Ask Bob

Our uniforms expert will now take your toughest questions.

Fueling Up

Hi Bob,
I have a new company opening up that requires uniforms for gas attendants. Can you help?
Lisa

I have two suggestions: Try contacting Cintas (asi/162167). They outfit more than 5 million employees in the nation’s workforce, and some of those must be gas attendants. Check out their Web site: www.cintas.com. Another distributor worth looking up is TLM Industries (www.tlmind.com, 800.827.0640). TLM specializes in convenience store uniforms, and the vast majority of “c-stores” sell gas, too.

If you’re looking for a supplier, I’d recommend Dickies (www.dickies.com; 866-746-7934), Red Kap (www.vfimagewear.com; 1-800-RED KAP1) or Timberland Pro (www.timberland.com; 888-802-9947), all of which make workwear that would be appropriate for gas attendants. Blue Generation (asi/40653) also has a great line of stain- and wrinkle-resistant polos.

Tall Tee

Bob,
Where can I find super-sized, tall T-shirts in 2XL through 5XL, preferably in 50/50 and navy?
Paul

Try Alstyle Apparel & Activewear (as/34817). They have a 100% cotton tubular jersey (product no. 1303-colorxl-4). It’s not 50/50, but it does come in navy and in the sizes you specified – all except 5XLT, to be exact. Call (800) 225-1364; www.alstyle.com.

If, however, you’re still looking for that remaining shirt size, Foxfire Inc. (asi/55235) can probably get it for you. This supplier sells navy cotton jersey tees in 5XLT and 6XLT’s.

And finally, need something a size or two larger? Then get a load of this: Big Top T’s Inc. (asi/40507) supplies blank apparel up to a 10XL! They’re available in basic crew, V-necks, polos, henleys and more, so there’s a style to fit your client’s every need. Check it out: www.bigtoptees.com, (800) 367-2600.

Itchy Skin

I recently came across this post from PoliceLink.com, one of my favorite law enforcement Web sites:
I recently came down with a pretty bad skin condition. It has left me wearing my Class A long sleeve everyday to cover my arms. The shirt is not the most comfortable and will be pretty hot in the summer months and they do not have a long-sleeve polo for us. Has anyone dealt with or heard about a similar situation? Any advice?

You may want to look up DermaSmart (www.dermasmart.com), a revolutionary new line of T-shirts and pants specifically designed for people with chronic skin conditions. It’s made from a lightweight, silky, breathable fabric that absorbs moisture 40% faster than cotton. It features an effective, durable silver antimicrobial treatment and is formaldehyde- and dye-free. The garments are sewn with soft thread and flat, non-irritating seams, and have tagless labels. All of which adds up to heavenly comfort for those suffering from a serious – or prolonged – case of the itchies!