ALL NAVY IS NOT THE SAME – MATCHING TOPS AND PANTS
We know you want to look professional and put together on the job, and nothing can spoil that faster than a top and pant that is not a good match in color. Here are some tips to get a good match and keep them looking great together as simple as 1, 2, 3!
1.Buy tops and pants at the same time.
2.Buy tops and pants from, not just the same brand, but the same line within the brand.
3.Follow the manufacturer's laundering instructions and wash the top and pant together.
#1 Buy tops and pants at the same time. Have you ever heard of "dye lots"? Fabric is dyed in large batches called dye lots. From one dye lot to another, there can be a slight difference in shade. If you buy the top and the bottom at the same time, you are much more likely to get them from the same dye lot, thus ensuring an exact color match.
#2 Buy tops and pants from, not just the same brand name, but the same "line" within the brand. I am using the WonderWink brand for today's example. Under the brand name of Landau you will fine multiple "lines" of uniforms made of different fabrics.
The fabric content causes the cloth to grab and hold the dye differently from one blend to another. Grabbing the dye refers to the way the dye is absorbed by the fibers in the fabric. Holding the dye refers to the way the garment maintains the color over time with wear and washing.
The content of the fabric and the weave of the fabric will also cause it to reflect light differently. Many uniforms are made from 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton with a "poplin" weave. Other garments are made from the same blend of 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton but the weave is "twill". So what is the difference between Poplin and Twill? Poplin bears a smoother texture but, the result of a fine yarn running one way with a thicker one interweaving it. ... Meanwhile, twill, a shimmery diagonal weave, makes for richly textured fabric.
Darker colors like Navy Blue or Black will be most noticeable in the differences in shade. Sunlight is the true test. A Navy top and pant may look fine when you put them on at home, but then you walk outside in the sunlight and the difference in shade is apparent.
#3 Follow the manufacturers laundering instructions and wash the top and pant together. No matter how well made a garment is, over time, and after multiple washings, they eventually start to fade and loose that "like new" look. Your best defense is to follow the manufacturer's laundering instructions and to always wash the top and pant together. This will ensure the pieces of your outfit will age gracefully together.
You will find both the fabric content and the manufacturer's laundering instructions for each garment in the "Fabric & Care" tab of the product description on our web site. Following these simple steps will keep your uniforms, and you, looking great!
