At COBMEX®, design is never just about style, it’s about purpose. As workplaces evolve, so do the expectations placed on uniform apparel. That’s why we created the COBMEX® Contemporary Collection: a retail-inspired line designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce without sacrificing performance, durability, or safety.
We sat down with Pricila Neal, Senior Director of Product and Design, to explore the inspiration, materials, and decisions behind the collection and where it’s headed next.
What is the Contemporary Collection?
The Contemporary Collection is made up of four knitwear styles designed to offer a modern alternative to traditional uniform sweaters. The styles include two women’s cardigans and two men’s zip sweaters, each developed with tailored fits, refined trims, and separate patterns for men and women to enhance comfort and appearance. Every sweater is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, meeting the highest standards in product safety, and built with our trusted acrylic-nylon blend for shape retention, durability, and long-term wear.
What gap did you see in the uniform market that led to the development of the Contemporary Collection and how did you go about addressing it through design?
We saw increasing demand from clients looking for uniform sweaters with a more contemporary look. While many programs still rely on timeless styles, others are moving toward modern silhouettes with elevated styling. The Contemporary Collection addresses this shift by introducing updated fits and fashion-forward design elements inspired by retail trends, while maintaining the technical performance, compliance, and longevity our clients expect.
Uniforms are often required to balance performance and presentation. What were some of the biggest design decisions you had to make to meet both goals in this collection?
One of our top priorities was using a yarn that could deliver both a polished appearance and long-term durability. We chose our proven acrylic/nylon blend for its resilience and pilling resistance and paired it with fully fashioned construction and reinforced seams to support all-day wear. We also focused on clean lines, smooth finishes, and subtle styling details to create garments that look modern while meeting the rigors of daily use.
Ultimately, every element was carefully designed to strike the perfect balance between performance, presentation, and long-term wearability.
The Contemporary Collection was created with a modern workforce in mind. How did you interpret “modern” in the context of uniforms and how did that shape your material, fit, or styling choices?
For us, modern means versatile, inclusive, and polished. The fit had to appeal to a diverse workforce while still supporting professional presentation. That’s why we used gender-specific patterns, introduced more tailored silhouettes, and style-conscious designs. The collection was built to support the evolving needs of modern work environments, across industries like hospitality, transportation, and corporate services.
Can you walk us through your process for selecting yarns, especially when you’re aiming for garments that are both stylish and built to last?
Our process for selecting yarn begins with listening closely to feedback from our clients and their end users. While we use several yarns across our bespoke manufacturing programs, we found that our acrylic/nylon blend best balances style, durability, and comfort. This yarn offers excellent resilience and stretch retention, helping garments maintain their shape and polished look over time. Additionally, choosing this blend was a cost-conscious decision, making the collection accessible to a wider range of customers without compromising quality. Finishes like easy-care treatments and reinforced construction further enhance longevity while preserving a refined appearance. By combining these elements, we deliver stylish sweaters built to perform in real-world work environments.
Why was it important for this collection to meet STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification?
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification gives our clients added assurance that every component, from the yarn to the zippers, is free from harmful substances. In uniform programs, this added layer of certification supports both compliance and peace of mind. It’s part of our larger commitment to responsible manufacturing and long-lasting design. This certification strengthens the overall value and confidence built into every garment. Ultimately, it aligns perfectly with the needs of today’s modern workforce and uniform market.
What are you most proud of in this collection and what does it say about COBMEX®’s approach to design?
I’m proud of how we brought together innovation, functionality, and style, without compromising on any of them. Every detail reflects our focus on real workplace needs, whether that’s durability, compliance, or confidence in fit. This collection shows how seriously we take thoughtful design. We listen, we test, we adapt, and we always aim to support the people wearing our garments.
What kind of feedback have you received from clients or wearers since launching the collection?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Clients across sectors, from airlines to hotels and financial institutions, have commented on the professional look, comfort, and fit. Wearers appreciate the shape retention, durability, and the confidence these garments give them at work. The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification has also been a point of appreciation, reflecting assurance in the collection’s safety and quality. We’re seeing strong adoption and repeat orders, which tells us the collection is meeting a real need in the market.
As a designer, what do you think makes a great uniform garment, and how did you bring that belief into this collection?
A great uniform sweater has to meet three goals: support the wearer, represent the brand, and perform consistently over time. That means balancing functionality, fit, durability, and design with a clear sense of brand alignment. For the Contemporary Collection, we brought that belief into every design decision, creating garments that reflect the needs of a modern workforce while upholding COBMEX® standards for durability and compliance.
The Contemporary Collection was built around the needs of a modern workforce. How do you keep that vision current as workplace expectations change?
Staying relevant means staying connected. We gather feedback from clients, wearers, and internal teams. We also watch both the retail and uniform sectors for shifts in fiber technology, workplace trends, and client expectations. When we update a style, it’s because we’ve identified a clear need, not just to follow trends, but to deliver lasting value.
Do you see the collection continuing to evolve?
Absolutely. The Contemporary Collection was designed to grow. We’re exploring new silhouettes that align with our standards and client needs. Any future additions will reflect the same care and purpose-driven design behind the original launch. It’s a thoughtful, collaborative process that ensures every update adds real value.
The Contemporary Collection reflects how uniform knitwear is evolving. As workplace expectations shift and design possibilities expand, COBMEX® remains focused on creating garments that perform, present well, and last, without compromise.
