The Uniformer

Independent testing has become an essential part of designing uniforms that are safer, more comfortable, and built to perform. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine talks with Anne Henning, Director of Account Management for Hohenstein Institute America, about the science behind today's apparel innovations. Anne explains how Hohenstein helps manufacturers validate claims for comfort, heat...

For 90 years, Hunter Apparel Solutions has evolved from a traditional tailoring business into one of the world's most innovative developers of PPE and protective apparel. In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine welcomes CEO Simon Hunter, MBE, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, family business, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.Simon shares the story behind FLEXGUARD®,...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine speaks with TJ Valentino, Sales Manager at Boston Leather, one of the uniform industry’s leading manufacturers of leather belts and accessories for police, fire, military, and workwear professionals.Founded in 1938, Boston Leather remains a Made in USA manufacturer specializing in duty belts, garrison belts, badge cases, equipment holders, suspenders,...

In this episode of The Uniformer, Rick Levine speaks with Natalie Wilson, Founder and Managing Director of Workwear Solutions International and a NAUMD Board Director, about the evolving world of uniforms, PPE, and workforce inclusivity. Celebrating the company's 10th anniversary, Natalie shares how Workwear Solutions has grown into a trusted advisor to military, police, aviation, transportation,...

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of The Uniformer News Round Table, where Rick Levine (Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors, NAUMD) is joined by panelists Leslie Watt McArdle (Fabian Group) and Aileen Out (Pretty Business NL / Pretty Business World) for a fast, friendly, “two stories each” conversation about what is shaping uniforms, image apparel, workwear, and PPE...

Uniforms are never just clothes. They’re branding, identity, safety equipment, cultural signals, and sometimes a lightning rod.In this January 2026 news episode of The Uniformer, host Rick Levine (Executive Director, NAUMD) is joined by his fellow uniform nerds and columnists Aileen Out (PrettyBusinessWorld.com) and Leslie Watt McCardle (Fabian Group) for a fast-moving roundtable on the biggest...

In this December episode of Uniformer News, host Rick Levine is joined by columnists Leslie Watt-McArdle and Aileen Out for a fast-moving, global look at how uniforms, workwear, and PPE are evolving.The trio starts with fresh research on workplace dress codes: how “casual,” “business casual,” uniforms, and formal dress break down across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Aileen shares data showing why...

Welcome back to The Uniformer — the show that explores the people, ideas, and companies driving the world of uniforms, image apparel, public safety, and workwear.In this lively roundtable episode, host Rick Levine, Executive Director of the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD), is joined by regular co-hosts Aileen Out (PrettyBusiness.nl) from the Netherlands and...

In this month’s Uniformer News, Rick Levine, Eileen Out, and Leslie Watt-McArdle unpack the stories shaping uniforms and workwear across the globe. The trio looks back at the second annual National Uniform Day, which drew participation from over a hundred companies and associations worldwide. They delve into police uniform controversies in the UK, lawsuits over Starbucks’ new dress code, and the...

Rick Levine (Executive Director, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors), Leslie Wale, and Aileen Out swap two fresh stories each and react—from North America and Europe—on what’s shaping uniforms, workwear, and public safety apparel.Topics we cover:Pricing in 2025–2026: tariffs, inflation, catalog timing, and why service—not product—wins when goods feel like...