Recommendation for New Uniforms

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I have done quite a bit of research in preparation for ordering outfits for the Arctic Orienteering Club and am prepared to make a recommendation. Here’s a synopsis of my research. 

Questions, complaints, comments, interest in helping review designs? Call Anne (345-1749) or email: dnabillman[@]alaska[dot]net.

Our existing shirts are Trimtex. I find it breathable, remarkably comfortable, durable. It was pricey and Karen B reports the ordering/pricing was difficult because of the use of foreign currency.

Color preferences

12 people expressed preferences in writing at the annual meeting. Here are the color combinations and the number of votes received:

same as now (med blue/gold/orange/white)  –  4 votes
same as now but with dark blue   –  1 vote
green/gold  –  2 
blue/gold  –  2
orange/blue  –  1 
green  –  1 
red  –  1
orange/black/green/gold  –  1 
green/purple  –  0.5
green/blue/warm gold  –  0.5

Based on the above, I recommend sticking with colors of our existing shirts but using a slightly darker blue and with emphasis on the blue and gold (Alaska flag). I also recommend including some black in the shirts so they can match black pants/tights, and making them compatible with navy. That way, the new shirts could match O pants that are part of our existing uniforms, or ready-made navy or black O pants, or any navy or black bottoms of your choice. So, colors are med blue, gold, some black/orange/navy. The color and graphics will be full dye sublimation – doesn’t block pores of fabric and doesn’t peel off.

People were also interested in ordering pants and gaiters. I recommend going with ready-made for both of those.

I recommend ordering our shirts from O21e. They are based in CA and the shirts are made in CA. They are O-specific shirts, with durability one of their fabric selection criteria. O21e can also sell us ready-made O pants and gaiters. Our order can include a mix of short- and long-sleeved. (In addition to O21e, I considered: Atac, AxisGear, JL, Champion, Sugoi, and PodiumWear. I eliminated each other based on bad reviews of customer service, lack of mesh fabric, stinky fabric, lack of a good cut/shape for orienteering, concern about fabric durability, or price. I talked with orienteers that ordered from O21e and were happy. And they’re American!)

After looking at lots of photos and others’ outfits in the Lower 48 last autumn, I like and recommend a crew neck with partial zipper front like our existing shirts. (Examples of alternatives in the photo links below.)

Orienteering Fashion

The gist of this article on orienteering fashion is that trim tops are in, pajama-look is out, looking good is better for attracting others to the sport (or at least the converse is true), trim black leggings are in.

Photos of Designs

– Anne Billman 3/5/2013