Uniforms Are Fashionable

Wednesday 16th of May 2012 08:24:13 PM

When you say the word “uniform” it is easy to recall images of dull brown shirts and pants or forest green outfits. Though the traditional work uniforms are practical and enduring, they can also be boring and uninspiring. No one really likes putting on the same dull clothes day after day. It can even create emotional doldrums in workers.

Some companies are fighting that uninspired image of work clothing and are including brightly coloured polo shirts and great looking printed t-shirts so employees have a choice as to what they wear each day while promoting the company brand at the same time. But some firms are even going a step further and utilising the services of fashion designers to create stylish uniforms.

Early attempts to combine fashion styling and work uniforms can be found in the restaurant and airline industries. Over 40 years ago, Braniff International Airways introduced new uniforms for attendants that were designed by Emilio Pucci. It wasn't that long ago that MacDonald’s restaurant workers began sporting new uniforms styled by Bruce Oldfield.

More uniform styling can be found in the hotel industry too. For example, Emporio Armani uniforms are worn by staff at London’s Hempel Hotel. Of course not all businesses can afford to pay a famed designer to create new styles of clothing for their staff. But there are other more practical ways to add fashion flair to work uniforms using colours or allowing staff to wear different t-shirt or polo shirt styles with a common theme.

Promotional clothing promotes a company brand while making it easy for customers to identify staff. The hotel industry is one of the trendsetters in the use of fashionable uniforms and the trend is expected to continue at a more rapid pace.