Detailing uniforms

Calendyr

Calendyr

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Hey guys,

I have to decide on a uniform for my startup detailing company.

For those of you who went through this before, do you have any advice?

Are there colors I should avoid, or colors that are preferable?

How about fabrics? I was thinking Polyester since it's so comfortable.

The belt is an issue for me, I am very careful around cars I always fear scratching them. Do you guys wear an appron or something similar while you work? I really don't like approns.

Finally, do you think a polo style (or golf shirt style) short sleeve shirt is good for a uniform?

Anyways, any thoughts you have I will appreciate reading.

Daniel
 
Calendyr said:
Hey guys,

I have to decide on a uniform for my startup detailing company.

For those of you who went through this before, do you have any advice?

Are there colors I should avoid, or colors that are preferable?

How about fabrics? I was thinking Polyester since it's so comfortable.

The belt is an issue for me, I am very careful around cars I always fear scratching them. Do you guys wear an appron or something similar while you work? I really don't like approns.

Finally, do you think a polo style (or golf shirt style) short sleeve shirt is good for a uniform?

Anyways, any thoughts you have I will appreciate reading.

Daniel
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You can get Dri-Fit type polos. Are you mobile or operating out of your own establishment? You could always take the belt off while working and wear it when meeting clients and such.
 
When I worked in a body shop I used to wear my buckle or belt to the side. Then I picked up a canvas velcro belt. they come in a lot of different colors.
 
Try mechanics belts, they have no buckles. Try a 3 button Henley if you don't want to go the polo route.
 
I wear black golf shorts that are creased and right at the knee. Black belt with a black polo with my logo and company name on it.The shirts are 100% Ringspun cotton and I like them so far. I would have went white but to much shows on white and I cannot afford to be being new shirts every week.

I know you think i'm crazy for detailing in all black but really it depends on the person. I have worked outside my whole life in some of the worst heat known to man so heat doesn't ever bother me I rather enjoy it. I do sweat but who doesn't? It looks professional and doesn't show signs of dirt only sometimes a salt line from sweat but even still, I have had it where a client calls me for an estimate right as i'm finishing one job (or maybe I have an hour left). I don't need to go home and freshen up because i'm already clean and if there is dirt you cant see it. I may have even just detailed for 10 hours *as an example* and you would never know which is why I went black because first impression is everything.

Color wise I would say black for sure if you have no problems with heat. If not a lighter dark color such as gray,stone, or even charcoal could look good if your trying to hide stains from future wear and tear on your shirts.
 
I have black t-shirts with logo and black shorts but when customers leave I change into crap clothes to get dirty in. I work out of my garage so people don't see me.
 
Thanks for the answers guys,

I love black and dark colors too. I wasn't sure about it because I felt that products like polishes, compounds, glazes, waxes and all that would pop up on them like Christmas trees since they are usually white or light colors... so that has not been an issue for you guys?

I will look into mechanic's belts and velcro belts. Any suggestion where I can find either? (never heard of them before so they can't be all that easy to find).

As for the heat... ya, black is not ideal but I think the fabric play a bigger role. If I went with something like cotton I might not want anything dark... but polyesther doesn't really get that hot. I wear a dark blue shirt and pant made of the stuff for my current job and I am outside all day, been really comfortable.
 
I recommend a 'grayish' shirt. Black will really show any splatter, and white will (well) just get (and show) dirty.

Bill
 
Calendyr said:
Thanks for the answers guys,

I love black and dark colors too. I wasn't sure about it because I felt that products like polishes, compounds, glazes, waxes and all that would pop up on them like Christmas trees since they are usually white or light colors... so that has not been an issue for you guys?

I will look into mechanic's belts and velcro belts. Any suggestion where I can find either? (never heard of them before so they can't be all that easy to find).

As for the heat... ya, black is not ideal but I think the fabric play a bigger role. If I went with something like cotton I might not want anything dark... but polyesther doesn't really get that hot. I wear a dark blue shirt and pant made of the stuff for my current job and I am outside all day, been really comfortable.
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Any paint correction I do is in a garage and no one can see me so just like Todd I switch into the more comfy style clothing that I don't mind getting dirty. When I detail in all black that's when i'm mobile and for the most part when I have done a single stage correction I just try and be as careful as possible but not to the point where I lose time on the job trying to look like I just showed up.
 
I have a black shirt with company logo on it for picking up the vehicle and I change into a clean white shirt when I return the vehicle. As others have stated I change into work clothing to do the detail.
 
Ok that is something I did not consider, thanks guys.

I am gonna be mobile. Do client like the pickup/drop off service or do they generally prefer you do work at their home/business?

Also do you leave a courtessy car when you bring their car to your place?
 
Dri-fit polo shirts, I rotate between black, green, blue, and white along with khaki shorts. I wear t-shirts with my logo, caught a deal at logoup for six polo shirts and ten t-shirts for $85 along with a bag and three hats.
 
Calendyr said:
Ok that is something I did not consider, thanks guys.

I am gonna be mobile. Do client like the pickup/drop off service or do they generally prefer you do work at their home/business?

Also do you leave a courtessy car when you bring their car to your place?
Click to expand...

Clients like the pickup & drop off service because it is less work they actually have to do and just another thing you do in your "service".

As far as doing it at their home/workplace compared to a drop off service. For me anyways is about the same so half the time I get to use my place, other half theirs. It works out pretty even with me but still a satisfied customer at the end of the job. :)
 
On the color topic, there is a reason nearly every mechanics uniform is navy blue, its the color that hides all, its not too dark that it shows the light stuff, but its dark enough to hide grease and oil.

Now since your doing auto detailing, its a different scenario, but a color close to that or a grey color would hide a lot if that is what you need.

Personally I would just get a bunch of tee shirts, wear the polo when you meet the person, then change into the tee shirt. You could do the same thing with shorts too have a work pair and a "business" pair. As long as the tee shirts are plain or say your business name on them it will not look trashy at all. After sweating it out working on their vehicle you aren't going to want to show back up in a sweaty shirt anyways.
 
Ya, I believe that is exactly what I will do, get black polos for meeting clients and get gray ones to work. I think a polyester polo is just as comfortable as a t-shirt so I won't bother getting those.

As for shorts, maybe... I guess when it's really hot they will make a difference.

Regarding the pickup service. Do you charge extra or is it better to have the same price. Would people mind paying extra? Does the driving distance affect what you charge?
 
Calendyr said:
Ya, I believe that is exactly what I will do, get black polos for meeting clients and get gray ones to work. I think a polyester polo is just as comfortable as a t-shirt so I won't bother getting those.

As for shorts, maybe... I guess when it's really hot they will make a difference.

Regarding the pickup service. Do you charge extra or is it better to have the same price. Would people mind paying extra? Does the driving distance affect what you charge?
Click to expand...

For detailing I don't mind shorts, I prefer pants for the majority of the work I do which is turning wrenchs and such, but its just too damn humid in WI.

If you dont want to wear an apron though you will have to be picky on your pants/shorts choices to avoid buttons and rivets.

x3 on the mechanics belts.
 
I agree a polo with a logo on it would be best. I think the most important part is to look professional and well groomed. I wouldn't have much faith in someone taking care of my car if they looked like they didn't take care of themselves.

I think relaxed clothing is acceptable since most people know the job is a physical one. Plus I don't think anyone can do their best work if they are uncomfortable.

When I first read the title of this thread I immediately thought Dickies and name badges which is exactly what the guys at a car dealership wear. Cringe.
 
I have a pair of columbia Granite Pass (waterproof) - Craghoppers kiwi classic in black (water resistant) - black tee shirt

Black looks professional IMO
 
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