The Future of Inclusive Workwear in Europe: Designing with Diversity in Mind

Uniforms once symbolised conformity, but today, they represent identity, inclusivity, and purpose. Across Europe, the workwear industry is transforming as businesses recognise that every employee should feel comfortable, respected, and authentically represented in what they wear to work.

For organisations with multinational teams who operate across countries and cultures, having inclusive workwear is no longer simply a social goal. It is a strategic imperative, a legal, ethical, and sustainability priority that shapes brand reputation, employee engagement, and compliance with evolving European standards.

As an ethical uniform supplier, Jermyn Street Design (JSD) is proud to be leading this shift, creating custom uniforms that champion diversity while meeting the latest benchmarks for environmental and social responsibility.

The New Foundation of Custom Uniform Design: Inclusion and Identity

Europe’s workforce is more diverse than ever before, spanning generations, nationalities, faiths, abilities, and gender identities. According to Eurofound, more than 13% of the pre-Brexit EU workforce had a migrant background, and this figure continues to rise alongside growing generational and cultural diversity.

Employers are increasingly realising that uniforms should reflect this variety, rather than concealing it. Designing truly inclusive workwear is not merely about adjusting cuts or fabrics to enhance fit and function; it is about creating a sense of empowerment and belonging.

Uniforms act as a visible bridge that connects employees to the values of your organisation, while nurturing team unity and pride. For European brands, custom uniform design that celebrates diversity demonstrates respect for cultural differences and a genuine commitment to equality.

When employees feel represented in their uniforms, engagement and retention rise. Deloitte’s “Unleashing the Power of Inclusion” report found that 80% of surveyed workers say inclusion is important, while 39% would leave their current workplace for a more inclusive one. What’s more, research suggests that inclusive workplaces are six times more likely to be innovative, eight times more likely to achieve better outcomes, and twice as likely to meet or exceed financial goals.

Responsibility in Every Stitch: The Ethical Imperative

Ethics in uniform design extend well beyond ensuring product quality. A truly ethical uniform supplier ensures that every stage of production, from sourcing raw fibres to final stitching, upholds fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Legislation such as the UK’s Modern Slavery Act and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) makes it essential for companies to verify fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain. These frameworks are reshaping procurement across Europe, demanding verifiable proof of sustainable sourcing and ethical production.

At JSD, our B Corp certification confirms that both environmental and social performance are independently assessed and held to the highest global standards. We partner only with audited factories where labour conditions, fair pay, and worker representation are guaranteed.

Ethical practice also extends to how we design. Every JSD uniform programme is co-created with wearer input, ensuring people of all body types, genders, and abilities play an active role in testing and feedback. This collaborative approach produces inclusive workwear that fits and performs beautifully across the full spectrum of end wearers, not just the statistical average employee.

Designing Sustainable Staff Uniforms for Every Body

Inclusivity and sustainability are deeply intertwined. Designing sustainable staff uniforms means considering how materials, fit, and lifecycle management affect both people and the planet.

When uniforms fit properly and are designed for durability, employees are happier and garments last longer. Meanwhile, poorly fitting garments lead to higher replacement rates and unnecessary waste, which is not only costly but also a significant issue for large corporations striving to improve sustainability.

Modern inclusive workwear must account for gender neutrality, modesty, mobility, and body diversity. This may involve extended size ranges to accommodate the full workforce, adaptive fastenings such as magnets and elasticated waistbands, or silhouettes that move away from traditional gendered design.

As an ethical uniform supplier, JSD makes sure that every design meets the highest sustainability and performance standards. We align our material choices with frameworks such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and prioritise responsible sourcing from certified mills and textile innovators.

Our ultimate goal is simple: to create custom uniforms that enhance staff wellbeing, reduce waste, and reflect your organisation’s environmental and social values.

Custom Uniform Design: One Brand, Many Wearers

Creating a custom uniform for diverse, multinational teams requires balancing brand consistency with individual needs. Europe’s diversity extends far beyond language, with expectations around professionalism, style, and comfort varying widely between regions. For instance, Nordic markets value practicality and weatherproofing, while southern Europe prefers lightweight elegance and colour. France often prioritises sophistication, whereas the UK combines heritage with functionality.

A truly inclusive uniform programme adapts to Europe’s varied cultures, climates, and operational demands without compromising visual identity. Whether it’s using lighter breathable fabrics for countries with warmer weather, providing layering options for chilly northern climates, or offering modesty designs (such as longer tunics, head coverings, or looser fits) for markets with strong cultural or religious diversity, inclusivity helps every employee to feel both respected and confident.

A strong example is JSD’s collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, designing a uniform system that reflects brand luxury while adapting to local climates and team diversity across Europe. Our design process is also geared towards inclusivity, with wearer trials across regions, digital fittings, and 3D visualisation tools allowing teams to tailor garments to specific roles, climates, and accessibility needs. This ensures a consistent brand presence, yet every wearer receives a uniform that feels individually made.

The Role of Technology in Inclusive Workwear

Technology is revolutionising both inclusivity and sustainability. Digital design tools make it possible to personalise garments while minimising waste.

3D body scanning and AI-driven sizing algorithms are replacing traditional size charts, helping to design inclusive workwear that fits real people rather than outdated templates. According to Forbes, digital fit technology can cut returns by up to 20%, as well as helping to reduce overproduction.

Virtual prototyping also allows designers to assess comfort, mobility, and aesthetic appeal before production begins. This not only saves time and resources but also empowers wearers to see themselves in their custom uniforms during the design phase.

Additionally, Digital Product Passports (DPPs), part of the ESPR framework, enable transparency and traceability across the supply chain. Each garment carries a QR code detailing its fibre composition, manufacturing origin, and care instructions. This helps companies meet sustainability reporting obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Technology, therefore, is not just a tool for efficiency, but also a mechanism for accountability, inclusivity, and empowerment.

The European Regulatory Landscape for Inclusivity

Inclusivity is increasingly embedded in policy as well as practice. The EU Gender Equality Strategy and European Accessibility Act are pushing organisations to make inclusivity a measurable outcome rather than an aspiration.

For procurement teams, this means ensuring suppliers meet accessibility, ethical sourcing, and transparency standards. The combination of CSRD, ESPR, and CSDDD is making it impossible to separate inclusion from sustainability. Organisations that proactively address both will lead Europe’s next generation of responsible business.

Frequently Asked Questions about Inclusive Workwear

Q: What makes a uniform inclusive?

A: Inclusive uniforms are designed for all employees regardless of body type, ability, or cultural background. They prioritise comfort, accessibility, and personal expression while maintaining brand consistency.

Q: How do sustainable staff uniforms support diversity goals?

A: Sustainable design encourages adaptive fits, modularity, and longevity, so that every employee can wear garments that feel good, fit well, and last longer.

Q: Why choose an ethical uniform supplier?

A: Ethical suppliers like JSD provide verified transparency, fair labour conditions, and sustainable materials, helping clients meet EU and UK compliance standards.

Q: Does inclusivity increase costs?

A: Not necessarily. While initial design work may take longer, inclusive workwear reduces returns, improves staff satisfaction, and extends garment life, all of which deliver long-term financial savings and business benefits.

Q: How can technology improve inclusivity?

A: Tools like 3D body scanning and virtual fittings ensure better sizing, reduce waste, and allow employees to feel represented in design decisions.

The Future Is Personal with Inclusive Workwear

The future of workwear in Europe is both ethical and inclusive. As regulations tighten and social expectations evolve, the demand for inclusive, sustainable staff uniforms will continue to grow. For global organisations, the right partner is one that understands that every uniform is more than a garment; it is a message of equality, respect, and responsibility.

At JSD, we believe great design is about people first. As an ethical uniform supplier, we are committed to creating custom uniforms that unite teams, respect individuality, and uphold the values that define responsible European brands.

The next generation of uniforms is personal, purposeful, and planet-conscious. Ready to reimagine your uniform programme through the lens of inclusivity and sustainability? Contact us to discover more about how JSD designs for people and the planet.