Wearer Well-being: How Much Could Work Uniforms Help Staff Save?

Wearer Well-being: How Much Could Work Uniforms Help Staff Save?

Matching together work-appropriate outfits to wear Monday to Friday tends to be a rather stressful and expensive process for most of us, let alone the investments we make for our weekend wardrobes too. Although having the freedom to choose what to wear at work every day is an exciting concept at first, those who do it regularly know that the novelty wears off quickly. That daily decision soon becomes a drain on time, energy, and most noticeably, money. The financial burden creeps into our annual spending, and often far more than we realise.

From a business owner’s perspective, you may not have even considered how much of your employees’ incomes are going towards maintaining the professional look expected of them. Yet the reality is stark: most employees are spending upwards of £1,000 a year just to meet workplace dress codes. As an employer, there’s a real opportunity to ease that pressure and show your team you care about their financial and mental well-being. Offering staff uniforms provides smart presentation and practical support.

As a leading staff uniform company, Jermyn Street Design (JSD) recently explored just how much employees are forking out each year on workwear. By comparing prices across four major clothing retailers, M&S, H&M, Zara and Boohoo, we were able to paint a clear picture of the true cost of workwear, and how uniform suppliers can help businesses significantly reduce it.

Shirts, Tops & Blouses

One of the most essential items in any wardrobe, shirts, blouses, or smart tops might seem like a small purchase. But add up the cost of maintaining a regular rotation, and the expenses mount fast. At high-street chains like M&S, a bundle of three men’s t-shirts comes in at around £18. That may not sound unreasonable until you consider that these often need replacing several times a year to stay crisp and professional.

For women’s officewear, the differences in pricing are even more pronounced. A set of three blouses from Boohoo totals around £36, but the same quantity from M&S can be nearly £90. 

By contrast, staff uniforms supplied by experienced uniform manufacturers UK wide are designed with longevity and laundering in mind. They offer consistency, quality, and durability, without the recurring personal cost to the wearer.

Jackets & Winter Wear

As temperatures drop, the workwear shopping list inevitably expands. Jackets, coats, and warm layers are non-negotiables for anyone working through a British winter. For formal meetings, a smart blazer for men will typically set them back around £69 at M&S, with casual alternatives averaging over £50 for two.

The same goes for women, where a couple of smart or casual jackets can cost anywhere between £50 and £110 depending on where they’re purchased. Multiply that over a few seasons and it’s clear: workwear isn’t just a one-off expense, it’s an ongoing commitment.

A staff uniform company like JSD accounts for seasonal needs in every collection, providing garments that are functional, weather-appropriate and also brand-aligned. With the right uniform suppliers, you don’t just give your employees warmth, you give them financial breathing room.

Trousers & Skirts

No work wardrobe is complete without a staple collection of trousers or skirts. These everyday essentials often carry premium price tags when bought for professional environments. A man shopping at M&S for three pairs of smart trousers could expect to spend upwards of £75, and the story is much the same for women, where three pairs of trousers range between £43 and £66 depending on the brand.

For women who prefer skirts, prices can be even higher. Three from M&S could cost as much as £105, while H&M’s offering averages around £54. That’s hundreds of pounds spent annually on bottoms alone.

In contrast, staff uniforms provided by professional uniform manufacturers UK are tailored for cost-efficiency and wearability. With long-lasting fabrics and styles fit for purpose, there’s no need for employees to dip into their own wallets to meet daily dress codes.

Shoes

Footwear is the finishing touch on any professional outfit, and another area where costs add up fast. Whether it’s smart shoes, heels, or boots, the need to stay office-appropriate often leads to frequent replacements due to wear and tear.

Men might spend £30–£35 on a single pair of smart shoes at M&S and with casual shoes costing upwards of £75 for three pairs, footwear alone represents a substantial chunk of yearly spend. For women, two pairs of heels can come to £52, while boots range from £35 to £65 depending on the retailer.

Shoes might not always be included in traditional staff uniforms, but many forward-thinking uniform suppliers are now expanding their offerings to include or recommend footwear that complements company dress codes. This holistic approach to workwear is something we regularly provide to clients, helping them make fully considered decisions that benefit their teams.

The Receipt Summary

Individually, the prices of shirts, jackets, skirts, and shoes don’t appear too damaging. But when you tally everything up over a year, the average employee can spend more than £1,000 just to look “work-ready.” That’s a sizeable sum, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and for many, that figure will be even higher depending on their job, sector, or employer expectations.

Now imagine what your team could do with that money instead. A family weekend getaway, a new laptop, or simply a little more saved towards the mortgage. These aren’t minor savings, they’re real lifestyle improvements. Choosing to provide staff uniforms is a practical, low-effort way to give something tangible back to your people.

Here at JSD, we’ve been helping UK businesses do just that for over 40 years. As one of the most experienced uniform manufacturers the UK has to offer, we specialise in creating stylish, durable, and inclusive uniforms that reflect your brand and respect your staff. Our role as a trusted staff uniform company goes beyond just supplying clothing, we help you build consistency, save your team money, and boost morale.

And as certified B Corp uniform suppliers, our commitment doesn’t stop at functionality. We’re proud to be held to the highest ethical and environmental standards in everything we design and deliver.

A Smarter Way Forward

As the end of the year approaches, there’s no better time to reassess how you support your workforce. Starting the new year with a fresh approach to uniforms sends a strong message, that you value your staff, and you’re invested in their well-being.

By partnering with a reputable staff uniform company, you’re doing more than ordering garments. You’re making a strategic decision to align your brand with responsibility, professionalism, and care.

So as you plan for the months ahead, consider what a difference staff uniforms could make for your brand, and for the people who wear them every day.