jo Ringestad left a glowing testimonial:

“I very much enjoyed working with the Studio 104 team; they were not only pleasant, professional, and timely but also demonstrated great creativity. Studio 104 incorporate feedback seamlessly into the process while consistently focusing on delivering an excellent product for the hotel. Studio 104 should take great pride in the exceptional work that perfectly aligns with the hotel's vision.”

The Studio 104 team are world-leading specialists in creating bespoke uniform for luxury aviation, luxury hotels, hotel groups, luxury retail, high-end restaurants, luxury experiences, and corporate clients. We provide a dedicated, high-end service supplying exclusively designed, custom and contemporary uniforms.

To discover further Studio 104 bespoke projects visit our portfolio page, and for our detailed process, from uniform concept to manufacture and delivery, head to our process page.

‍Written by Christine, Senior Production Coordinator.

Follow us - www.instagram.com/studio104london

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