Fabric Selection – Ensuring it is Fit for Purpose

The foundation of any garment is its fabric. Selecting the right fabric is crucial, as it must meet the specific demands of the garment’s intended use. Here are some key properties we consider at Chadwick Teamwear:

• Durability – For items like pants that undergo significant wear and tear, fabrics need to be robust and resistant to damage, with snag ratings being a key factor in fabric selection.
• Comfort – Fabric selection for everyday wear needs to prioritize comfort and feel. Skin-friendly brushback and breathable fabrics are consistently delivered with Chadwick Teamwear garments.
• Functionality – Specialized garments, such as training wear, require moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
• Flexibility – Activewear fabrics should provide ample stretch and recovery to accommodate movement without losing shape.

By carefully evaluating these properties and leveraging our in-house fabric expertise with over 60 years in the industry, we ensure that the chosen fabric will enhance the garment’s performance, longevity, and look.

Colour Standards & Weight Selection: Consistency is Key

Colour is a critical aspect of a garment’s appeal and brand identity. Our colour standards and fabric weights are meticulously tested and require a number of approval processes before being signed off for production. This ensures colour and weight continuity throughout ranges, time and time again.

• Colour Matching – Fabrics are dyed to match exact colour standards on production runs, ensuring uniformity across different production batches.
• Long-Term Stability – We test for colour fastness to ensure that the garment maintains its vibrant hues despite washing, exposure to sunlight, and other environmental factors.

Comprehensive Fabrics Testing: Tailoring Tests to Garment Needs

Once the fabric’s weight and colour are approved, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the necessary standards for its intended use. Testing is completed both in house and via 3^rd parties  – ITS Intertek – BS EN ISO methods. For example:

• Snag Testing – Garments are often subject to snagging tests to ensure the fabric can withstand overall wear and resist pulls and tears.

Further Testing: Beyond Basic Requirements

To guarantee the highest quality, we perform additional tests tailored to specific requirements. These tests include:

• Spirituality – Although this term typically pertains to human aspects, in fabric testing, it metaphorically relates to the intrinsic quality and integrity of the material.
• Print Durability – For garments with prints, we test the fabric to ensure that designs remain intact and do not fade or peel over time.
• Hydrostatic Testing for Waterproof Products – Waterproof fabrics undergo hydrostatic testing to measure their resistance to water penetration, ensuring they keep the wearer dry under various conditions.

Ready for Production: Ensuring Quality from Start to Finish

After the fabric has passed all relevant tests, production can commence. This stage involves cutting, sewing, and assembling the garment, all while maintaining stringent quality control measures to ensure that the final product meets our high specification standards.

By focusing on these critical steps – fabric selection, colour, weight, and comprehensive testing – we ensure that every garment we produce is of the highest quality. This meticulous approach not only enhances the garment’s performance and longevity but also guarantees customer satisfaction, encouraging them to return to Chadwick Teamwear time and time again.

The post Fabric Selection first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post Fabric Selection appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

The Strategic Importance of the Red Sea Route

The Red Sea is a crucial artery in global shipping, providing a direct link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. For UK imports from China, this route is particularly important, offering a shorter and more cost-effective path compared to alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on Chinese goods, any disruption along this route can have immediate and far-reaching consequences which Chadwick Teamwear are working hard behind the scenes to mitigate any of these impacting factors.

Current Challenges and Disruptions

Several factors have converged to create significant bottlenecks along the Red Sea route:

• Geopolitical Tensions: The Red Sea region is fraught with geopolitical instability, including conflicts in Yemen and tensions between regional powers. These issues have heightened the risk of piracy and attacks on commercial vessels, leading to increased security measures and higher insurance premiums. These costs are often passed down the supply chain, impacting UK businesses and consumers.
• Port Congestion: Major ports along the Red Sea, such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, have been experiencing severe congestion. This congestion is partly due to increased global trade volumes as economies recover from the pandemic and partly due to inefficiencies and limited capacity at these ports. Delays in unloading and loading cargo have created significant backlogs, disrupting the timely flow of goods to the UK.
• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic continues to affect port operations and crew availability. Outbreaks of COVID-19 among port workers and ship crews have led to quarantines and reduced operational capacity. This has slowed down the movement of ships through key ports along the Red Sea route, exacerbating delays.
• Container Shortages: The global shortage of shipping containers remains a critical issue. With containers stranded in ports worldwide due to the pandemic’s initial disruptions, there is an acute mismatch in container availability. This shortage is particularly pronounced along the Red Sea route, where high demand for Chinese imports to the UK has outstripped supply, driving up shipping costs.

Impact on UK Trade

The disruptions along the Red Sea route have had several adverse effects on UK trade:

• Increased Shipping Costs: Higher insurance premiums, security costs, and surcharges due to port congestion and delays have significantly increased the cost of shipping goods from China to the UK. These are often passed onto consumers.
• Delays and Stock Shortages: Delays in shipping schedules have disrupted supply chains, leading to stock shortages and delayed deliveries for UK businesses. This is particularly challenging for industries with just-in-time inventory systems and made to order.
• Impact on Small Businesses: Smaller UK businesses, which may not have the resources to absorb increased shipping costs or manage delays, are particularly vulnerable. They face the risk of losing customers due to stockouts and delayed deliveries, which can harm their competitiveness and financial stability.

Chadwick Teamwear’s Resilience

Despite these challenges, Chadwick Teamwear has managed to maintain its supply chain stability. Thanks to longstanding relationships with factories in China and forward planning of stock replenishment, Chadwick Teamwear has mitigated the impact of these disruptions. Additionally, the company holds a large amount of stock in its UK warehouse tracking at nearly 100% on all SKU’s, in many key selling’s lines Chadwick Teamwear have over compensated in stock allowing for bumps in the road and unforeseen circumstances,  with the option to also fly products into the country if there are shortages in certain styles or sizes. This proactive approach ensures that Chadwick Teamwear continues to meet customer demands effectively. All Chadwick Teamwears live stock can be checked via the portal here.

The current shipping and container issues along the Red Sea route present significant challenges for UK trade. While the industry is actively seeking solutions, the complexity and scale of these disruptions mean that the road to normalisation will be long and multifaceted. By understanding these dynamics and adopting proactive mitigation strategies. Chadwick Teamwear’s effective management of these challenges exemplifies how strategic planning and strong supplier relationships can help mitigate the impact of global shipping disruptions allowing us to not pass on increased cost to our loyal customer base.

The post Navigating Current Shipping and Container Issues from China first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post Navigating Current Shipping and Container Issues from China appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

We are pleased to announce, we have now integrated 100% recycled polyester fabric into our iconic 4 piece iGEN PE and Games Kit range. As of January 1^st All new production of styles 801 ladies polo / 803 short  /804 skort  / 806 unisex polo will be made from yarns using recycled plastics and at no extra cost. Of course, we still need to sell through our current stock levels so you may well still see some garments which don’t carry the recycled label but we have now made a clear commitment to make these products more environmentally friendly.

Our versatile iGEN Games Kit is available in mix-and-match 12 stocked colour combinations, available from stock in all primary and secondary school sizes. Using a full dull, high count microdot fabric with a quick drying function, truly Brand Quality without the Brand!

Great stock levels, unrivalled quality, superior fabric/trims, technical fit and an assurance the range will remain in stock for very many years to come. Find out why more and more Schoolwear resellers are choosing the 8 pc iGEN range to form the nucleus of their PE offering.

All factories involved in the manufacturing and production of our garments strictly adhere to the guidelines established by AMFORI in the BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative). In addition, they are visited in person by the UK based buying team on a regular basis.

Key Benefits:

Easy Identification and prioritisation of key risk areas

Alignment with internationally recognised and common principles

Continuous updates or systems to be fit for the future

Efficient monitoring and reporting thanks to visual dashboards

Where possible, Chadwick Teamwear incorporates Oeko-Tex into the supply chain. This comprehensive testing process examines a diverse array of regulated and non-regulated substances, taking into consideration possible threats to human health.

A shift towards sustainability was initiated with the introduction of recycled packaging, specifically in the form of biodegradable bags for all new garment production.

Samples of all the iGEN styles are now available upon request and we are able to create presentation visuals personalised to your schools and clubs.

The post iGEN GOES GREEN! first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post iGEN GOES GREEN! appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

Key Benefits

• Easy identification and prioritisation of key risk areas
• Alignment with internationally recognised and common principles
• Continuous updates of our system so it remains fit for the future
• Efficient monitoring and reporting thanks to a visual dashboard

We are able to monitor 12 Social Performances which allow us to conduct high-quality social audits and monitoring of the factories in our supply chain. This helps Chadwick Teamwear to identify, prevent, mitigate, account for and remediate labour risks as well as adverse human rights impacts in our valued chain.

The 12 Social Performance amfori BSCI allows us to measure;

• Social management and Cascade effect
• Workers Involvement and Protection
• The Rights of Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
• No Discrimination, Violence or Harassment
• Fair Remuneration
• Decent Working Hours
• Occupational Health and Safety
• No Child Labour
• Special Protection for Young Workers
• No Bonded, Forced Labour or Human Trafficking
• Protection of the Environment
• Ethical Business Behaviour

About amfori

amfori believe in a world where all trade delivers social, environmental and economic benefits for everyone. They call this Trade with Purpose.

As the leading business association for open and sustainable trade, amfori bring together over 2,000 retailers, importers, brands and national associations from over 40 countries. Their membership reflects organisations of all sizes from a diverse range of sectors, representing a combined turnover of more than one trillion euros.

Headquartered in Brussels since 1977, they have a strong network of representatives based across 14 countries. They offer their members a practical framework and world-class tools to manage the social and environmental performance of their supply chains and anticipate trends. They also advocate for progressive policy and collaboration with high-level stakeholders to achieve social, environmental and economic progress.

Their work enables organisations to enhance human prosperity, use natural resources responsibly and drive open trade globally. These are major challenges across the world which require a collaborative effort to tackle. So, while their members can’t solve them on their own, together we can influence and drive positive change at scale.

Ultimately, amfori’s ambition is to leverage their unique position – their insight, influence and expertise – to drive open and sustainable trade, which contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The post amfori first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post amfori appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

Post Covid we have been able to “turbo charge” our investment in innovative new products & investment in people and the business. Our entire ethos is built around creating an infrastructure, which brings desirable co-ordinated teamwear ranges to market, maintain a high level of quality, offer great stocks, longevity of range and of course creating a great place to work! Our China office has recently increased in size to 8 employees. The China office primary function being to maintain a very high level of quality by inspecting every order at the factory before goods are shipped to UK.

Our turnover has doubled over the last 3-4 years putting even more emphasis on upgrading all aspects of our business to cope with the next phase of growth. We have rolled our new warehouse management software linked to handheld bar code scanners, which have improved the picking team’s efficiency and accuracy to improve speed of picking, meaning our customers receive orders quicker!  Also, more sales means the need for more warehousing space. On our current site we have recently built a 3^rd warehouse and by reconfiguring our other 2 warehouse with alternative racking enabled us to create 200 new pallet spaces and installing a floor to ceiling pallet racking systems increasing storage in our “picking warehouse” by over 500%. Continuing to improve working conditions and efficiency in the warehouse, we purchased four new high level cherry picking machines, two forklifts, and four powered pump trucks that increased unloading speeds and improved manual handling safety.

Such improvements to our systems/procedures have facilitated us being able to manage a literal doubling in the value of stock we are now holding compared to only a few years ago.

Continuous updates to our online portal give our customers much more functionality than just enabling them to place an order 24 hrs a day. Our online customer portal now enables you to make payments on account, view statements, check and track outstanding orders, product descriptions/size charts as well as being able to check live stock and next delivery. Now over 60% of all orders placed are on our online portal!

After 3 years in design, this September we are very pleased to announce the launch of our new KINETIC Range. A contemporary 8 piece range with up to 11 stock colour combinations using a combination of cationic melange effect shoulder panels with colour insert and signature “Kinetic” rubber print:

• Midlayer
• Crew neck sweatshirt
• Hoodie
• T-shirt
• Full zip top / jacket
• Tapered jog pant
• Premium rain jacket (Launch Jan 24)
• Polo (launch Jan 24)

In addition to our exciting Kinetic range we are also adding the following new styles to our stock Core range:

• Rain jacket – Plain black and navy
• Premium stretch midlayer – plain black and navy
• Premium polo – plain white, black and navy
• Backpack – plain black and navy
• Carbon premium short – plain black and navy
• iGen 2-in-1 short – plain black and navy

Looking to the future, we will continue to expand our product lines, explore new markets, and strive to lead the way in providing brand quality teamwear to resellers and suppliers of team sportswear

The post What’s new at Chadwick Teamwear? first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post What’s new at Chadwick Teamwear? appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

Why do we travel to China?

The team headed back west from Shanghai, inland by high-speed train for the first of more than a dozen meetings during the 12-day trip. This followed by a short plane ride back to the coast in the industrial southeast of China where the weather is generally warm or simply just hot year-round interspersed with the annual monsoon season. The number one priority of the 2023 trip was putting the final touches and signing off our eagerly awaited new range ‘Kinetic’. Kinetic has taken more than 2 ½ years to develop, which is twice as long as other ranges historically. Kinetic is collectively the most premium and technical range we have developed to date, the combination of new performance fabrics, prints and specialised trims utilised in this range has really taken Kinetic to a new level.

This trip has highlighted you really can’t replace being in front of suppliers, building knowledge and ensuring you have your finger on the pulse. The partnerships we have built with our trusted suppliers prior to the covid period has been invaluable – for Chadwick’s as a business the importance of always working directly with specialised factories is vital to our success.

Quality assured 

At Chadwick, we pride ourselves on the quality and consistency of our products. Our proven quality procedures is integral to delivering garments with the correct fit and function according to their intended use to give our customers confidence when offering Chadwick Teamwear over more famous name brands.

Quality is rigorously controlled at every stage of manufacturing with the help of our own full time ‘Chadwick’ QCs (not third parties) employees based in our China office. 1 or more of our 8 strong team will visit the factories on an almost weekly basis reporting back to the UK regularly. This enables us to make informed decisions quickly or solve an issue much faster than just waiting for samples to arrive at our UK office to make a decision. Travelling to China and spending time with our staff allows us to offer them invaluable training, product updates, problem solving sessions and continue to build their awareness of our expectations and business operations. It’s hard for us to imagine that many Chinese have never travelled outside China, their perception of ‘The Western world’ is a little different from the reality and helping them to understand why we insist on high quality is an education. That said, Chinese people are without doubt some of the most hardworking, honest, and clever people you will find in the world, their naturally respectful and gentle culture means they are happy to listen and learn.

Environmental impact and sustainability

Environmental impact and sustainability factors are now becoming just as important to china as it is in Europe and the rest of the world and in some respects, China has overtaken us in terms of implementation. A key part of our development here at Chadwick’s is to ensure we and our suppliers follow a sustainable code of practice, this was a key discussion point whilst in China with all suppliers. OEKOTEX is an independent testing certification for fabrics and trims is specified by Chadwick’s wherever possible and we have recently carried out full independent factory assessments in conjunction with ITS Intertek. In addition, all our vendors adhere to the Amfori / BSCI (business social compliance initiative) and we encourage all suppliers to follow a positive working culture for all workers and seek to continuously improve.

The addition of recycled packaging has recently been achieved and we are seeking to convert fabrics to recycled polyester step by step as long as the science is telling us this is the right thing to do. There is still much to do, but, we have already planned the next trip later this year by which time many of our new exciting new products will have arrived into UK stock. We are already looking at what next as well as looking forward to sampling yet more of that famous Chinese cuisine.

The post China is open for business, post covid restrictions! first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post China is open for business, post covid restrictions! appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

The Edge Team Polo is part of the ‘Edge’ team and training range. This polo is a stylish 3-button grandad-style ribbed collar shirt with raglan sleeves, scooped hem and side detail.

This next generation design is made with premium 180gsm super-soft pique, quick dry fabric that would complement any teamwear range. The range is unique and distinctive due to its subtle contrast colour panelling and signature “Edge” print design, yet it coordinates seamlessly with our broader product offering, making it a more contemporary alternative to the traditional teamwear polos.

The post Contemporary Premium Polo Shirt first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post Contemporary Premium Polo Shirt appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

This 1/4 zip hooded pullover top is made from a 180gsm 3 layer bonded technical shell and is fully weatherproof.

With the signature Edge range self-colour print detailing along the shoulder line and the contoured arm panel in a contrasting texture produces the much-desired modern teamwear aesthetic. Whilst the construction, trim and fabric combine to create a fantastic feel that reflects the quality expected from Chadwick Teamwear.

The Edge Pro Hooded Jacket is available in both Black and Navy in sizes ranging from LY up to 4XL.

The post EDGE PRO HOODED JACKET-P&P first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post EDGE PRO HOODED JACKET-P&P appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

This unique fabric offers a “swat proof” comfort fit.  Contoured ergonomic paneling design with flatlock seams and a feminine waistband maximizes performance and fit. With breathability, thermal regulation, and quick-drying property.

Perfect for school sports, sportswear and general fitness.

The post Powerstretch Leggings-Images Magazine first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post Powerstretch Leggings-Images Magazine appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.

First to land in January is a black and navy version of our popular Cricket Trouser aimed at the T20 market.

Early Summer will see the launch of a new premium unlined training short with a tech waistband & zipped pockets. Also a new showerproof jacket with concealed hood & premium spandex midlayer. All will be available in plain black and navy to slot into our Core range. These additions bolster our “good, better, best” price point offering in our Core range, which will complement any of our existing colour combination ranges.

There’s also a new ladies 2-in-1 sports with short with baselayer inner to be added to the iGen range available in black and navy. In addition, Chadwick’s will add navy/royal expanding iGen to 12 stock colours.

We will also be adding a new rucksack to our stock range, perfect for school and teamwear.

Finally, we are adding a brand new colour combination range in addition to all our existing stock ranges. This will include a full zip midlayer, traditional collar polo, tech T-shirt, sweat top and zoodie.  Look out for more information on forthcoming launching and “pre-launch” preview sample drops!

The post Whats New For 2023? first appeared on Chadwick Teamwear.

The post Whats New For 2023? appeared first on Chadwick Teamwear.