That's the most important message ORB can give you when it comes to designing workwear for staff. And we want to help you get it right. So let's start by looking back.

It’s been a long time since our MD had to wear a pale green polyester studded shirt dress (she says she is being kind calling it that) as her staff uniform as a part time checkout girl at Fine Fayre in Paisley. (A long time given that particular supermarket brand doesn’t exist anymore).

It’s fair to say employee workwear has gone through a significant transformation in the last 30 year (we think the best demonstration of this is perhaps in the airline industry).

Why you might ask. Well, we thought we’d help by telling you what’s important when thinking about workwear and why it’s important to get it right.

A good uniform or workwear project is all about creating alignment with a company’s brand, values and culture in addition to considering the practical constraints or opportunities where you’ll be wearing it (the context, the environment, any regulations). And, of course, not forgetting making sure you understand the people that you will be dressing!

Workwear needs to be fit-for-purpose. And fit is a good place to start!  Sadly, our expanding waistlines and increasing obesity in the UK, means that sizing has seen a move upwards the last decade in particular.

Any workwear (whether it’s for someone on the shopfloor or someone behind a desk) has to be comfortable. We’d therefore recommend involving end users in the project - fostering a collaboration between the employer and employee to create something that works for everyone.

Understanding purpose is material (sorry, couldn’t resist) to success.  Certain employee groups need hardwearing uniforms (e.g. car mechanic). Others need workwear to be protective, fully certified for safety (construction workers). Employees working outside (particular in hotter climates) need breathable fabrics. These may seem like obvious statements, but they can often be overlooked and cause staff to reject the garments produced.

Inclusivity is key in 2025... so it’s our responsibility to consider options that cater to different body types and genders, like unisex styles or adaptable fits.

And, as the brand or business owner, if you’re taking your CSR seriously, then you’d expect sustainable practices to be rigorously applied to the workwear. From what you do with old workwear (to make sure it doesn’t end up in a landfill) to where you source your new workwear (and the fabrics it is made from) needs to be a critical part of the decision making in any workwear project.

When you have a large workforce, doing a workwear project takes significant investment of time and budget. Get it right - and the payoff is worth it.

Countless studies show that quality, bespoke branded workwear significantly impacts workforce motivation and morale. In simple terms it fosters a sense of unity, belonging, and pride among your valued employees – makes them feel more of a team. We see repeatedly that staff often feel more connected and valued.

The impact of branded workwear extends beyond aesthetics:

They look the part!

Employees in branded uniforms appear more competent and trustworthy to customers – they look professional. (There was a point where retail banks allowed staff to dress down and our MD remembers being served at the counter by a member of staff in a hoodie. It felt wrong somehow!)

It levels the playing field.

It’s easy to make instant judgements (and not always good ones) based on personal clothing. Branded workwear promotes a message that everyone is equal.

It’s a confidence booster.

Research suggests that uniforms can boost personal confidence, making staff feel better in themselves and therefore better able to deal with any challenges in their day-to-day role.

It builds brand awareness.

It’s a cliché but of course employees proudly wearing their workwear on the journey to and from work and “in situ” sends a powerful message to your customers.

Ask yourself how your current workwear measures up? Is it saying the right things to you (as employees) or your customers about your values, your brand?

And it the answer is no, then we’ll meet you round the water cooler and bring a measuring tape and sketch pad.

Come fly with ORB.