Uniform procurement isn't just a line item, it's an investment in your people, your brand, and how your team performs. But without structure, costs can quickly creep beyond what was forecasted. The good news? Staying on budget doesn't mean cutting corners. With the right systems, planning, and supplier relationship, procurement can shift from reactive to strategic – delivering more value, not just more cost control. 1. Zoom Out: Understand the Lifecycle Cost of Uniforms It's easy to focus on the per-unit price. But that's only part of the picture. Smart procurement teams take a lifecycle view, accounting for: Freight and logistics costs Branding and embellishment charges Sizing errors or returns Rush or one-off orders Stockouts due to seasonal shifts or unexpected team growth Administrative overhead for ad hoc requests When you factor in these often-hidden costs, the cheapest item upfront may not be the most cost-effective long term. 2. Plan in Advance, Avoid the Panic Premium One of the fastest ways to blow your budget? Last-minute orders. Urgent dispatches often attract: Express freight charges (especially if airfreighted) Limited product availability Reduced branding flexibility Increased room for sizing or style errors Mapping out your team's uniform needs on a 6-12 month cycle eases pressure, unlocks volume pricing, and reduces repeat admin. Suppliers like Arrow can support this process – building in supply windows and buffer stock to suit your forecast. 3. Use Digital Tools to Track and Forecast Visibility drives smarter spending. With a uniform management system like myArrow™, you can: Track team orders by individual or location Flag over- or under-utilised items Set access permissions and budgets Review order history and repeat usage patterns This data helps you refine your offering, reduce duplication, and ensure stock decisions reflect real usage – not assumptions. 4. Simplify the Range Without Sacrificing Choice Each added SKU increases inventory demands, admin load, and potential for confusion. Instead, streamline your product range to cover multiple roles –  then offer flexibility through: Interchangeable layers Role-specific accessories Optional branding zones This keeps the system lean without compromising on function, team identity, or inclusivity. 5. Set a Regular Review Rhythm A simple quarterly check-in with your supplier can deliver outsized returns. Use these sessions to: Review order data and performance Flag upcoming team or operational changes Adjust size curves or seasonal projections Identify consolidation or cost-saving opportunities Small adjustments –  such as aligning branding to stock or refining order minimums –  can lead to significant long-term savings. Make Uniform Procurement Work Harder – Not Cost More With the right systems and partnerships in place, uniform procurement becomes less about cost-cutting – and more about value creation. It supports your people, protects your brand, and frees up operational bandwidth. How Arrow Can Help Arrow Uniforms offers practical tools and ongoing support to help you streamline procurement, reduce waste, and stay on budget: Resource What It Does MyArrow™ Portal A centralised platform for ordering, tracking, and managing staff entitlements. Built-in reporting makes forecasting and budgeting simple. Range Rationalisation Support We help you review and simplify your uniform range—reducing complexity and cost while retaining practicality and inclusivity. Supply Cycle Planning Forecasting tools and expert guidance to help you build a 6–12 month procurement plan aligned with seasonality and operational shifts. Sustainability Cost Review Insights into the true cost of ownership for sustainable garments, including care, lifespan, and end-of-life options like AROUND®. Quarterly Business Reviews Optional sessions to track performance, update forecasts, and find efficiencies across your uniform programme.   Lets Make Your Uniform Budget Go Further Ready to take control of your uniform procurement? Let's build a plan that reduces costs, improves efficiency, and grows with your team.

A Strategic Refresh When uniforms no longer meet the needs of your team or organisation, a refresh isn't just a matter of aesthetics - it is a strategic decision and an investment in your brand. Whether your team is growing, your brand is evolving, or the current garments are no longer practical, building a solid business case is important to securing internal support. Identify the Need Start by clearly defining the issue/need. Perhaps the uniforms are outdated, inconsistent across teams, or no longer reflect the roles your team performs. You might be dealing with garments that have exceeded their functional lifespan or receiving feedback that they're uncomfortable or impractical. Use a simple staff survey or audits to gather supporting insights. You could do this by handing out a physical slip of paper or perhaps through an online form. Link to Organisational Goals Next, align your case with organisational goals. Uniforms are closely tied to external brand and company perception and of course your internal culture. Often, changes might support a rebrand or change in look for the company, increasing sustainability, or improve safety and compliance. If your business is investing in a new brand of workforce wellbeing, a uniform refresh is a visible and functional step in the right direction. Focus on Value, Not Just Cost When presenting the rationale, shift the conversation from cost to value. Think about longevity, reduced ad-hoc orders, improved morale, and easier onboarding. Include both tangible outcomes, like streamlined procurement through platforms like myArrow, and less tangible benefits, such as improved team culture, brand perception and camaraderie.  Build a Case with Evidence Where possible, draw on evidence. Share examples from other companies or previous rollouts that demonstrated success. Use evidence from staff surveys. Outline how you plan to manage change, such as trialing a new look with one department before rolling out organisation-wide. This shows you're thinking critically and objectively about the impact of the new uniform. Respect the Process Uniforms are an emotive topic for staff, and a difficult thing to get right. However, if you follow a solid process, you can guarantee you will secure positive outcomes. A Uniform With Purpose At its best, a uniform is more than branded apparel, it's a tool for uniting teams, supporting safety, and presenting your business with pride. Building a thoughtful business case makes that vision clear for everyone involved.

Caring for your uniforms starts before the first wash. From selecting the right garments to mastering wash cycles, steam ironing, and smart storage, this practical guide shares everything you need to keep your uniforms looking sharp and performing well – shift after shift. Whether you're managing a busy team in healthcare or hospitality, discover how small habits can make a big difference in garment life and brand image.

Uniform missteps can lead to stock shortages, admin overload, and staff frustration. From relying on manual systems to poor supply chain visibility, many businesses face preventable challenges. Arrow’s myArrow™ platform solves these issues with smart ordering, real-time inventory tracking, and flexible supplier management — making uniform coordination seamless, not stressful.

Getting the right fit isn’t about guessing sizes — it’s about understanding garment measurements, ease allowances, and how to measure correctly. At Arrow, we use garment sizing (not body sizing) for accuracy and consistency. This guide walks you through how to measure, compare sizing charts, and select the perfect fit — so your uniform feels as good as it looks.