If you've ever noticed polo shirt collars curling up at the edges – especially after a few washes – you're not alone. While it may seem like a minor detail, this issue is a clear sign of poor manufacturing. And for a uniform, where first impressions matter, a curly collar just doesn't cut it. So, what's going on here? The Anatomy of a Proper Polo Collar In high-quality polos, the collar is more than just an afterthought – it's precision engineered. A well-constructed collar is: Knitted on a specialist machine, Made to a specific length, Designed to match the neckline exactly When these steps are followed, the result is a collar that lays flat and holds its shape. Every time. No curls. No fuss. The Shortcut Some Manufacturers Take Unfortunately, not all polo shirts are made this way. To cut costs, some manufacturers use a "one-size-fits-most" approach to collars. Instead of making collars that match the shirt precisely, they stretch a slightly smaller collar to fit the neckline. At first glance, it might look okay. But once that shirt goes through a few wash cycles, the tension reveals itself. The overstretched collar begins to curl – leaving wearers looking unkempt and uniforms appearing subpar. Why This Matters for Uniforms Uniforms are more than clothing – they're a reflection of your brand. Inconsistent details like a curling collar can: Undermine professionalism, Impact team confidence, Diminish the overall impression your team makes If you're investing in uniforms, you deserve consistency, durability, and quality in every detail – including the collar. The Arrow Difference At Arrow Uniforms, we don't believe in shortcuts. Our polos are engineered with precision, using collars that are made to fit. We take pride in the small details because we know they're what elevate a uniform from acceptable to exceptional. Not sure if your current polos measure up? Check the collar. If it's curling, it might be time to rethink your uniform supplier. Or better yet – talk to us. We'll make sure your team always looks the part.

In the world of textiles, fabric tells more than a fashion story – it defines purpose. The tailoring industry often reveres ultra-fine European wools and light wool blends for their luxurious feel, sophisticated drape, and prestige for use in high-end corporate tailoring and haute couture. But step into a hospital, a kitchen, or a busy retail floor, and these delicate fabrics simply wouldn't hold up - the fabric is just too thin. So, what makes a fabric work for workwear? The Finer the Fabric, the Higher the Risk High-end suiting fabrics are typically light in weight and woven from ultra-fine yarns, often wool or luxury blends. These are the showpieces of fashion runways and boutique collections – designed for visual impact, not repeated wear under pressure. Their allure comes at a cost: Higher price point due to rarity and craftsmanship Delicate handling requirements, including dry cleaning and specific storage Easily damaged Limited durability, especially when exposed to friction, pulling, or sharp edges In fact, the very characteristics that make these fabrics sought-after in designer circles make them unsuitable for workplace environments where uniforms need to last, move and protect. Why "Cheaper" Fabrics Last Longer Workwear demands something else entirely: practicality, strength, launderability and longevity. That's why Cotton, Polycotton, and Polyester blends are industry staples across healthcare, hospitality, and service sectors. While they may not turn heads in a fashion editorial, they delivery where it counts: Durability – Engineered to resist snags, tears, and fading Easy care – Machine washable, quick-drying, and often crease-resistant Affordability at scale – Cost-effective for outfitting large teams without compromising on performance It might sound counterintuitive, but "rougher" constructions almost always mean, longer life. Tightly woven polyester, for example, is harder to tear than ultra-fine wool and is also easier to care for. In this way, functionality beats finesse every time for demanding roles. Design Innovation Meets Durability at Arrow At Arrow Uniforms, we design fabrics not for catwalks – but for careers. In saying that, our uniforms have wowed high-society and featured on the runway in NZ Fashion Week. Functionality can be achieved with creativity to combine form with function. Our in-house design team collaborates closely with our suppliers to craft textiles that balance comfort, durability, and visual appeal. Innovations like: Antimicrobial fabric finishes Moisture-wicking blends and Temperature-regulating fibres ...allow us to push the boundaries of what "workwear" can be, without sacrificing performance or aesthetic. Key Takeaway: Fabric Tells a Story – Make Sure It's the Right One Choosing fabric for uniforms isn't just about appearance – it's about how it performs under pressure, how long it lasts, how it washes up day after day, and how it supports the people wearing it. So while finely tailored luxury suits may shine in showrooms, workwear shines on the floor – doing the hard jobs, wash after wash, day after day.

When clients receive their uniforms, they expect consistency – across sizes, styles, and especially colour. But few realise just how much work goes into making sure every garment is dyed to exactly the right shade. That precision starts not on the production floor, but in a laboratory, with something called a lab dip. At Arrow Uniforms, we take this step seriously, because getting colour right isn’t optional. It’s essential. What Is a Lab Dip A lab dip is a small sample of fabric that’s been dyed in a lab to test and demonstrate a colour match before full-scale fabric production begins. It's the very first checkpoint in ensuring a uniform meets brand and quality expectations. The process begins with a colour reference – often an existing garment or a Pantone (PMS) code. The dye house then creates several versions of the formula to find the closest match. Each sample is dyed, dried, labelled, and cut into a small swatch – then sent to us for review. Precision Over Assumption These swatches aren’t approved lightly. Internally, we compare them to existing garments or other pieces in a range. In many cases, the client is also involved, particularly for branded ranges. Everyone from production to account management weighs in – because what looks right under one light may look very different under another. Once a lab dip is approved, that exact dye formula becomes the reference point for bulk production and any future reorders. That’s what allows us to maintain consistency over time – even as fabric runs and dye batches evolve. It Doesn’t Stop There Before production begins, a length of the final dyed fabric is sent to us again. We review this against the approved lab dip – another checkpoint before even a single garment is sewn. If it doesn’t match? We don’t move forward. Sometimes fabric can be redyed or adjusted. In other cases, the dye lot must be redone entirely – starting from the greige (raw) yarn stage. It’s not ideal, and yes, it can cause delays. But what’s worse than waiting? Delivering uniforms that don’t match. Why This Matters Uniforms are a visual extension of a brand. A mismatch in colour – even by a few shades – can undermine the professionalism and cohesion that clients rely on. Whether it’s a nationwide retail rollout or a healthcare provider ordering monthly top-ups, colour continuity is not negotiable. Lab dips are our frontline defence against inconsistency. They may seem small, but their impact is anything but. Our Commitment to Quality At Arrow, we’ve built our processes around the belief that good enough isn’t good enough. We’ve turned away fabric shipments. We’ve started from scratch when needed. And we’ve invested in multi-stage approvals to protect the integrity of every uniform we deliver. Because every colour choice is a brand statement – and we’re here to make sure it’s the right one.

There's something unmistakably classic about the butcher's apron. In trade folklore, horizontal stripes say "butcher," while vertical ones whisper "fishmonger." It's a garment that doesn't just protect – it tells a story. At Arrow Uniforms, we decided to write a new chapter in that story back in the 1990s. Reinventing a Classic When we first entered the uniform business, we took inspiration from the traditional butcher's apron – a well-worn icon in kitchens and butcheries across the country. But we knew it needed a refresh. So, we took the original version to our mill and said, "Copy this – but make it darker, richer, more modern." The result? A sharp, deep navy striped apron that had all the heritage appeal of the original but with a bold contemporary edge. We called it the Butchers Bratting Apron – a term rooted in traditional food processing trades. The term may be old-school, but the apron was anything but! A Hit in Hospitality  The new navy Butchers Bratting Apron didn't just land – it took off. It quickly outshone the old lighter navy styles that had dominated the market. Its success spurred us on to introduce more colours. First came deep Forest Green, a bold choice at the time that soon became a favourite in food service environments throughout the 2000s. Then came Black – and that's when things really exploded. If navy was fantastic and green was a hit, black was a phenomenon. Orders surged, and we could barely keep up with the demand. This trifecta – navy, forest green, and black – cemented the Butchers Bratting Apron as the go-to apron for New Zealand's hospitality professionals. This wasn't just a protective layer; it became a badge of honour. A statement that said: "I'm not just a good cook – I'm a great one." Royal Endorsements and Lasting Legacy Perhaps the ultimate endorsement came when New Zealand's own culinary icon, Ruth Pretty, selected our Butchers Bratting Apron while catering for Prince William and Prime Minister John Key at a Government House BBQ. It was a proud moment that reinforced the apron's place in Kiwi culinary culture. Today, with over 100,00 aprons sold, the Butchers Bratting Apron remains a core part of the Arrow Uniforms range. You'll find them in some of the best kitchens and food outlets across the country. And, they're built to last. Made from highly durable, commercially launderable fabric, the stripes are woven directly into the yarn – so they never fade, no matter how many washes. Join the Legacy Whether you're a chef, butcher, café owner or the weekend BBQ king or queen – you too can wear a piece of uniform history. Slip on a Butchers Bratting Apron next time you cook, and wear it with pride. Because being iconic isn't just about what you cook – it's what you wear while cooking that counts!

Why Subtle Branding Speaks Louder in Today's Marketplace We live in a world where logos are everywhere – splashed across shirts, stitched into caps, embossed on cars, and printed on packaging. Visibility is often the goal. But when it comes to premium branding, something fascinating happens: The more exclusive the brand, the smaller the logo. It may seem counterintuitive. Shouldn't high-end products shout their presence? Not quite. In the world of true prestige, exclusivity whispers. It doesn't need to prove itself – it simply is. A Subtle Statement: Lacoste Take Lacoste, for example. Its iconic crocodile is tiny – often just a few centimetres stitched on the chest. And yet, it speaks volumes. Why? Because Lacoste doesn't need to scream. It's worn by people who appreciate timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and quiet confidence. The logo's purpose isn't to convince – it's to confirm. Porsche: One Brand, Many Audiences Let's shift gears to a different kind of prestige – Porsche. It's a masterclass in logo scalability and brand context. On the desk of a CEO, the Porsche emblem might be etched into a luxury pen or subtly embossed on a leather notebook – discreet and deliberate In a service centre, Porsche technicians wear uniforms with mid-sized logos – practical and professional, signaling brand alignment without shouting On the racetrack, Porsche motorsport crew uniforms and vehicles feature bold, oversized logos – designed for maximum visibility and high-speed brand theatre Each logo application reflects the audience and environment – from understated elegance to high-octane recognition. Why Smaller Logos Signal More There's psychology at play here: When you don't need to prove something, you don't overstate it. Smaller logos assume the observer already knows – that they're in the know. And that's the essence of exclusivity. It's a quiet confidence rooted in product, not promotion. That's why bespoke suits, handcrafted watches, and luxury travel luggage often have little to no branding – just exceptional detail and deliberate design. The Rule of Exceptions Of course, not all branding is meant to be subtle. In streetwear or sportswear, for example, loud logos are part of the culture – think Nike, Supreme, or Red Bull Racing. Here, visibility is identity. In those contexts: Loud logos = belonging, energy, culture Quiet logos = exclusivity, legacy, refinement Understanding the why behind logo sizing is key to making the right brand choice. What This Means for Uniform Branding At Arrow Uniforms, we think deeply about how branding works – not just what a logo looks like, but what it says. A single logo can carry different meaning depending on its size, placement, and purpose. Here's how we approach it: Subtle lapel branding on an executive jacket = polish and prestige Chest-level logos on retail uniforms = trust, approachability, consistency Large back logos on event t-shirts = high visibility for fast-paced environments Each application is intentional – because how you wear a brand matters just as much as the brand itself. Final Thought In branding, sometimes less really is more. The smaller the logo, the more it trusts the world to recognise it – and that is the ultimate flex. Talk to the Arrow team today about how we can help your brand come alive!

Your feet carry you through the most important work of all – caring for others. But are your shoes supporting you like they should? Why Footwear Matters in Healthcare For healthcare professionals, uniforms aren't just about appearance – they're about performance, safety, and wellbeing. And while scrubs often take the spotlight, footwear is just as vital. Nurses, doctors, and allied health workers can walk over 15,000 steps per shift, standing for hours, and responding rapidly to patient needs.  Wearing worn-out shoes impacts not just your comfort, but your safety and hygiene. That's why regularly replacing your work shoes is essential – not optional. When Should You Replace Healthcare Shoes? A good rule of thumb: replace your footwear every 6-12 months, depending on factors such as: Workload: More hours on your feet = faster wear and tear Foot biomechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or gait issues increase pressure points Environment: Wet floors, chemical exposure, and constant movement accelerate breakdown Shoe quality: Even premium shoes need assessment every few months If you work long shifts or high-pressure roles, your shoes may need replacing closer to the 6-month mark. The Risks of Worn-Out Shoes Outdated or damaged shoes can do more harm than good. Key concerns include: Foot Pain and Fatigue – Flat or unsupportive soles increase pressure and strain Plantar Fasciitis – A lack of arch support can inflame foot ligaments, causing chronic pain Joint & Back Pain – Poor shock absorption affects alignment from ankles to spine Slip Hazards – Tread wears down over time, increasing the risk of falls Hygiene Issues – Old shoes trap moisture and bacteria, compromising infection control In fact, 32% of NHS workplace injuries in 2022-23 were due to slips, trips, and falls – a stark reminder of how crucial good footwear really is. Maintaining Hygiene and Safety Healthcare environments expose shoes to: Bodily fluids Harsh cleaning agents Bacterial hotspots While regular cleaning helps, there comes a point when a shoe's materials begin to degrade – reducing their waterproofing, anti-microbial properties, and structural support. Replacing them ensures you're meeting hygiene standards and minimising health risks. Why Investing in the Right Footwear Matters At Arrow, we recommend investing in purpose-designed footwear like the Toffeln range, made specifically for healthcare environments. Features include: Slip-resistant soles for better grip in wet areas Ergonomic design that reduces fatigue and supports alignment Shock-absorbing midsoles to cushion impact during long shifts Hygienic, easy-to-clean materials that meet infection control protocols Choosing the right shoes, and knowing when to replace them, is one of the easiest way to improve comfort, protect your health, and avoid injury. Prioritise Foot Health, Boost Performance Your uniform does more than signal professionalism – it's your first line of defence in a physically demanding role. And that includes your shoes. Regular replacements aren't just about comfort – they're a proactive step toward: Improved posture and joint health Reduced risk of injury Greater daily comfort Better hygiene standards Ask yourself: When did I last replace my work shoes? If it's been over six months, it may be time for an upgrade. Step Into Safety & Comfort Explore Arrow's full range of healthcare footwear solutions, including Toffeln – designed for those who stand all day to support others. Shop the collection now or get in touch to learn more about bulk discounts for your healthcare team.

Workwear is evolving. At Arrow, we’re combining smart fabrics with refined design to deliver uniforms that perform — sustainably, comfortably, and stylishly. From recycled materials like REPREVE® to stretch panels and discreet functionality, our garments are engineered to support the people behind the uniform — every day, in every role.

Cooler mornings and unpredictable weather call for workwear that adapts. This autumn, layering is key — with base, mid, and outerwear options built for comfort, performance, and style. Arrow’s 2025 autumn range focuses on flexible layering systems, seasonal colour palettes, and sustainable fabrics to keep your team looking sharp and feeling warm — indoors or out.

From wool aprons to Cool Comfort® performance fabrics, summer workwear in Aotearoa has come a long way. Kiwi workplaces need uniforms that can handle the heat, the humidity, and the unpredictability — without sacrificing comfort or professionalism. At Arrow Uniforms, we’ve helped shape this evolution with breathable, sustainable, and durable solutions designed for real-life New Zealand summers.