Your chosen uniform has implications for how you are viewed as a business, so it is important to choose it carefully, and this is what we can help you with. Our expert team can guide you in what will work for you and your business.
36% of employees feel judged on what they wear to work, which is why a uniform is so important to businesses, as it reduces the options a worker has and creates a consistent look. However how we present ourselves at work has evolved over the years from a strictly formal, corporate look to a more casual look with comfort becoming more and more important to employees and employers alike.
In past years there has typically been a strict dress code of suits, ties and general business attire for many companies. However in recent years this has shifted to a more casual, modern look to keep in with latest trends and fashions. An example being that traditionally all jeans have been considered too casual for work. But black jeans paired with smart blouses or shirts can strike the balance between smart and casual, and can be suitable in a lot of sectors.
Traditional Approach
Many professionals favour the traditional business attire of suits and ties, their thought being that if you dress smartly then you will feel in more of a work frame of mind. When you wear this style of outfit you know you must act professionally. Regularly, smart workwear is associated with being an authority statement and that if you wear a suit you are deemed to be a professional individual. This can make workers feel more confident. Certain job roles require a certain dress code in order to achieve and portray a professional image to customers, clients and even competitors.
However despite formal business attire being considered ‘traditional’ and even ‘old-fashioned’ by some, this style can still come back into modern fashion. This is through the influence of Television shows and films such as House of Cards and (aptly named) Suits portraying strong, professional individuals dressed in formal and stylish clothing. Power dressing is very on trend in recent years.
Our design team are constantly researching latest trends and fashions to ensure our uniforms stay on trend whilst still being practical and professional.
Modern Approach
A large proportion of the current workforce are millennials and therefore these employees have different opinions about what they would and would not prefer to wear at work. Getting to wear more ‘casual’ clothing has become a recent perk in some work places, and many believe this fits more into their lifestyle and opinions.
Many workers have also expressed feeling more comfortable in casual attire when at work as they feel it is more like something they would wear. This may be the reason why we see an increase in a more relaxed dress code. However some may argue that allowing workers to dress more casually implies that employees adopt a casual attitude. On the other hand, employees who are allowed to dress in casual clothing are likely to have greater confidence and feel more comfortable, therefore their productivity will increase.
The Setting
Depending on the setting and environment it can really change what uniform employers chose for their employees. For example; traditionally banking environments are considered very formal and therefore casual attire such as jeans would not be suitable. However in retail and restaurant environments more casual outfits are very suitable and practical, with denim appearing more and more often, this could be in the form of jeans or even aprons.
You need to make a good first impression with a customer so must keep in mind what they would expect you to wear and what they would find appropriate.
Casual dress code can mean different things to different companies. Uniform without a jacket can be casual for some whereas chinos are the casual garment of choice for others. Fashion evolves rapidly and so does our acceptance for styles that may have seemed unsuitable and controversial just a decade ago. However, some companies are still expected to continue to adopt the ‘corporate look’.
Incorporatewear can adapt to either styles and everything in between. We meet with customers to discuss their needs and requirements and put together a range that will be suitable for their business.
