How Thoughtful Uniform Design Impacts Employee Happiness

A well-dressed team is a happy team. Custom uniforms play an extremely pivotal role in increasing employee satisfaction, productivity and overall workplace morale. Workwear which has been bespoke designed for a team is more than just clothing. It allows a group to come together and feel a sense of belonging. Uniforms can be created with comfort, functionality and aesthetic appeal in mind. In this article as work uniform suppliers, we discuss the concept of ‘thoughtfully designed’ uniforms and the benefits that they can have company-wide.

Comfort & Fit

No matter the industry, uniforms should prioritise comfort. Comfortable clothing offers numerous benefits, primarily because feeling comfortable boosts confidence. When employees ‘are able to wear the clothes that they’re comfortable and confident in, morale is higher and people are more productive overall.’ 

Ergonomic design in uniforms is crucial. High-quality workwear allows for employees to maintain proper posture, reduce muscle strain and prevent long-term physical issues. For instance, in terms of comfort, ergonomic uniforms can be created with breathable or stretchy fabric, such as poly cotton or organic cotton. This can allow for full flexibility and range of motion, without causing any restrictions or irritation.

However, comfort also comes from the fit of the uniform. Many companies fall into the trap of the one-size-fits-all uniforms which ‘can actually be a mismatch for a particular employee’s priorities, resources, and current needs and situation’. Tailored workwear allows for the perfect fit, which will suit any specific needs of the wearer. When designing uniforms it’s important to consider the different body types and job requirements. Not only can ill-fitting uniforms cause significant discomfort, but in most industries, it can also become a safety hazard.

Functionality

‘The concept of work attire goes beyond just clothing; it embodies a sense of identity and professionalism within an organisation’ – and therefore, should be designed with functionality in mind. Whether an employee is sitting behind a desk or working a manual role, a uniform should be able to support them in their daily tasks. Uniforms can make the difference between streamlining tasks and having an efficient workforce, ultimately improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.

In previous work, we harnessed this concept when partnering with past clients such as Pure Gym. We were set with the challenging goal of transforming their staff’s fitness wear, whilst also using virtual design processes during social distancing. Through our work with Pure Gym, we were able to use avatars during the uniform design process, which allowed us to make immediate modifications, eliminating any need for multiple samples. This collaboration required us putting comfort and functionality at the forefront of our design. The uniforms we created were custom-sized and included gender-neutral options to accommodate all employees and prioritised functionality. 

GWR (Great Western Railway)  also has similar priorities when undergoing a significant rebranding. When designing custom workwear for this client, we also had to focus on the physical requirements of the job. For GWR, we were brief with the concept of blending their 19th-century heritage with a more contemporary design, which prioritised the wearer’s wellbeing and safety. We completed the collaboration with a uniform which featured the deep green and black tones of Brunswick with herringbone tweed accents. Alongside these design elements, we made sure to include functional elements like zip-in linings, which allowed for employees to be comfortable in various conditions.

Aesthetic Appeal

We all want to feel good in our clothing – and uniforms are no exception. Psychologically speaking, ‘dressing in a way that reflects your professionalism and style sends signals to your brain that you are capable, competent, and ready to conquer whatever comes your way’.  In fact, there’s a term for this phenomenon: enclothed cognition. Enclothed cognition ‘is a powerful tool rooted in science, emphasising the connection between your wardrobe choice and your mindset’, meaning that what employees wear can influence their attention, performance, and cognitive style.

Employees desire confidence in their uniforms at work, and through thoughtful design, this is entirely achievable. Looking good plays a significant role in feeling comfortable. Wearing high-quality uniforms can be beneficial for an employee’s self-esteem and professional image, thereby improving their job performance.

Sustainability

The thoughtful design of uniforms should also take into account the not so small matter of sustainability. Sustainability and more eco-friendly practices are more than just a growing trend. Now, more than ever, there is a push for businesses to take environmental responsibility for their choices, including their creation and disposal of uniforms. By using sustainable fabric choices, upcycling old uniforms and choosing ethical manufactures for their workwear, companies can truly make a difference. 

We hold sustainability close to our hearts here at JSD. Whilst we have been committed to reducing our carbon footprint for over 40+ years, we feel there is always room for improvement when it comes to ensuring we are environmentally conscious during every step of our design process. By the end of 2025, we are aiming to produce a minimum of 80% of our garments using sustainable materials and methods. By the end of 2026, we want to be driving inclusivity and change even more and are looking to achieve B Corp certification. For our more loftier goals, we are also looking to reduce Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions to Net-Zero by 2040, & Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

Through thoughtful design, companies can also prioritise their sustainable offering. By integrating eco-friendly choices into uniform design, companies can align their operational practices with environmental responsibility. This will appeal to eco-conscious employees and consumers alike, whilst reducing their carbon footprint.

Jermyn Street Design – Work Uniform Suppliers That Account For Each & Every Aspect

Our team of designers specialise in crafting workwear that considers every aspect – from comfort and functionality to style, durability and sustainability. Regardless of the industry, we aim to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction for employees. If you are interested in thoughtfully-designed uniforms which are tailored to your team’s specific needs, contact our team today for more information. Here at Jermyn Street Design, we are committed to delivering high-quality, bespoke uniforms that will better the comfort and professionalism in your workplace.