You have made the decision to implement branded uniforms. Well done. Let’s have a look at how to choose the right colours and style for your business. You will need to look at your corporate branding and marketing strategies to ensure the uniform suitably represents your brand.
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Thinking Corporate Uniforms?
Where To Start
Colour
The more team members in the same brand colour the better it is for the business as it sends a strong unified message to the customers that everyone is working to achieve the same end goal.
There are a few factors that need to be considered when it comes to colour. You may have orange, green and yellow in the logo, however an orange uniform may not send the right message to the customers. For your brand, would a classic colour like a black or navy background work better with an embroidered colour logo?
Consider what type of industry you are in. Are you a corporate company in, say, the finance, legal or government sector that needs to be conservative or subtle with colour? Or are you involved in a vibrant energetic industry like fitness, retail or hospitality?
Different industries can get away with different levels of colour, for example a red polo with “ABC Fitness” branded on it would be great for a fitness company that operates outdoors as clients find it easy to spot and follow the instructor.
Colour for practical purposes also needs to be considered. Those working in hospitality are subject to drink, food and oil stains so it’s a good idea to select a colour of uniform that best hides accidental stains on the job. This way the team maintains a smart image for their shift.
Colour for image is a key factor. Those in specialist medical environments often choose white as it portrays a clean and sterile look, adds to giving confidence in the clinic and staffs ability to deliver the service.
Colour for safety is crucial. Anyone working in a hazardous environment with machinery, equipment and vehicles will know that the ability to be seen is key. This keeps employee’s safe from potentially dangerous situations, for example a forklift driver accidentally running over another team member. Another factor for safety is sun protection, if you work outdoors everyday a lighter colour like white or natural is going to keep you cooler longer than a darker shades.
Style
Don’t follow retail fashion trends. They come and go too quickly and as a corporate uniform is an investment in time and money you don’t want it to be out-dated in a year. Instead look to create a uniform with classic styling that will stand the test of time.
As mentioned above a classic style is going to have a longer shelf life than anything that is fashion focused. Now in saying that, no one wants to be dressed in a boring uniform. It’s about finding a balance between a classic silhouette and adding in suitable colours, shirts or accessories to keep your uniform current. You want your customers to feel they are dealing with a modern business that understands today’s needs.
The style of uniform also needs to fit the requirements of the employees and the various jobs they do. It’s not just about looking good; the uniform must be comfortable and functional. Will the uniform have enough pockets for the intended job? Does my team require stretch fabric to allow them to perform to their best? Does the style of the shirt really tell my customers what we are all about?
As with colour, the style of your uniform needs to fit with your company branding/image and industry. Some of the more traditional business industries will require a well-cut suit for its team. Something classic that portrays a high level of professionalism and excellence. For example, you want to have full confidence in your financial advisor that they are going to set up your money to work for you well into retirement. A sharp suit or at least a good business shirt will instil that confidence much better than a t-shirt and jeans.
Industries like hospitality see the staff bending over tables and bars all the time to reach plates and glasses. A longer line shirt will mean that the patrons will not be presented with bare midriff each time a staff member leans over. This is a small thing to consider but will make the staff and patrons more comfortable and keep that suitable professional image always.
Sun protection should be part of the style considerations for outdoor workers. We have already talked about a light colour but more importantly a full sleeve and a collar will keep the harsh Australian sun off the arms and necks of the workers. It is highly likely these workers will also require a brimmed hat to keep their ears and face protected.
Always consider colour and styling, no matter how small the detail to keep in line with the image of your branding and business as well as ensuring all team members look and feel their best at work and are visible.
For more information, you can download the free Thinking Corporate Uniforms? Where To Start eBook, or feel free to contact us.