Workwear Outfitters is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of professional work apparel, footwear, and protective gear. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the company serves over 16,000 customers globally and provides industry-leading uniforms and safety garments to sectors such as industrial manufacturing, energy, automotive, hospitality, public safety, and construction. With over 100 years of heritage and a comprehensive brand portfolio, Workwear Outfitters is a cornerstone of the global workwear market.
Company Background
Originally founded as part of VF Corporation and spun off in 2021, Workwear Outfitters now operates independently under Redwood Capital Investments. The company represents a legacy of American workwear innovation, bringing together iconic brands and deep operational expertise to meet the apparel and safety needs of frontline workers.
With over 1,500 employees and operations across six distribution centers and two manufacturing plants, Workwear Outfitters continues to be a critical supplier in the professional apparel space.
Core Business & Offerings
Workwear Outfitters provides high-performance garments and footwear through a multi-brand strategy. Core product lines include:
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Industrial Workwear:
- Shirts, pants, coveralls, vests, and outerwear for factory, logistics, and mechanical environments.
- Available under the flagship brand Red Kap.
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Flame-Resistant Clothing (FR):
- Arc-rated and NFPA 2112-compliant FR shirts, pants, coveralls, and jackets.
- Marketed under Bulwark FR and Workrite Fire Service.
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Footwear:
- Protective boots, steel toe shoes, and slip-resistant footwear.
- Offered under Kodiak, Terra, and Work Authority.
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Uniform Programs:
- Custom and stock uniforms for law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, culinary, and auto service.
- Includes brands like Horace Small, Chef Designs, and Image Authority.
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High Visibility & Protective Apparel:
- ANSI-rated high-vis shirts, jackets, and reflective wear for roadside and construction safety.
Specialization and USP
- Brand Portfolio Powerhouse: Houses some of the most recognized brands in workwear, including Red Kap, Bulwark, Walls, and the exclusive B2B license for Dickies.
- End-to-End Fulfillment: Offers design, manufacturing, warehousing, customization, and delivery.
- Industry Compliance: All garments meet or exceed relevant OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, and ISO safety standards.
- Customization Capabilities: Embroidery, screen printing, heat seal, and RFID garment tracking for enterprise customers.
- Sustainability Focus: Implements sustainable manufacturing practices and offers garments made from recycled and organic materials.
Financial Highlights
Workwear Outfitters operates in a sector projected to surpass $46 billion globally by 2027, driven by demand for safety compliance and professional identity branding. Company performance metrics include:
- Servicing 16,000+ customers annually, including enterprise accounts, distributors, and government contracts.
- Distributes more than 120 million garments per year across North America.
- Maintains exclusive distribution rights for Dickies industrial workwear in the B2B channel.
- Reports suggest annual revenues are estimated to exceed $800 million, positioning it as a top-three player in the North American workwear market.
Shipment and Market Reach
- National Distribution Network: Six distribution centers strategically located across the U.S.
- Global Export Capability: Supports international customers with uniform solutions in over 20 countries.
- E-commerce and Custom Ordering Platform: Serves B2B and institutional clients with digitized uniform portals.
Target Market
- Industrial Manufacturers and Utilities
- Oil & Gas and Energy Companies
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Public Safety Agencies (Police, Fire, EMS)
- Hospitality and Food Service Chains
- Government and Military Contracts
Clients range from local businesses and city departments to Fortune 500 corporations and federal agencies.
Capabilities
- Apparel R&D and Testing Labs
- Custom Uniform Program Development
- Warehousing and Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)
- RFID-enabled Asset Tracking
- In-House Branding Services (embroidery, heat seal, patching)
Workwear Outfitters is capable of fulfilling contracts involving hundreds of thousands of units, tailored to unique specifications.
Certifications and Compliance
- NFPA 70E / NFPA 2112: Flame-resistant garments certified for electrical and fire safety.
- ANSI/ISEA 107: High-visibility products certified for roadway and emergency use.
- ISO 9001 Certified: Quality management for manufacturing and fulfillment.
- OSHA Compliance: Safety gear aligned with U.S. federal workplace safety regulations.
- Member of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and aligned with sustainable sourcing standards.
Customer Testimonials
- “Their custom uniform program gave us national consistency across all locations with no inventory headaches.” — Fleet Manager, National Utility Company
- “Bulwark FR has been our go-to for 10 years. Reliable, certified, and always delivered on time.” — Safety Director, Oilfield Services Company
Achievements
- Exclusive supplier to several top 10 utility and energy companies in the U.S.
- Supplier to municipal and federal public safety departments across 40+ states.
- Launched 100+ new styles in the last 24 months, including women’s fit workwear and inclusive sizing.
- Recognized by Occupational Health & Safety Magazine and Industrial Distribution for innovation in FR and high-visibility apparel.
As a trusted outfitter for America’s hardest-working professionals, Workwear Outfitters combines innovation, compliance, and scale to deliver exceptional workwear solutions across every major industry.
