The overall goal is to look successful - dress for success! It is well known that the look which we portray speaks volumes. Research indicates that first impressions are made within the first few seconds of meeting someone new. And, in most scenarios, that first impression is made before a single word is spoken.  Therefore, having a correct understanding of the phrase 'business casual' becomes imperative for individuals seeking new business partnerships, prospecting for new clients, or for companies looking to increase the public's awareness of their services.

In certain fields, dressing for success is even more important. In a recent CNN survey, 55% of those in the finance field suggest that 'well-dressed employees are more likely to be promoted'. Similarly, 51% of the sales professionals surveyed concurred with this sentiment. Therefore, we may conclude that an individual’s appearance not only effects the perceptions of others, but may also have a significant role in the advancement of one's career.

Thankfully, one can achieve maximum comfort while still protecting one's professional image.

How to Dress for Success:

Start with the basics.

For men, a good foundational starting point is made up of:

1. Black dress pants and/or suit pants.

2. Properly fitted button-down shirts.

3. A good belt and a pair of classic dark colored leather shoes (polished - no scuffs).

4. If you opt for a tie, keep it conservative.

For women, start with the following:

1. Dark slacks and/or knee length skirts

2. Solid colored button-down shirts and/or blouses

3. Sweater or sweater sets

4. Simple purse, small briefcase, or a combination of the two - a business-like tote bag

Once this foundation is established, adding items in dark blues, greys, browns, or khakis offer the safest options.

At Embroidery Solutions (www.embroiderysolutions.net), we offer a great selection of apparel which is perfectly suited for any professional's wardrobe. Customized embroidered apparel is often used as a means to identify employees within an organization or to increase the public's knowledge of a business. For help with your custom embroidery needs, contact us at (407-438-8188 or 866-538-4118, info@embroidery-solutions.com).

When entering a new place or an unfamiliar scene, such as the start of a new job or meeting with a new potential client, it's best to overdress with the intent of making a lasting first impression. Remember, it's all about perception!

What Specifically do I wear:

Button down shirts:

Button down shirts are key ingredient when dressing for success in business. Our Red House branded shirts are excellent choices for building or adding to your collection.

Red House – Non-Iron Button-Down Shirt, (RH60)

Red House Herringbone Dress Shirt RH48 (Ladies) RH38 (Men)

For ladies, a nice collection of sweater or sweater sets make for a great first impression. Our Port &Co.branded attire are simple, yet elegant. Use them in individually or in combination to create your perfect look. Paired with slacks or skirts, you can't go wrong!

LSW283, Ladies Fine-Gauge Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater. Shown here in Camel Heather.

L515, Ladies Stretch Cotton Cardigan. Shown here in Dark Chocolate Brown (left) and Sapphire Blue (right).

Pair these styles for a beautiful sweater set made from fine-gauge combed cotton. LSW280, Crewneck Cardigan Sweater (left), shown here in Charcoal Melange LSW283, Crewneck Long Sleeve Sweater (middle), shown here in Light Blue LSW282, Scoop Neck Short Sleeve Sweater (right), shown here in Navy

Sweaters and sweater vests can be a great addition to your collection, especially during the colder months. The following items are lightweight and work well with most dress shirts or blouse - perfect for achieving a polished layered look.

D475, Men’s V-Neck Sweater (left) D475W, Ladies V-Neck Sweater (middle) D477,  V-Neck Sweater Vest (right)

In the warmer months, when paired with dress slacks, a good belt, and polished dress shoes, a polo shirt makes for a winning combination that is both business appropriate and comfortable. We offer a large selection of polo shirts available in a variety of fabrics and textures. Shown below, our Nike apparel line offers the industries’ finest in quality and fabric technology.

Nike Elite Series Dri-Fit Ottoman Bonded Polo 429439

Nike Elite Series Dri-Fit Vertical Texture Bonded Polo 429437

Ultimately, the key point to remember is, how we dress portrays the image we are trying to project. The manner in which we are perceived and how we perceive ourselves (self-esteem), are significantly governed by how well we dress.

Embroidery Solutions offers an outstanding work ready polo for those in security and law enforcement.

With strategically placed mic clips and dual pen pockets (see image below), our tactical polo is designed for event staff, security and law enforcement. Built for performance, this snag-proof, moisture-wicking, odor fighting shirt will keep you sharp and professional looking on or off the job.  Perfect for those on foot or on bike patrol. A longer drop tail in the back will greatly benefit in keeping the shirts tucked in.

CornerStone^® - Select Snag-Proof Tactical Polo. CS410

CornerStone^® - Ladies Select Snag-Proof Tactical Polo. CS411

This item, as indicated above, is available in both men’s and ladies’ and is offered in sizes XS to 4XL.

Retails at $33.00 (XS to XL).

Call us at  407-438-8188 (866-538-4118) for more information or visit us at www.embroiderysolutions.net

From left: Embroidery Solutions Co-owner Leo Ambrose, Sales and Design Associate Jamie Cothern, Rotary of Avalon Park’s Bob Ewald and Embroidery Solutions Co-owner Andrew Nazareth.

February’s Rotary Business of the Month is Embroidery Solutions in East Orlando. Since opening 14 years ago, the company has been a huge supporter of East Orlando schools, especially Timber Creek and East River high schools, giving them free T-shirts and uniforms, award plaques for their banquets and buying banner advertisements at their sports fields. Embroidery Solutions gives to other schools as well and has donated merchandise to East Orlando organizations such as Eastside Cycling and the Timber Creek High School Booster Club. Embroidery Solutions is located at 6457 Hazeltine National Drive, Ste. 120, Orlando. For more information, call 407-438-8188, email info@embroidery-solutions.com or visit www.embroiderysolutions.net

About Business of the Month:

Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Avalon Park, the East Orlando Sun and Pinnacle Awards and Promotions, the Rotary Business of the Month recognizes East Orlando businesses and organizations that are actively involved in their communities and embody the motto of Rotary: Service above self. Winners receive a plaque, a free advertisement in the Sun and a spot in the Downtown Avalon Park Discount Card, which serves all of East Orlando. Nominate a business at www.facebook.com/avalonparkrotary

At embroidery solutions ( www.embroiderysolutions.net ), we offer a wide variety bags and backpacks, that can be embroidered with a company or an organization’s logo. Given the popularity of backpacks these days, here is another way to promote your company/organization.

Here are some characteristics of what are commonly seeked in backpacks based on customer reviews:

-          side entry padded laptop pocket, to allow easy access.

-          Front strap for cell phone/digital media

-          Weatherproof zippers

-          Lightweight

-          Compression straps to hold gear in place

Below are 4 options for backpacks for our Ogio collection:

OGIO^® - Fugitive Pack. 711113

Heavy-duty construction lets this bag take years of use and abuse. Lightweight at 2 lbs and ergonomically designed for the comfort of the wearer, during extended use.

• Internal padded laptop sleeve
• Integrated shoulder harness with neoprene grab handle
• Fleece-lined top drop-in audio pocket with headphone exit port
• Side mesh water bottle pockets
• Dual-side compression straps
• Laptop sleeve: fits most 15" laptops
• Dimensions: 19"h x 12"w x 10"d
• Weight: 2.0 lbs./0.9kg

OGIO^® - Bounty Hunter Pack. 108105

Built for work and workouts with compartments for tunes, clothes and a laptop.

• Two main compartments
• Fleece-lined top drop-in audio pocket with headphone exit port
• Dual-side zippered pockets
• Back panel side-entry laptop sleeve , fits most 17" laptops
• Dimensions: 24"h x 14"w x 7"d
• Weight: 2.6 lbs./1.2kg

OGIO^® - Commuter Pack. 108109

When the workload is truly heavy, this bag rolls from the terminal to the train with ease.

• Dual-side zippered pockets
• Padded laptop sleeve , fits most 17" laptops
• Retractable Pullman handle
• Durable and quiet urethane wheels
• Tuck-away shoulder strap system
• Organizer panel
• Dimensions: 22"h x 13"w x 8.5"d
• Weight: 5.25 lbs./2.4kg

OGIO^® - Freezer Cooler. 108112

Easy-to-carry, a spacious backpack cooler joins forces with a dry storage area. Perfect for those that need to transport food and other gear while keeping ones hands free. Perfect when cycling or for long hikes on a camping trip, or just to go to the beach. Big enough to hold snacks and cold drinks , but not too bulky to carry.

• Top dry storage area
• Large cooler area in base
• Two exterior water bottle pockets
• Exterior sleeve pocket
• 10-can capacity freezer compartment
• Dimensions: 25"h x 12"w x 12"d
• Weight: 2.78 lbs./1.3kg

Call us at 407-438-8188 (toll free: 866-538-4118), with any questions regarding these backpacks or for any of your embroidered apparel and accessories needs.

At Embroidery Solutions Inc. we offer a selection of four great Nike polos with all the functionality of the Dri-Fit technology fully embroidered with your company or organization logo for under $40.00 (up to size XL, surcharge does apply for XXL and above).

Nike Golf – Dri-Fit Micro Pique Polo
Model#: 363807 (men)
Model#: 354067 (ladies)
Cost: $34.00

Engineered with Dri-FIT fabric which provides moisture management technology. This micro pique polo has an exceptionally soft hand. The design features a flat knit collar, three-button placket, open hem sleeves. The contrast Swoosh design trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve. Made of 4.4-ounce, 100% polyester. Call 866-538-4118 to order or for more information.

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Pebble Texture Sport Shirt
Model#: 373749 (men)
Model#: 354064 (ladies)
Cost: $30.00

An understated pebble texture meets high-performance moisture wicking from Dri-FIT fabric in this Nike Golf style. Designed to keep you comfortably dry, features include a self-fabric collar, two-button placket and open hem sleeves. Pearlized buttons are selected to complement the shirt color. The contrast Swoosh design trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve. Made of 3.9-ounce, 100% polyester. Call 866-538-4118 to order or for more information.

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Classic Sport Shirt
Model#: 267020 (men)
Model#: 286772 (ladies)
Cost: $39.75

The Dri-FIT fabric technology in this polo delivers superior moisture management, while the stitch-trimmed shoulder panels and gussets make a distinctive difference. Flat knit collar. For the ladies version, it is tailored for a feminine fit with a two-button Y-placket and rib knit cuffs. Pearlized buttons are selected to complement the shirt color. The contrast Swoosh design trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve. Made of 4.7-ounce, 100% polyester Dri-FIT fabric. Call 866-538-4118 to order or for more information.

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Mini Texture Sport Shirt
Model#: 378453 (men)
Cost: $39.75

Work (or play) this lightweight polo built with Dri-FIT moisture management technology is a great option. An intricate chain-link texture gives subtle character while panels on the shoulders and under the arms add more visual interest. With double-needle stitching throughout, the design features a self-fabric collar, three-button placket, embossed Swoosh design trademark buttons, open hem sleeves and side vents. Pearlized buttons are selected to complement the shirt color. The contrast Swoosh design trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve. Made of 4.1-ounce, 100% polyester. Call 866-538-4118 to order or for more information.

1. Port Authority® - RapidPass™ Briefcase. BG108 – $45.00

2. Port Authority® - RapidPass™ Backpack. BG109 – $45.00

3. OGIO® - Explorer Messenger – 110170 – $100.00

4. OGIO® - Roamer Pack – 110172 – $65.00

5. OGIO® - Vagabond Pack – 110171 – $95.00

All these different bag options will fit comfortably in the overhead compartment (except for really small commuter planes). The BG108 (http://www.companycasuals.com/esi/b.jsp?id=6828279), will also fit very easily under the front seat. With some creative packing, such as utilizing gallon Ziploc bags, packed with items such as undergarments and socks, and squeezing out the air, i.e. vacuum packing them, one could fit a day’s worth of clothing into this bag in addition to a laptop. Why is this important? As of April 2010, Spirit Airlines announced that a charge of $45.00 will be imposed for all carry-on luggage unless they fit under the front seat. Other airlines may follow suit to generate a new revenue stream. The dimensions of the space under the seat available in most domestic flights are 8” x 16” x 21”. Given these dimensions, the BG108 (http://www.companycasuals.com/esi/b.jsp?id=6828279) will fit very easily under the seat and can become a huge money saver especially for those who travel frequently.

None of these options offer wheels. This is done by design because, one; wheels take up more space and add weight, and secondly, when flying smaller commuter planes, wheeled carry-on bags usually must be gate checked, leaving travelers no access to the laptop and other contents of their bag during the flight.

Indeed there are various other comparable options for carry-on bags available in the marketplace, but most of these cost between $150.00 and $300.00. Ours, cost between $40.00 and $100.00, and has a laptop slide out ‘drawer’. In addition, Embroidery Solutions can have these items embroidered with one’s name, initials or company logo.

For more information please call us directly at 407-438-8188 (or toll free 866-538-4118). We can help you select a practical, embroidered bag for your travels plus many other types embroidered apparel and accessories.

There has been an explosion in the last two years in the number of brands and styles that produce what is commonly called "moisture wicking" apparel. But the quality of performance from one item to another varies greatly. Here at Embroidery Solutions, we are well versed in the mechanics of moisture wicking and therefore can greatly help clients make the right choice. Call us today at 407-438-8188 (or contact us online) to get our expert recommendation on the right products based on your budget and needs.

In a nut shell, the best moisture wicking garments are those whose fabric are typically synthetic, lightweight, thin, and tightly weaved. This should offer the best result in keeping one comfortable in the heat. To understand why this is so, one must determine the science behind the moisture wicking process.

First of all, sweating is the body’s mechanism of cooling itself. The extra heat that is generated from hardworking muscles, or when the body is subjected to heat, is transported to the skin’s surface via sweat. The fabric that is layered over the body must wick the sweat away from the skin and transport it to the outer layer where it can evaporate, hence keeping the skin dry and the body comfortable.

How well and fast that fabric is able to wick sweat from the skin to the surface where it is released, determines the level of its moisture wicking performance.

Wicking performance is a function of capillary pressure and permeability.

Capillary pressure:

force that moves moisture along or through a fabric as a result of the surface tension between the sweat/moisture and the walls of a narrow gap or pore that overcomes the forces between the molecules of the moisture, transporting it into empty gaps until the forces even out.

Permeability

fabric's ability to transport moisture through itself, and is determined by a combination of sizes of spaces within it and the connections between the spaces.

Other properties that certainly do effect the wicking properties of a fabric include yarn twist (how threads in the fabric turn around each other), contact angle (between the fiber and the liquid), knit or weave (the larger scale construction of the fabric), yarn roughness and a whole lot more.

Yarns that repel moisture, hydrophobic, that are weaved in such a manner that form a multitude of small ducts, will force the sweat into these ducts and due to the repelling quality of the fabric and surface tension forces as described earlier, will then push the moisture up these ducts to the surface. The smaller the radius of these ducts, the greater the distance the moisture will travel, as shown in the diagram below. Hence thinner, tighter, weaved fabrics will perform the best.

Aside from the duct radius, fibers of fabrics that retain moisture through swelling, can cause the squeezing of the capillaries (ducts), causing them to bottleneck or completely close of those capillaries. This behavior (swelling through absorption) is common in cellulosic fibers such a rayon. Hence choose polyester fabrics.

In addition to that, natural fibers such as cotton have very irregular capillaries due to the cross-sectional shape and length of the fibers, as shown in the graphical representation below,

Microscopic photo of the surface and cross-section of Dacron polyester fibers.

This is an important element in the science of moisture wicking technology. There are some garments labeled moisture wicking that are made of a polyester/cotton blend, which are typically lower in cost. These have been chemically treated, typically, by dipping or spraying the garment. This chemical pulls moisture from the body and forces it out to the garment’s surface. But this chemical treatment will eventually dissipate over time through washing rendering the garment weak in its moisture wicking performance.

TBe sure to choose apparel that is 100% polyester and is lightweight (i.e. thin fabric). Below are two great choices for moisture wicking polos.

Sportek Dry Zone Raglan Sport Shirt – T475
3.8oz, 100% polyester fabric, with anti microbial properties.

Ultra Club Cool n Dry, Performance Polo, 8445
4.8oz, 100% polyester fabric, with anti microbial properties.

Call us today at 407-438-8188 or contact us online for more information. We will be happy to find the perfect product for your specific needs.

Note: The main source of information in this article was obtained from Craig B. Simile’s thesis titled Critical Evaluation of Wicking in Performance fabrics – Nov 2004.

For the ladies we have this fine gauge sweater (see below) that goes with either slacks or a skirt. For about $32.00, this makes for an affordable item for either the office or home.

Ladies Fine Gauge Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater (LSW283)

Below are some suggested ways on how this sweater can be coordinated with various accessories.

Ladies sweater outfit ideas

Here is a complimentary male version to this sweater, see below, at about the same price of $32.00.

Men's Fine Gauge Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater

For the ladies, in addition to the crewneck sweater, we also offer a cardigan set, as shown below. This is comprised of two pieces; the Cardigan (LSW280) and the Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Sweater (LSW282). These can be worn as a set or by itself.

Ladies Crewneck Cardigan Sweater (LSW280)

Ladies Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Sweater (LSW282)

All of the items shown above are made from fine gauge 100% cotton. For those that prefer cashmere instead, we have the following items to offer.

First are our Pure Cashmere Pullover (for men) and the Ladies Pure Cashmere Cardigan. These are made from high-grade two-ply 100% cashmere yarn that holds its shape for a truly enduring look.

Ladies Cashmere Cardigan (RH17)

Pure Cashmere Pullover (RH18)

To complement these, the following accessories will add elegance to the look not to mention the added warmth. Both the Scarf and the Pashmina are weaved from high grade, feather soft two-ply cashmere yarn.

Ladies Pure Cashmere Pashmina (RH29)

Pure Cashmere Scarf (RH30)

All of these and many more can be viewed on our online catalog, accessed through our website embroiderysolutions.net, or call us at 407-438-8188 (or toll free 866-538-4118).

SPECIFICATIONS:
Casing Material: Silicone
Imprint Process: Laser Engraving
Imprint Area: Logo: 1.5”W x 2”H
Personalize with two lines of text

PRICING:
QUANTITY – 1-9 $19.99 each
QUANTITY – 10 – 29 $17.99 each
QUANTITY – 30 + $15.99 each

View our iPhone Cases PDF Flyer for More Information

We also have Engraveable Blackberry Silicone Cases in a wide variety of colors. View our Blackberry Cases PDF Flyer for More Information.