Global Recycling Day 2025

Recycled, Uncategorized, ,

The clothing industry has a significant impact on the waste management crisis, contributing to a staggering amount of waste that ends up in landfills every year. Fast fashion, in particular, has accelerated this problem, with brands producing cheap, trendy clothing at an alarming rate. This results in consumers buying more clothes than they need, often wearing items only a few times before discarding them. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces more than 92 million tons of waste annually, and a large portion of this waste is due to the disposal of clothing that could have been reused or recycled.


The environmental consequences of this waste crisis are dire. Landfills are overflowing, and the decomposition of synthetic fibres can take hundreds of years, releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process. Additionally, the production of new clothing requires vast amounts of natural resources, including water and energy, which further strains our planet. The pollution generated by textile manufacturing also poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health, making the need for sustainable solutions more urgent than ever.

“Every year, the Earth yields billions of tons of natural resources and at some point, in the not too distant future, it will run out.
That’s why we must think again about what we throw away – seeing not waste, but opportunity.”

Recycled clothing presents a viable alternative to help mitigate these issues. By choosing recycled garments, consumers can reduce the demand for new clothing production, thereby conserving resources and minimizing waste. Recycling clothing not only keeps textiles out of landfills but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new items.

In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices, and one impactful way to do this is by using recycled uniforms or merchandise.

Recycled uniforms can be just as durable and stylish as traditional options. Advances in textile technology have made it possible to create high-quality, functional uniforms from recycled materials that meet the demands of various industries. Companies can maintain a professional appearance while also contributing to a healthier planet. Take a look at the wide range of recycled workwear we have to offer. If you can’t see what you are looking for, get in touch and one of our sales team will be happy to help!

In conclusion, the decision to use recycled garments is a win-win for businesses, employees, and the environment. By making this change, companies can reduce waste, enhance their brand image, and promote sustainability in a tangible way.

Branded Caps

Branded Caps, , , ,

Hats and caps are a great product to brand for merchandise, sports or for uniform for business.  They are often a low-cost item and can make a great impact by matching the brand colour or adding a logo.

Options for Branding

There are a number of ways to brand caps, some of them require being made completely bespoke and made to order and others can be stock items which can be branded afterwards with print or embroidery.

Cap Embroidery

Caps can be embroidered in several places, on the front is the standard position but they can be embroidered on the back and the side.  If the adjuster tape is fabric, then this can be embroidered too.

Embroidered Caps
Embroidered Caps
Cap Printing

Branded hats can be printed, often with a transfer print.  If there are seams in the fabric of the cap, this can affect the position of the print.

Cap Styles

Most caps supplied are a baseball caps but snapback and truckers’ caps are also popular.  Within the standard cap there are many slight variations, such as a 5 or 6 panel cap, ones with mesh on.  Fabrics can vary between denim, cotton twill, polyester and even suede and can be fairtrade, organic and eco friendly. If you are looking for other types of promotional hats you can have bucket hats, beanie hats and headbands.

Branded Caps for Business

Why supply a branded cap for your uniform?  Many companies may use a cap as part of their brand identity, this has certainly been the case in the past with fast food chains, motorsport or coffee chains to name a few.  If a company has a very strong brand presence, then they will produce merchandise to give away or sell and encourage staff to wear items out of work, as an ‘on trend’ fashion accessory.  This is certainly the case with a lot of sports brands.  Red Bull is a great example of this.

Branded Caps for Merchandise

Merchandise and promotional wear is a growing sector and organisations such as charities, musical acts, artists, schools and universities are using it increasingly to promote their cause and to raise revenue alongside other activities. Things like branded caps, bags, keyrings and mugs are a great option as a promotional item because they cost less to buy, are more popular because they are less to buy and because they don’t require a size range like clothing, they can be ordered in smaller quantities.

If you are looking to order some branded caps please get in touch, we can give you a quote.  We always provide a sample swatch of embroidery for you to approve or a print proof before we go ahead.

Catering Staff Uniform

Food Industry, Hospitality Clothing, Hotel Industry, ,

Catering and hospitality is a very diverse industry, it can cover a wide range of business types, from fine dining in an exclusive restaurant, right through to a street food from a van, catering uniforms includes front of house staff to chefs jackets to pot washers.  This makes catering staff uniform incredibly varied and wide ranging.

Bubble Bros and their prosecco van
Bubble Bros uniform

The industries and people who need uniform

Hospitality and catering covers a vast range of businesses, some examples of these are listed below.

  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • School canteens
  • Cafes
  • Diners
  • Coffee shops
  • Staff restaurants
  • Outside caterers
  • B & B’s
  • Pubs
  • Bars
  • Theatres
  • Casinos
  • Cruise ships

Within the businesses above, there will be a range of staff who may need some kind of uniform, even if that’s just a dress code. Waiters, waitresses, concierge, sommeliers, cleaning staff, bar staff, reception, hosts, chef’s, cooks, chauffeurs, baristas, manager and housekeepers are just a few of the roles you might have. Some of these uniforms may be purely practical and protective for behind the scenes and some will be customer facing, so need to be much more style/ image led.

History of catering staff uniform

A hundred years ago catering was something experienced exclusively by the rich, having staff in your home to make and serve all your meals or going out for afternoon tea or for a meal was a real luxury and as such was treated with a high level of formality.  Catering staff uniform at that time would be a suit, waistcoat, shirt, tie or bow tie an apron and hat, chef whites and chefs hat.  

Staff Catering Uniform
Formal uniform for hospitality

Hospitality today

In current times going out for food has become part of many people’s weekly routine. The cost of eating out has reduced along with the increase of many people’s disposable income. As a result of this, formality has significantly reduced as a result, which means uniform is much more relaxed.  If you go for tea at the Ritz you may still experience the old fashioned formality and style, but for most catered offerings the feeling much more relaxed. Jeans, polo shirt, t shirt maybe an apron, may be not even a uniform!

Working in the uniform industry, we notice that catering staff uniform has become much less about formality but there is a real step up in branding and style.  Uniforms and catering has become very fashion led and hospitality designers create immersive experiences for the diners which is about much more than just the food.  Increased enquires into Pantone matched uniform and highly bespoke aprons. Some of our recent customers have ordered striped long sleeve t shirts with denim aprons, utility style jackets.  We have also supplied a hotel with braces to wear over shirts.

There is so much competition within hospitality, that restaurants and hotels are constantly trying to find new and exciting concepts to entice customers in.

Lady wearing jeans, striped top and full length apron
Catering uniform

The practicalities of uniform

Style and look of a catering clothes is important but when it comes to catering staff uniform, durability and practicality is a huge factor.  Spills and splashes of food are a daily hazard especially for those who prepare the food.  Long hot shifts mean that clothing should be comfortable and regulate heat.  Clothing is going to be washed and worn repeatedly and often on high temperatures with stain removers, so they need to be tough to stay looking good and last.

Putting your look together

If you are looking for catering staff uniform, please come and talk to us at Impact Trading. We have a huge range of stock uniform which we can guide you through. We can also manufacture bespoke garments to match your style and brand colours, such as aprons, polos, t shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts. Our team have vast experience of the options available to achieve your individual style and practical requirements. We can also help you with print and embroidery to brand garments with your logo. We can give you information on where logos can be positioned, maybe go for somthing new? Match embroidery thread or print colours to your brand Pantone colours.

Promotional T-Shirts

Charities, Uncategorized, ,

Promotional t-shirts are often an inexpensive t shirt printed with a logo or slogan. They are normally used in promotions, campaigns and giveaways where they are only going to be required for a limited amount of time.

When are promotional t shirts used?

  • Campaigns such as elections, protest marches.
  • Fundraising, to be sold, given out for people to wear when fundraising
  • Promotional events, exhibitions, pop ups in retail outlets
Charity Promotional T Shirts

Campaigns

Promotional clothing is a great way to get a look of solidarity, to show that you all believe in the same cause or idea. This is often represented in sport when fans wear their team’s colours. People who are campaigning for something such as a change in the law or policy.

Fundraising

Again the matched clothing gives an idea of all being in it together, if you are doing a sponsored activity it gives you a team appearance and also promotes the cause to onlookers. Often large charities will give out a fundraising pack to people who sign up to a sponsored activity.

Promotional events

This is all about brand awareness, getting your colours and logos out there to the buyers.  Giving out free clothing means that your brand is being promoted by your customers and may even create a feeling of fear of missing out. A great example of brands with a recognisable colour and logo are Coke or Cadburys.

Garment Decoration

Promotional t-shirts are normally screen printed, this is a cost effective way to print a huge quantity quickly.

If you are looking for a supply of promotional t-shirts you can contact us for a quote, we will just need an image of your artwork, the quantity you are looking to order and a Pantone code or colour you would like for your t-shirts.

Business Workwear: The Importance of High-Quality Company Clothing

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There are many things that make a great business, but one aspect that is frequently overlooked is the importance of high-quality company clothing. Choosing the right workwear for your business is not only about style and looks; it can also create a safe, professional and productive work environment. In this post, we’ll explore some of these issues and see how our range of business workwear at Impact Trading can provide solutions.

Coordinated Brand Image

If all your employees are wearing the same style, design or colour for their workwear, this creates a coordinated brand image that your clients and customers will remember. Choosing classic, simple and high-quality business workwear such as suits, dresses, or shirts will make your business stand out. At Impact Trading, we offer a women’s office clothing range, which includes dresses, suit jackets, trousers, skirts and blouses. Our collection of blouses, for example, comes in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved styles and in a wide range of colours to match your business branding. 

We can also provide a tax tabbing service, which is a printed or woven label with your company logo that is subtly attached to the seam, waistband or pocket of any of our business clothing range. Having this subtle but professional logo detail can really bring a work outfit together and will keep your team coordinated while still looking professional. 

Comfortable Styles Lead to Productivity

In the working environment, it has long been accepted that employees who feel comfortable will be more productive. Having to work in stiff, inflexible or uncomfortable clothing can cause distractions, stress, discomfort and a generally unhappy workforce. Choosing high-quality, comfortable workwear such as our corporate knitwear range can reduce stress caused by discomfort and boost morale. In our knitwear range, we have v-neck jumpers, sleeveless sweaters and v-neck button cardigans, all made of high-quality and ethically sourced cotton that feels soft and fits well. 

Teamwork and Company Culture

If all your employees wear the same uniform or style of business workwear, this should promote equality in the workplace and reduce any sense of hierarchy. Having everyone look the same can also increase morale, boost teamwork and make communication more effective. At Impact Trading, we stock a range of men’s business jackets which will make everyone look smart and professional, whatever their role in the company. Our jackets come in several shades and in standard, corporate or hospitality styles, suitable for any workplace.

Business Workwear is Cost Effective

The cost of high-quality business workwear may be a little higher, but choosing items from our range is a long-term investment. Our clothing is durable and made from high-quality materials that will withstand the daily demands of your business. We can also provide samples of the clothes in our ranges so you can make sure you have the correct fits and styles to suit everyone in your team.

Please contact Impact Trading today; we will be delighted to help you choose the best business garments for your company. Once you place an order with us, you will have a designated member of our team to liaise with throughout the processing of your business workwear order.

Hi vis yellow hoodie

Hi Vis Hoodies: The Ultimate Guide

Company Uniform Websites

If you want to keep your employees warm and visible outdoors, a step up from the high vis vest is the hi vis hoodies. These comfortable hooded jumpers are a great addition to the high vis clothing world, and they can be used across a range of outdoor based industries where keeping warm and safe is important.

What are the Benefits of a Hi Vis Hoodie?

The benefits of a hi vis hoodie are similar to those of a hi vis vest. The bright, reflective material of hi-vis hoodies makes the wearer more visible, especially in low-light conditions or poor weather. This can help improve safety for workers or others who need to be seen, such as cyclists or pedestrians. By making the wearer more noticeable, hi-vis hoodies can help prevent accidents and collisions, especially in hazardous work environments or high-traffic areas. 

In certain industries or workplaces, hi vis clothing may be required by law or company policy to meet safety standards and regulations and wearing a hi-vis hoodie can ensure compliance. Modern hi-vis hoodies are often designed with breathable, lightweight fabrics that can keep the wearer comfortable, even during physical activity or in warm weather.

What Kind of High Vis Hoodies do we Stock at Impact Trading?

At Impact Trading, we stock hi vis hoodies in both yellow and orange. They are made from a hard-wearing polyester and cotton mix with a fabric weight of 300 gsm. We stock a range of sizes from small up to XXL. 

What are the Benefits of Personalising a Hi Vis Hoodie?

Personalising hi-vis hoodies with your company logo can make it easier to identify the wearer as part of a particular organisation or team. This can be useful for employees, contractors or volunteers who need to be visibly associated with your business. Customising hi-vis hoodies with your company logo can also give your employees a more professional, cohesive look and this can be important for companies that want to project a certain image or brand identity. The company logo on the hi-vis hoodie can also help raise awareness of the organisation, especially in high-traffic areas or at job sites, and this can be beneficial for marketing, promotional or safety purposes.

Can You Personalise a Hi Vis Hoodie at Impact Trading?

Yes, at Impact Trading, we can personalise all our hi vis hoodies. We can offer embroidered designs on the front, back or sleeves of the hoodie using top quality rayon thread that we can Pantone colour match to your company logo. We also offer screen printed designs, which is a high-quality printing process delivering crisp, clear logos. We always recommend that the logo placement and size do not compromise the overall reflectivity and visibility of the hi-vis material.

Please contact us today to order your personalised high vis hoodies to keep your workforce safe, comfortable and visible, whatever the conditions.

Hi Vis Hoodies

Company Uniform Websites, , , ,

High visibility clothing such as hi vis hoodies are required in a wide range of industries as an essential safety requirement.  Many of these require high visibility clothing are certified to specific ISO standards.

Occupations which require hi vis clothing

Types of industries which use hi vis clothing are often ones where transport or machinery is involved such as on railway workers, road workers, construction workers and airport ground staff. Being seen clearly means that there is much less chance of being hit or squashed by machinery in the event that a person is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Types of clothing

The first high visibility clothing as we know it today was invented in the 60’s and was a waistcoat which was worn on the railways.  Since then there has been huge innovation in personal protective clothing which means that instead of plastic reflective strips on the garment.  We are able to produce soft fabric which are reflective in the dark. From widely recognised jackets, waterproof trousers and bibs and braces to more modern garments such as hi vis hoodies, polo shirts, joggers, sweatshirts, hats, ¼ zips and even shorts and t shirts.  You can even get non workwear like sports clothing and children’s coats for people out after dark.

Hi vis hoodie

Hi vis yellow hoodie
Hi vis yellow hoodie

Being able to wear a hi vis hoodie has been a breakthrough in the comfort of safety wear.  It’s a much more flexible piece of clothing and much less bulky for moving about.  It is also much more comfortable for warmer weather when previously you would have had to wear a coat.

Hi vis clothing suppliers

At Impact Trading we have a wide range of hi vis clothing available. You can see some of it on our website here. We have items such as hi vis jackets, hi vis waistcoats, hi vis hoodies and hi vis polo shirts and hi vis t shirts. We also have a wide range of safety uniform which is not on our website. If you would like to know more, please contact us for more information.

Why Waiter/Waitress Uniforms Matter

Hospitality Clothing

Ever walked into a restaurant and noticed how the waitstaff’s uniforms instantly sets the tone? It’s not just about style – it’s about signalling professionalism and setting expectations. That’s where high-quality waiter/waitress uniforms come in. At Impact Trading, we get that completely. We’re all about providing uniforms that not only look great but also make your front-of-house team feel confident and comfortable.

Superior Comfort

More often than not, a waiter or waitress spends hours on their feet, weaving through tables, taking orders, and serving food. That’s why comfort is key. Our waiter/waitress trousers and skirts are designed for easy movement, with features like stretch and breathable fabrics. No more feeling restricted – our gear lets your team move freely and comfortably throughout their shift.

Looking Sharp, Feeling Confident

Presentation matters, right? Our waiter/waitress shirts and blouses are all about that polished, professional look. Made from high quality materials, they fit like a dream and give off those “we mean business” vibes. Whether it’s a button-down front or long/short sleeves, our uniforms are versatile enough to suit any dining atmosphere.

Safety First

Working in a restaurant can get messy – spills, splashes, you name it. That’s where our uniforms come in handy. Crafted from durable fabrics, they offer protection against spills and splatters, while features like long sleeves add an extra layer of safety. Your team can focus on serving up delicious meals without worrying about their clothes.

Show off Your Brand

Want to add a personal touch? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s your logo embroidered on the front or a custom design printed on the back, we offer plenty of options to showcase your brand. Plus, our fade-resistant materials ensure your logo stays looking fresh, wash after wash.

What truly sets our range of waiter/waitress uniforms apart is our ability to customise them to showcase your brand identity. Whether you prefer embroidery, DFT or screen printing or a much subtler approach with a tax tab, you can add your logo or branding to the front and back, creating a cohesive and polished look for your hospitality team. 

Our commitment to quality is evident in our use of fade-resistant threads, ensuring your logo remains vibrant even after multiple washes. We also provide a sample embroidery for your approval, allowing you to inspect the colours and sizing to ensure the final result meets your expectations. Our skilled staff will carefully embroider each garment, ensuring the logo is straight, correctly positioned and consistent throughout your order, giving you the confidence that you will receive high-quality, professional-looking branded apparel.

Let’s Chat

At Impact Trading, we understand that the right uniforms can make all the difference in your restaurant. From comfort and style to safety and customization, our gear is designed to meet the demands of modern dining. Ready to elevate your front-of-house game? Get in touch with us today – we’d love to help you find the perfect waiter/waitress uniforms for your team.

How Custom Company Hoodies Can Boost Your Business

Branded Clothing, Corporate Clothing, Uncategorized

If you are looking for a way to promote your brand, enhance employee morale and make a great impression on customers, custom company hoodies may be the answer. Branded clothing is an incredibly effective marketing tool and hoodies in particular have become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes and industries.

Increased Brand Visibility

One of the greatest benefits of custom company hoodies is the increased brand visibility they provide. Whenever employees wear them in public, they become walking advertisements for your company. This can help raise awareness of your brand and increase recognition in your local community, industry or target market. Brand recognition is key for attracting new customers and staying top-of-mind. Plus, people are more likely to remember a brand when they see it represented on an item someone is wearing versus merely seeing a logo on a billboard or website.

Employee Pride and Team Building

Giving employees branded hoodies can also help create a sense of pride and team spirit within your company. When employees feel as though they’re part of a unified team and take pride in where they work, this can boost morale, engagement and productivity. Hoodies with your company logo make great employee gifts, rewards for outstanding work or just a way to kit out your team. Branded apparel contributes to a positive company culture and gives employees a way to represent the business.

Types of Hoodies from Impact Trading

At Impact Trading, we offer a wide selection of high-quality custom hoodies that are perfect for branding and promoting your business. Here are a few of our standout options:

Organic and Fairtrade Certified Hoodies: These 100% organic cotton hoodies are certified Fairtrade, so you can feel good about promoting your brand in an ethical, sustainable way. Some key features of these hoodies include:

Doubled lined hood with kangaroo pocket to keep hands warm. Flat strings and inside neck tape for comfort Brushed inside for an extra soft feel

300g/m2 weight fabric

Available in a range of colours and sizes. 

We also have a hooded sweatshirt option with large front pockets in sizes from XXS up to 3XL. This hoodie is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester and is constructed from 3 layers for extra warmth when working outdoors. 

Customisation Options

At Impact Trading, we offer convenient customisation services to get your company logo and branding on their quality hoodies. Options for customisation include:

Embroidery (front, back or multiple locations) direct to garment, direct to film and screen printing

So, whether you want a subtle embroidered logo or vibrant printed graphics and designs, we have you covered to create the perfect branded hoodies.

Promoting your business with our custom company hoodies from Impact Trading is a smart branding move. Our quality options, ethical manufacturing practices and customisation services make it easy to get professional branded apparel that will elevate your company’s image, unite your team and get your brand noticed.