Leaving Uniform Rental—Without Missing a Shift

What businesses should expect when moving to a direct-purchase FR program that actually works

For many businesses operating in safety- and compliance-driven environments, uniform rental feels like a necessary compromise. Limited choices, long contracts, and unpredictable costs are frustrating, but the fear of disruption keeps organizations locked in. When employees rely on flame-resistant (FR) apparel and high-visibility garments to do their jobs safely, there is no margin for error.

That was the challenge facing S&N Infrastructure, a division of N&S Construction.

Supporting large-scale infrastructure, power distribution, telecom, and utility projects across multiple states, S&N’s teams work in high-risk environments every day—roadways, active job sites, and utility corridors where FR apparel and Class 3 high-visibility garments are mandatory. When the company decided to exit uniform rental, the priority wasn’t simply changing providers. It was ensuring the transition never affected the people wearing the gear.

Why Businesses Are Reconsidering Uniform Rental

Like many growing businesses, S&N Infrastructure found that traditional rental programs limited flexibility and control. As work requirements evolved and costs increased, they began exploring a direct-purchase approach that offered:

• Better selection of FR garments and fits
• Greater flexibility for employee choice
• Predictable, upfront costs
• A cleaner transition away from rental without operational disruption

The challenge was timing. S&N was still under contract with its rental provider, meaning any misstep could result in penalties, compliance risks, or employees left without required protection.

What a Well-Executed Transition Looks Like

Through Work Hard Dress Right, a Feury Image Group company, S&N Infrastructure moved to a direct-purchase FR apparel program designed around execution, not disruption. Garments were selected through wear testing, employees were properly sized, and inventory was delivered ahead of the rental program’s conclusion.

The result: when the rental garments were returned, replacement apparel was already in place. Employees showed up protected, compliant, and ready to work without interruption.

“Moving away from rental gave us more control and better options for our crews,” said Brian Morehouse, S&N Director of Marketing. “The transition was incredibly smooth. There wasn’t a single day our teams were without their protective gear, and that was critical for our operations.”

What This Means for Businesses

Leaving uniform rental doesn’t have to be risky, but it does require planning, experience, and the right partner. When executed correctly, a direct-purchase FR program delivers better garments, clearer costs, and uninterrupted protection for employees.

Work Hard Dress Right helps businesses move away from uniform rental without drama, so that safety, compliance, and daily operations continue without missing a step.