Fit for the Future: Designing Gym Uniforms for Performance and Brand Presence

In a fast‑evolving health, fitness and leisure sector, staff uniforms are no longer just aesthetically pleasing garments. They sit at the heart of brand identity, shaping how customers feel about your company from the moment they arrive. 

The right custom workwear signals professionalism, mirrors the energy of your organisation, and communicates your values around wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability. It also has to work hard, supporting constant movement with flexibility and durability. Choosing the right gym uniform supplier is therefore a strategic decision that affects everything from employee performance and customer trust to your corporate reputation.

Sustainability expectations have also risen in recent years. Clients, investors, and employees expect uniforms that look sharp and perform well, while also showing responsibility to people and the planet. Working with a partner skilled in sustainable workwear helps businesses meet operational needs and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

At Jermyn Street Design (JSD), we have decades of experience helping leading businesses across the UK and internationally to bring their brand to life through tailored uniform solutions. This is how we balance performance, brand presence, and environmental responsibility in gym uniform design.

Performance-Driven Gym Uniform Design

Gym environments place higher demands on uniforms than many other sectors, so performance must sit at the centre of every design decision. A skilled gym uniform supplier understands these expectations and creates solutions that balance practicality with brand presentation.

For example, trainers need clothing that looks good and moves freely whether they’re on the gym floor or leading high‑intensity classes. Front‑of‑house staff require smart, breathable pieces that stay comfortable over long shifts. Facilities teams benefit from durable custom workwear that supports physical activity without wearing out quickly. To achieve this, it is vital to focus on fabric, fit, and flexibility.

Choosing The Right Fabric 

In an active setting, moisture management is critical. Modern performance fabrics such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 recycled polyester or bamboo fibres wick sweat from the skin, regulating body temperature and preventing discomfort during busy sessions. Keeping employees cool and dry can lift their energy and mood, which directly impacts the quality of client interactions. 

Durability matters just as much. Uniforms must withstand repetitive movement and frequent washing for hygiene. Reinforced stitching, abrasion‑resistant fabrics and thoughtful construction help pieces hold their shape and strength over time.

Prioritising Fit and Flexibility

Unlike traditional corporate attire, custom workwear for gyms and fitness centres must allow full freedom of movement. After all, a trainer leading a high‑energy spin class cannot be held back by restrictive shirts or poorly finished seams.

Stretch leggings, performance t‑shirts, polo tops, and lightweight zip jackets are popular choices when they balance professional presentation with comfort and ease of wear. With careful design and testing from a trusted gym uniform supplier, uniforms can provide the mobility active roles demand while maintaining the polished, aspirational look that customers expect.

Sustainable Workwear in the Fitness Industry

Meeting Modern Standards

Sustainable workwear is now integral to today’s uniform conversation. Across Europe, legislation is tightening. The European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require clothing and uniforms to meet high standards for durability, repairability, and recyclability. France’s AGEC law already bans destroying unsold textiles and mandates environmental labelling. Spain will implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles in 2025, making businesses responsible for collection and recycling of garments they place on the market. Meanwhile, here in the UK, we continue to champion circular goals through WRAP’s 2030 UK Textiles Pact.

For gyms and leisure operators, this is both an obligation and an opportunity. A recent YouGov Surveys poll found that 51% of current or potential gymgoers in the UK view sustainability as an important factor when choosing gym or fitness centre membership.  Partnering with a sustainable workwear supplier not only supports compliance, but can also build credibility with these eco‑conscious customers. 

JSD’s Approach

In line with JSD’s B Corp values, our approach considers sustainability at every stage of the uniform lifecycle. By blending innovative fabrics with circular design principles and ethical manufacturing practices, we create gym uniforms that meet modern needs for sustainability and performance. 

We prioritise materials like recycled polyester from post‑consumer plastics, organic cotton grown with fewer pesticides, and regenerated fibres such as Econyl, derived from discarded fishing nets and industrial waste. These choices lower environmental impact while maintaining performance and durability.

Sustainability continues after production. We help clients run take‑back schemes so that end‑of‑life uniforms are repurposed or recycled. These programmes cut waste, reduce emissions and align brands with circular principles. In a world that expects transparency and accountability, sustainable workwear is not a badge of honour, it is a business imperative.

Aligning Gym Uniforms with Brand Presence

Uniforms are among the most visible expressions of a brand. In gyms, where customers expect energy, vitality, and professionalism, what staff wear shapes perception. Well‑designed, clearly branded custom workwear reassures clients they are dealing with an organised, reputable business. By contrast, poor fit, dated styles or uncomfortable fabrics can undermine customer confidence, even in state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Consistency of colour and style is key. Uniforms should reflect your brand palette and visual identity so that staff are immediately recognisable on the gym floor and at reception. Customisation matters too. Logos, embroidery, and carefully placed design details turn standard garments into brand assets that reinforce identity at every interaction. 

Seasonal updates signal a thoughtful employer: breathable shirts and shorts in summer, layered options for cooler months, or UV‑protective fabrics for outdoor classes all show a commitment to staff wellbeing and professional presentation.

When staff feel confident in their uniforms, customer interactions improve. They project authority, energy, and pride, which feeds into a better overall experience. Uniforms, then, serve as both practical tools and brand‑building devices, linking employee satisfaction with customer perception.

The Role of Innovation in Gym Uniforms

Innovation is shaping the next generation of sustainable workwear and gym uniforms. Fabric technology is advancing quickly, improving comfort, extending garment life and lowering environmental impact. 

Smart textiles with phase‑change materials help regulate body temperature across varying conditions, reducing the need for multiple uniform variations. Antimicrobial finishes extend freshness and can cut washing frequency, saving water and energy. Crucially, these finishes are increasingly available in PFAS‑free formulations that reflect the shift away from harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, next‑generation materials such as bamboo, hemp, and algae‑based fabrics offer new ways to combine high performance with lower impact through custom workwear solutions.

Digital tools are also transforming design. Three‑dimensional body scanning supports precise, inclusive fits across diverse body types, which reduces waste and helps every employee feel comfortable. Virtual prototyping allows concepts to be tested and refined before any physical sampling, cutting waste and speeding timelines. 

For gyms that want to project a modern, forward‑thinking image, selecting a gym uniform supplier that embraces these innovations is essential. This delivers tangible benefits for staff and strengthens a brand’s reputation for performance, responsibility, and industry leadership.

JSD Case Studies 

David Lloyd Leisure

A strong example of performance, sustainable workwear and brand presence working together is JSD’s partnership with David Lloyd Leisure. The brief required apparel that could handle the demands of the fitness and hospitality departments, while aligning with a premium brand position. 

We developed a custom workwear collection using hard working, durable stretch fabrics and advanced tailoring techniques to deliver comfort, breathability, and a consistently polished look. Each garment complemented the David Lloyd aesthetic while offering the durability needed in a high‑use environment. This shows the value of choosing a gym uniform supplier that understands both the practical and symbolic role of uniforms in a competitive market.

PureGym

PureGym partnered with JSD to redesign its staff uniforms, aiming for modern, inclusive, and functional apparel that reflected the brand’s identity. As their chosen gym uniform supplier, we developed a workwear range that was both stylish and practical.

Using virtual design tools and avatars, we collaborated with PureGym’s team remotely, reducing waste and speeding up the process. The collection was designed to be gender-neutral with flexible sizing, ensuring a comfortable fit for every role, from personal trainers to central support staff.

The final range combined performance fabrics with a consistent, professional look. Staff reported increased comfort and pride in their appearance, while members could easily identify team representatives across all touchpoints. The project clearly demonstrates how thoughtful custom workwear design can support brand presence, inclusivity and sustainability.

Partnering with the Right Gym Uniform Supplier

With many suppliers available, selection is critical. The ideal partner balances performance and brand identity with sustainable workwear. Look for independent verification, such as B Corp certification, to confirm ethical and environmental standards have been assessed by a third party. 

Expect transparency across sourcing, manufacturing and end‑of‑life solutions, with the data required for ESG reporting. Creativity and flexibility in the design process are vital too, ensuring that solutions reflect your brand’s unique character and specific operational needs.

At JSD, our decades of expertise and B Corp certification give clients confidence that they are partnering with a gym uniform supplier committed to exceptional design and durability, as well as verified responsibility to people and planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What fabrics are best for gym uniforms?

A: Lightweight, sweat‑wicking options such as recycled polyester blends, organic cotton, and bamboo work well. They balance performance with sustainability, keeping staff comfortable during active shifts while supporting environmental aims.

Q: How can gym uniforms improve brand presence?

A: Consistent, well‑designed custom workwear that aligns with brand guidelines reinforces professionalism and credibility. It turns staff into brand ambassadors, projecting values and identity in every customer interaction.

Q: Are sustainable uniforms more expensive?

A: Upfront costs can be slightly higher, however sustainable workwear often lasts longer, reduces replacement cycles and protects brand reputation. Over time, the investment is offset by savings and the reputational benefits of meeting ESG goals.

Q: How can old uniforms be managed sustainably?

A: Through recycling partnerships and take‑back schemes, uniforms can be repurposed or recycled into new fibres. This keeps garments out of landfill and demonstrates a commitment to circularity.

Q: How can gym uniforms support diversity and inclusion?

A: Offer a broad range of fits, gender‑neutral options and culturally sensitive design choices. Inclusive design boosts employee confidence and reflects well on brand image.

Stay Fit for the Future with JSD

Gym uniforms have evolved from basic workwear into a strategic tool that shapes staff performance, customer perception and corporate reputation. They are practical garments, branding assets and sustainable workwear statements at the same time. To succeed in a competitive market, leisure businesses need a gym uniform supplier that can deliver innovative, durable and custom workwear solutions.

At JSD, we bring together decades of craft, pioneering fabric innovation, and B Corp certified responsibility. We specialise in custom workwear that is not only fit for purpose but future‑fit, empowering employees, inspiring customers, and aligning with the highest sustainability standards. By partnering with us, you can ensure your gym uniforms reflect the very best of your brand and contribute to a greener future.

If your organisation is ready to explore sustainable workwear and bespoke solutions with an expert gym uniform supplier, contact us today.