FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for me to receive my order on stock and non stock items?

If the client is collecting the garments, stock is readily available on 'stock items' and up to 24 hours if the goods are to be delivered. However please note it can take up to 36 hours to process and pack depending on the size of the order. On 'non stock items' it is between 6 to 8 weeks delivery.

Why do garments fade faster at times

One common problem of fading is due to sunlight, which is both harmful & irreversible. Constant and prolonged exposure to the sunlight should be reduced as far as possible.

After each wash garments should also be rinsed thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this with direct sunlight leads to fading of garments. You should never use bleach on colours at any time.

How do I select a reliable supplier?

Choosing a supplier should be as important as when one chooses a banker for example. The rationale is that you entrust your uniform supplier with the image of your company and your money. The following pointers need to be taken into account when choosing a uniform supplier:

  • Does the supplier have adequate experience in the uniform industry?
  • How long has the business been in operation for?
  • Is the company financially sound to meet your requirements?
  • Are they backed by any major group? Who are the shareholders?
  • Do they have reputable references from previous contracts or clients?
  • Do they have proper collateral (brochures, company profiles, website etc)?
  • Do they have storage or warehousing facilities?
  • Do they manufacture themselves?
  • What contribution do they make towards the textile industry & the economy at large?

Why is it important to wear protective wear at all times?

South African Law (The Labour Act) stipulates that employers should ensure that their employees are protected against harm as a result of accidents in the workplace. Those not complying will be severely dealt with.

There are categories that cover the lowest form of PPE. The user is assumed to assess the needs for protecting himself where there is a limited risk of severe injuries for not using appropriate clothing. This could be clothing used in light duty applications.

There is also protective clothing intended to be used in environments with risk for severe, but no fatal consequences. The products must be tested and certified by a notified body e.g. SABS or EN. Products under this category could include flame retardant clothing, acid resistant clothing, high visibility clothing etc.

The other category covers products and environments where the user can be exposed to mortal danger or to dangers that may seriously and irreversibly harm health. These must also be tested & certified by a notified body.

Category standards will generally include the following:

  • Protection against cold conditions
  • Protection against foul weather conditions
  • Protection against heat & flame conditions
  • High visibility clothing
  • Antistatic protective clothing
  • Welding & similar operations
  • Protective clothing against liquid & gaseous chemicals

What is the best way to wash my garments so they last longer?

Always refer to the label before washing

  • Turn garments inside out to avoid and reduce abrasion caused by other garments, trims and contamination by fibres from other garments during the wash cycle.
  • Always check the washing machine is not overloaded
  • Use good quality detergent and ensure that the correct amount is used
  • In cases of hand wash, avoid rubbing the garments against hard objects like rocks etc as this will damage the garments
  • Rinse garments thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this with direct sunlight leads to fading of garments

Why do garments shrink after being washed?

Common problems and precautions to help increase the life cycle of your garments include garment shrinkage. This is primarily due to factors such as heat and major agitation during the wash cycle. Always wash as per instructions on the care label.

Why do small fibre balls appear on some fabric surfaces?

Pilling & bobbling is a result of abrasion & lack of care and timely washing of the garments which in turn leads to fibre balls appearing on the fabric surface. These can be removed by mild surface brushing but is not advisable over long terms as it wears down the garment

How can I avoid colour staining of my garments?

One of the most common problems however is that of colour staining and we would recommend that you wash similar colour garments together. Do not leave damp garments together for any length of time.

Why is the colour of my uniforms sometimes inconsistent or different?

Many clients raise the issue of colour consistency where sometimes uniform colours may vary slightly. Although our mills try and maintain dyeing fabrics a consistent shade, it is impossible to have an exact match from dye batch to dye batch. There are many things that can influence a dye batch from the dye stuffs to cotton or polyester yarns that are not 100% identical in structure to a previous batch of fabric woven.

It is for this reason that colour matches can vary by around 6% each way, lighter or darker and that this is acceptable in the fabric industry. After a few washes, following proper care instructions, the colour differences become unnoticeable. In the event that the colour match is unreasonably high, it is important to contact your supplier. The problem though, is that some smaller companies are not able to assist and that is why it is important to deal with reputable suppliers like who have good relations with the mills and order fabric batches in large quantities ensuring consistency. Small uniform suppliers tend to use different fabric suppliers and as a result may never be able to establish the original source of supply or mill. Where it can be proven that the problem lies with the fabric and not improper adherence to wash care instructions, The Kit Group would replace the garments.

Is price always a reason to choose a supplier?

Not necessarily. In many cases the Labour Act stipulates that employers have to protect their employees against any accidental harm in the workplace. This means that there are sometimes minimum standards that have to be adhered to and the garments have to be manufactured to minimum standards & requirements. Buying cheap, non compliant garments may be in contravention of the law.

There are many suppliers out there that can sell you any kind of uniform, but one needs to ask oneself the following questions before buying based on price:

  • Is the supplier reputable?
  • Do they guarantee the quality of their garments?
  • What is their return policy in the event that the garments are faulty?
  • What is the country of origin of the goods?
  • Are the garments being sold as factory rejects etc?
  • Will saving a couple of Rand in the short term benefit you in the long run?
  • Will the supplier be able to supply the same garments in future or is it a once off?
  • What impact will this have on your workforce?

How can I save on my uniform budget?

  • Use a reputable supplier, many clients have been left high & dry when their suppliers could not execute their orders leading to unnecessary costs
  • Make sure the Sales Consultant is knowledgeable about the industry
  • The brief should be based on your needs & not the supplier
  • Ensure the garments (and or fabrics) are readily available
  • Try and establish some form of service level agreement with your supplier
  • Cheap garments (& fabrics) may save you in the short term but may be very costly in the long term
  • Use the same supplier for all your requirements

Does The Kit Group have branches outside South Africa?

The Kit Group has branches in Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana and agencies in Zambia & Zimbabwe. We also export to several other countries.

Is it fine to use bleach on my uniforms?

Generally it is not recommended to use bleach on your workwear as this reduces the life span of your garments and should definitely not be used on colour garments as they will fade

What basic wash care steps do I need to follow?

The following pointers should be used as guidelines for all garments:

  • Subsequent to washing, close all zips, undo buttons, check pockets for loose or sharp objects, and flatten out collars and cuffs.
  • Always refer to the label before washing
  • Turn garments inside out to avoid and reduce abrasion caused by other garments, trims and contamination by fibres from other garments during the wash cycle.
  • Always check the washing machine is not overloaded
  • Use good quality detergent and ensure that the correct amount is used
  • In cases of hand wash, avoid rubbing the garments against hard objects like rocks etc as this will damage the garments
  • Rinse garments thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this with direct sunlight leads to fading of garments

What can I do in my laundry to help the environment?

Do you want to live sustainably but don't know where to start? Reduce the amount of energy and water you use when washing your uniforms.

  • Only use your washing machine when you have a full load
  • Consider making your next washing machine a minimum 4A rated front loader to be more energy & water efficient.
  • Use the subs-saver cycle option if available in your machine
  • If you have an old top loader, it is easy to reuse the rinse water from your last wash as the wash water for the next. True, buckets can get heavy, but how much is that gym membership costing you?
  • Grey water is great for the lawn, and many cleaning jobs. Soapy water can provide effective protection against aphids and other garden pests, but take care of the choice and quantity of laundry detergent. Use of grey water on edible produce is not generally advised.
  • Except for really dirty workwear, wash your clothes in cold or warm water. You will be amazed how little the colours will fade.
  • Dry your clothes on the clothes line rather than in the dryer.

Phone us at The Kit Group Foundation with any of your old uniforms & gumboots etc that you are no longer using as we will have them recycled and the proceeds go to charity.

Why is it not advisable to wear polyester garments in hot climatic conditions?

Generally not as the fabric does not breath leading to excessive sweating and making the wearer uncomfortable. The only reason why some suppliers use it is because it is cheaper, and does note fade quickly, but technology in the textile field has resulted in the development of fabrics that contain both polyester and cotton mix resulting in better, breathing fabrics that are also colour fast.