COBMEX Apparel

COBMEX Apparel In 1998, we had an idea that would eventually become a mission – to develop the best uniform sweat

Knitwear is one of the most technical categories in a uniform program, and distributors need a partner who understands i...
05/26/2026

Knitwear is one of the most technical categories in a uniform program, and distributors need a partner who understands it completely.

COBMEX® has dedicated over 25 years building that expertise, with the technical knowledge, stock and custom program capability, and manufacturing depth to help distributors serve their clients with confidence.

Every custom knitwear program starts with a conversation. COBMEX® works closely with distributors to understand the role...
05/21/2026

Every custom knitwear program starts with a conversation. COBMEX® works closely with distributors to understand the role, the work environment, the approved uniform standard, and the brand requirements that have to hold across reorders and locations.

That understanding drives every decision, from yarn selection to the final construction detail, resulting in knitwear built around the needs of the people wearing it.

After winning the COBMEX® Knitwear Innovation Challenge, developed in partnership with George Brown Polytechnic’s School...
05/18/2026

After winning the COBMEX® Knitwear Innovation Challenge, developed in partnership with George Brown Polytechnic’s School of Fashion, fashion student Leticia Zamolo Duque was awarded the opportunity to attend this year’s NAUMD, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors Convention in Boston.

For Leticia, the experience opened the door to an entirely different side of fashion design, one focused on technical performance, functionality, and designing for real working environments:

“Before NAUMD, I had no idea how innovative and technical the uniform industry truly is. It completely changed my perspective on fashion design.”

That perspective shift is exactly why initiatives like the Knitwear Innovation Challenge matter.

Many emerging designers are never exposed to the uniform industry during their education, despite the scale, complexity, and impact of the work. Programs like this help bridge that gap by connecting students directly with the people, processes, and technical thinking behind performance knitwear.

Throughout the convention, Leticia had the opportunity to meet professionals across manufacturing, design, sourcing, and distribution while seeing firsthand how much engineering, research, and long-term thinking goes into uniform programs:

“One of the most memorable parts of NAUMD was the generosity of the people in the industry. Everyone was eager to share knowledge and support each other.”

At COBMEX®, we believe the future of the uniform industry depends on continuing to invest in emerging talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of designers to experience the industry firsthand.

Summer uniform programs involve constant transitions between environments. Air-conditioned interiors, early mornings, tr...
05/14/2026

Summer uniform programs involve constant transitions between environments. Air-conditioned interiors, early mornings, travel, and customer-facing roles all benefit from lightweight layering options that maintain a professional appearance throughout the day.

COBMEX® uniform vests are designed to add structure, comfort, and flexibility without unnecessary bulk. Easy to layer and built for long-term wear, they integrate seamlessly into corporate and public safety uniform programs.
A strong layering piece keeps a uniform program polished, adaptable, and ready for changing conditions.

Earlier this year, COBMEX® introduced the Knitwear Innovation Challenge in partnership with George Brown Polytechnic’s S...
05/12/2026

Earlier this year, COBMEX® introduced the Knitwear Innovation Challenge in partnership with George Brown Polytechnic’s School of Fashion, inviting students to rethink airline uniform knitwear through the lens of performance, ergonomics, and long-term wear.

At the 2026 NAUMD, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors Convention, we were proud to present Leticia Zamolo Duque with the NAUMD Outstanding Young Designer Award in recognition of her winning challenge concept.

Leticia’s design applied zonal knit engineering to address mobility, ventilation, and pressure points across long crew shifts, with seamless construction designed to support comfort and maintain a professional appearance over time.

As Jonathan Edberg reflected: “She looked at how the sweater would perform over time, not just how it would look, which is critical in uniform design.”

Congratulations, Leticia.

Our executive team had a wonderful time at this year's NAUMD, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributor...
05/11/2026

Our executive team had a wonderful time at this year's NAUMD, Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors Convention in Boston, reconnecting with partners and engaging with the conversations shaping the future of the uniform industry.

As Jonathan Edberg, President and COO, reflected:
"Another NAUMD convention wrapped. It was a strong few days and time well spent with partners, industry professionals, and friends. Events like this reinforce how much this industry runs on long-term relationships and shared vision. We were proud to support the Awards Night Dinner and recognize the people behind the work. Thank you to everyone who connected with us."

The strongest partnerships don't just shape a business, they also shape the people in it.For Jon Edberg, COBMEX® Preside...
05/04/2026

The strongest partnerships don't just shape a business, they also shape the people in it.

For Jon Edberg, COBMEX® President and COO, the relationship with The R&R Group has been exactly that:

"Ron and Bob shared their knowledge freely, challenged me to grow, and showed me the importance of doing business with honesty, consistency, and real respect for relationships. They've been mentors, trusted partners, and in many ways, they've become like family to me."

Read the full story of 25 years of partnership between COBMEX® and The R&R Group: https://cobmex.com/built-on-a-handshake/

Some partnerships come with contracts, negotiated terms, and formal agreements. This one was built on a handshake.When P...
04/29/2026

Some partnerships come with contracts, negotiated terms, and formal agreements. This one was built on a handshake.

When Phil Newman met Ron Pate and Bob Gates in 2002, what followed was a shared understanding of how business should be done. No paperwork, just "trust, sincerity, and fun" as Ron puts it.

Twenty-five years later, COBMEX® and The R&R Group are still working the same way. We sat down with Phil, Jon, Ron, and Bob to reflect on a quarter century of partnership, what built it, what tested it, and what has kept it going.

Read the full story: https://cobmex.com/built-on-a-handshake/

Meet Adenike Komolafe, recipient of the COBMEX® Excellence in Uniform Apparel Scholarship.Adenike made a courageous tran...
04/24/2026

Meet Adenike Komolafe, recipient of the COBMEX® Excellence in Uniform Apparel Scholarship.

Adenike made a courageous transition from a career in law to pursue her passion for fashion. She is now focused on becoming a leading expert in fashion law, bringing a rare combination of legal and design thinking to a growing industry.

Her essay on integrating form and function in uniform design reflects that dual lens. She argues that truly effective uniform design must account for ergonomics, climate adaptability, smart textiles, sustainability, and long-term durability, not as separate considerations but as a connected system. It is a thorough, research-backed examination of where the uniform industry is headed and what designers need to understand to get there.

Congratulations, Adenike.

Meet Anastasiia Fedorchuk, recipient of the COBMEX® Sustainability in Uniform Apparel Scholarship.Anastasiia came to Can...
04/23/2026

Meet Anastasiia Fedorchuk, recipient of the COBMEX® Sustainability in Uniform Apparel Scholarship.

Anastasiia came to Canada at 15 after leaving her home country under difficult circumstances. Inspired by her mother, a shoe designer, she has developed a focused vision for fashion as both craft and expression. She aspires to build a brand that reflects cultural identity, innovation, and sustainability.

Her essay captures something essential about sustainability: that sustainable design is ultimately about care for the planet, for the people who make and wear the garments, and for the purpose clothing is meant to serve.

Congratulations, Anastasiia.

Address

19 Denison Street
Markham, ON
L3R1B5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18774182931

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