Once upon a time, companies had dress codes. The way an employee dressed often indicated their professionalism. Women wore dresses and stockings, and men wore hats and ties. As business and fashion have evolved, so has workplace attire. Gone are the days of heels and suits. Instead, many companies have taken a more lenient approach to dress codes. Yes, some businesses require employees to wear uniforms, but in most professional settings, business casual rules.

Today’s employees are influenced by the Mark Zuckerbergs of the world — billionaires who wear hoodies and jeans — or by the latest fashions on Instagram. What’s an employer to do? Branded apparel solves most company dress code concerns. Not as formal as a uniform but not too casual, either, branded apparel projects a professional image and reinforces corporate branding.

Not all employees are eager to wear company-branded apparel, but there are some key ways to make the process more appealing:

• Design fashionable apparel that can be worn at work and outside of work.
• Stay on trend. Identify fashion-forward styles.
• Pay for quality. Most people won’t be excited about wearing polyester.
• Make it easy for employees to get new and interesting pieces of apparel. An online marketplace makes it simple for employees to find new company-branded styles.

Trend Watch

• Weekend essentials. A soft, wear anytime, anywhere look provides brand awareness inside and outside the office.
• The ombre look. Graduated color from light to dark is on-trend this season. The ombre look can provide a wide range of styles from simple and subtle to bold and dramatic.
• Pay attention to details. The possibilities are endless when it comes to apparel decorations. Try using gel, glitter, flock transfers, molded metallic, HD silicone transfers, mixed media and/or simulated stitching to enhance your custom apparel.