Archive for September, 2008

Sports Uniforms Enhance Performance

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Can the design of an athletic uniform and the fabric that it is constructed of actually affect an athlete’s performance? I don’t think that there is any doubt anymore that the answer to that question is yes; maybe in subtle ways but still yes.

The first and most obvious aspect of a uniform is the material that it is made of. Today, lightweight, comfortable and breathable fabrics are in. Heavier weight, bulky and uncomfortable materials are out. This is particularly true in many of the “secondary” sports but is even gradually taking place in “mainstream” sports like football and baseball. Even the “old school” coaches in those sports are realizing that athletes can perform better when they (more…)

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Athletic Uniforms Are Complicated! We Make It Easy.

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Over many years in the custom athletic uniform business, our jobs as salespeople have transformed into more of a consultancy. Gone are the days when our customer service people speak to a customer, he or she orders item A, and we produce and ship the order. Not so long ago we offered only a handful of fabrics, basically two methods of uniform decoration and most importantly; just several dozen different styles.

We Now Support Thousands of Uniform Styles

Boy have things changed. (more…)

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Sublimated Athletic Uniforms – Lighter & Just As Durable

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Uniform Characteristics Have Evolved Over Time

When speaking with a customer the other day it occurred to me how our customer’s perceptions have changed over the years regarding custom athletic uniforms. Not so long ago, when showing samples to a potential customer, it was not uncommon at all for that customer to ask if we had anything “heavier” available. “Heavy” meant quality and durability and was considered just plain better at that time.

In addition to selling the heaviest, most durable fabrics that we could source we would take a similar approach when decorating them. When screen-printing, we would purposely apply as heavy a deposit of ink as was feasible in an effort to further promote that heavy, quality look. Likewise, with tackletwill (sewn-on lettering) we would use the heaviest, professional grade twill and actually still do till this day.

Optimal Athletic Performance is a Driving Force

With the popularity of apparel from companies like Under Armour however our uniform customers are now asking us for just the opposite. “Do you have anything lighter” is something we now hear frequently. I have even had customers tell me . . . (more…)

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Baseball – America’s Forgotten Game

Monday, September 8th, 2008

I had tryouts for my 2009 summer baseball team this weekend – ALREADY – and it has occurred to me how much things have changed over the years. For the record, the players that I coach are now high school juniors and seniors.

When I started this coaching odyssey some twenty years ago baseball was a much different game. At that time, it was a mainstream sport. Soccer was played in the fall only and lacrosse was a “secondary” sport. When I registered my own sons for baseball at the local recreation council back then we needed to arrive several hours early to make sure that we were far enough up in line to get a spot. That same recreation council no longer has a baseball program today. (more…)

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