Uniforms serve a great deal of purpose for any company. On the business side, it helps you build brand recall, as your ambassadors and customer-facing employees wear them. They also foster a sense of belonging and pride, especially when you belong to an organization providing public service.
Whether you’re planning to create a new uniform or you’re just new in the business, there are some things that you need to take into account. This is to make sure that your employees’ uniforms are not only aesthetically appealing but also comfortable and functional. It also helps you work with reliable designers and contractors. More importantly, it would be best if you listened to the opinion of your employees. After all, they are your end-users.
Companies like Westland Workgear often offer trousers and shirts for sale, but you could also design one that suits your organization’s ideals. Consider the following points whatever you choose to do.
Pick the right fabric.
The fabric of the uniform should primarily be comfortable and easy to clean. It should also suit the type of job that your employees are doing. For instance, if your salespeople are always outdoors and on the go, it will help a lot if their uniform is made of lightweight fabric. Similarly, thicker and cozy fabrics suit employees working in enclosed and cold offices. The fabric should also be high-quality that it can withstand daily wear and tear. Regardless of the shade of the uniform, the fabric’s color should also be resistant to fading.
The aesthetics should reflect your brand.
This is what many companies usually forget or overlook. The look and feel of the uniform should bear semblance with your brand’s aesthetics. For instance, if your brand uses sky blue as the primary color, then the color of the uniform should be the same, too. Now, if the brand color is too strong or too garish for your liking (such as orange and neon yellow), you can opt for neutral shades, such as white and gray, and let your brand colors be the accentuating feature. Patterns from your logos or brand look can also be borrowed and integrated into the uniform if possible.
Make the design functional.
The design of your uniform should be utilitarian, meaning it should be easy to wear and take off. Avoid overly stylish designs, such as rompers (unless it’s a factory jumpsuit), as they may make it difficult for your employees to relieve themselves. The uniform should also have enough pockets where employees can keep their valuables, such as wallets, pens, and handheld equipment used for work.
Do you have the budget?
The money you will spend on the design and development of the uniform will always be a consideration. With that, be realistic, knowing that a company-wide implementation of uniform will be expensive. It is going to be costly, especially if you are hiring a renowned designer (which companies, such as air carriers, usually do) or you’re using special fabrics.
Design what truly works!
The bottom line is, you need to design a uniform that is not only beautiful but also functional. It is also worth considering that corporate uniforms are a commitment that requires a careful decision.
