Mypostaluniforms.com

One article of clothing typifies what a postal worker looks like. Many can recognize postal workers by their postal uniform and especially by the shirts that they way. Whether you are a Letter Carrier, Window Clerk or Mail Handler, or whether you like the button down shirts, shirts jacs or the popular polo shirts, every shirt features the USPS logo letting passer bys know that you represent the USPS. Make sure you look your best with the best fit for every shirt. Here’s a breakdown on the measurements you need to determine the correct size shirt.

Neck – Measure around base of neck, just below the Adam’s apple, allowing for a comfortable fit, about a finger width of room.

Chest/Bust  Measure the fullest part of the chest. Men just under the arms; women across the fullest part of the bust.

Sleeves – Measure from the center of the back between the shoulders out to the shoulder, and down to the wrist with a slightly bent elbow.

Once you have the measurements in place, you can order the shirts based on the sizes provided by the retailers. However, if shirts are only available in letter sizes, you can use the Size Conversion Chart for Postal Uniforms to find the right shirt.

It’s finally snowing in Southeastern Wisconsin!  After a couple of days in the 50’s, the temperatures dropped, and about 6” inches of snow fell.  One of the most important things to protect when shoveling snow or when the temperatures fall is your hands. By covering up your hands, you can protect them from the elements and keep them warm

When out delivering mail, it is imperative to wear the right glove that will allow you the flexibility to do your job but also give you the protection that you need.  Here are three of our favorite gloves for the postal uniform program:

Thermolite® Gloves

The Thermolite® base/Lycra® gloves feature hollow core fibers to retain body heat and keep hands warm without overheating. The breathable fabric moves moisture away from the skin to keep hands dry. Model N1026375 is made of medium weight and feature the Exclusive Control Dot® palm for handling objects – great for gripping mail pieces. Available in sizes M-L.

Thinsulate™ Convertible Gloves/Mittens

Thinsulate™Insulation in these gloves provides lightweight warmth. The mitten converts to a half finger glove for dexterity on demand. Features a leather palm patch for grip and durability. Available in sizes M-L.

Gore-Tex® Insulated Gloves

Tough and durable, these gloves feature a Gore-Tex® membrane and Thinsulate™ insulation to provide warmth and superior protection from wetness. The nylon outer shell is tough and durable to prevent ripping while the rubber  tex palm keeps a solid grip. Available in sizes S-XL.

All gloves reviewed are reimbursable for the Type 1 uniforms program. What is your favorite glove to wear in the winter?

With the temperatures falling, it’s time to take your warm winter clothes out of storage and back into circulation. It might even be time to add a few more pieces to your wardrobe. Sweaters are a great “go to” item to keep on hand during the fall, winter and even spring months when you need an extra layer against the cooler temps. The postal uniform program offers a selection of sweaters tailored for each uniform category.

Type 1 Postal Uniform Sweaters for Letter Carriers and Motor Vehicle Operators are available in a flat knit or bulky knit zippered front cardigan. Both styles feature two pockets and a crew neck.

Type 2 Postal Uniform Sweater for Retail Clerk and Window Operations are unisex and feature a button down front with eyelets on the front panel for name badges. The jacquard knit keeps clerks comfortably warm. Also, button down Sweater Vests are available.

Type 3 Postal Uniform Sweater for Mail Handlers feature two front pockets with inside elbow patches. The zippered cardigan is made from a jersey knit and includes a stand up collar for additional neck warmth.

Keeping warm this winter season is no sweat with postal uniform sweaters!

One of the basic articles of clothing for the Postal Uniform program is pants.  There are different pant styles available for Letter Carriers, Window Clerks and Mail Handler/Maintenance personnel.  While these styles are different for each job, the way you measure for them remains the same.  There are two basic measurements you need to determine the correct size pants, the Waist and Hip/Seat measurements.  In addition to Waist and Hip/Seat measurements, there is the Inseam measurement.  All postal pants come in unhemmed.  The Inseam measurement allows you to tailor fit your pants according to your height. Here is the correct way to measure:

Waist – Measure around the natural waist line. Do not measure over belt or waistband.

Hip/Seat – Measure around the fullest part of your hip/seat (about 7” from the waist line) with your heels together.

Inseam – Measure while standing, from the crotch seam down to the desired length.

Use the following charts for both Men’s and Women’s sizes to determine what size pants you need. 

For all pants measurements, it is best to have another person take your measurements, preferably with a tape measure.  Keep the tape taut but not too tight to allow for seating room.  Please note that there are no returns/exchanges on altered pants.  Also all postal shorts are pre-hemmed.

When summer arrives along with warm weather, you start to see the emergence of flip-flops and sandals. However, if you’re on your feet all day, it is important to wear socks for added cushioning and to provide extra protection for your feet to help prevent against blisters and other foot ailments.  Your socks don’t have to be made of a heavy material for the summer though.  Here are the top summer postal socks you can choose from:

Postal Quarter Socks:  These are a must for summer and a favorite of postal workers with the shorter sock length. Made of 75% Cotton, 20% Nylon, and 5% Lycra® Spandex.

Mini Crew Socks: These socks have been specially designed to reduce fatigue caused by extensive walking and standing.  The midweight padding added at the ball and heel of sock provides extra protection against blisters, shock impact and abrasions, while the moisture wicking THOR.LON® keeps feet dry.

X-Static® Postal Crew Socks: New socks from ProFeet® are naturally antimicrobial to help eliminate odor and transport moisture away from the foot. These postal socks also include mesh channels to allow for air circulation. Made of 75% Cotton, 17% Nylon, 5% Lycra® Spandex, and 3% X-Static in sole.

All socks reviewed are reimbursable with your postal allowance card. What is your favorite sock to wear in the summer?

It’s Sun Safety Week!  Too much exposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer.  With the warm months now in full swing, it’s important to take a few moments to make sure you stay safe in the sun. Here are a few sun protection tips to use while out in the sun.

Sun Safety Tip #1 – Keep hydrated throughout the hot days by drinking plenty of fluids.  Keep bottles of water close  at hand with a bottle clip.

Sun Safety Tip #2 – Wear a sun protection hat to protect head and face from harsh UV rays to stay cool.

Sun Safety Tip #3 – Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on exposed skin throughout the day. Remember to put sunscreen on oft forgotten spots such as ears, lips, even hair lines!

Sun Safety Tip #4 – If possible, try to stay in the shade.

Remember to apply these tips even on a cloudy day and in the winter months as well. To learn more about staying safe in the sun, check out www.sunsafetyalliance.org.

According to the USPS, last year over 5,000 postal employees were attacked by dogs. These dog attacks resulted in million of dollars of insurance claims from medical expenses.

Here are some tips from The Humane Society of the United States if you are approach by an aggressive dog:

• Do not turn your back and run away; a dog’s instinct will be to give chase.
• Stay still, with arms at side and avoid eye contact. 
• If dog loses interest, slowly back away until dog is out of sight.
• If you are attacked, throw anything you have (hat, mail satchel, postal cart) at the dog and put as much distance between yourself and the dog.
• If you fall down, curl up in a ball and protect your head and neck. Try to remain still.

If you are bitten by a dog, take these steps:

• Wash the bite area with warm water and soap as soon as possible.
• Call your doctor for additional care. 
• Contact your local animal control agency to report the attack. Try to give the agency as much information as possible, including the type of dog and location of the attack.

Remember to stay safe by never approaching a dog that is unfamiliar to you. If you happen to encounter aggressive dogs on your route, another option to deter them is to carry a Dog Repellent.

Follow the postal campaign to “Stay Alert: Don’t be Fooled by ‘My Dog Won’t Bite!’”.