A Guide to Work Uniforms: Professionalism, Comfort and Protection All in One

Many companies have a policy requiring their employees to wear uniforms. This makes sure all of the staff look professional and represent their workplace. This also makes them easier to find when you need any kind of assistance with some products or services. Nowadays, uniforms are not just about protection like they used to be in the past, they’re about looking professional and creating a brand.

A lot of companies use their uniforms as a subtle marketing strategy, which is quite clever. You’re able to see the uniform and know where the person is working. Today’s uniforms are detailed and often filled with additional features that make the job easier.

Restaurant Aprons

Aprons are the most common restaurant uniform you’ll find. They’re a part of the presentation of the restaurant, that’s why choosing well is important. It can be difficult to choose one sometimes because there are several different types. Bib aprons are also called chef aprons.

This is mostly a neat and beautiful white apron that covers the body from the chest to the top of the legs. Every kitchen worker should have one because they’re a staple of the cooking part of the restaurant. If you have an open kitchen layout, these aprons would be perfect because the guests can see how the staff works.

Bistro aprons are a bit different. They look elegant and classy and are perfect for your servers in any restaurant especially bistros, cafes and high-end locals. They’re long and you tie them at the waist and cover the body to the knees. Oftentimes they can be longer and even have pockets to store some work-related items, such as pads and pens. The waist aprons leave the torso uncovered and end at the knees. The servers can move around freely with them and they’re suitable for any casual restaurant.

There are a few things to consider before buying aprons. Every restaurant, from the most upscale bistro to the smallest diner, was designed with some purpose in mind. Even the most basic cafe has a distinctive design, theme, or colour scheme. You should order a plain white apron that reflects that. Choose a supplier who offers a range of colours and designs to suit the look of your brand.

Design is also very important. A well-designed apron can make or break the whole working atmosphere and communication between the servers and the guests. Before anything else, look for pockets. You don’t want the servers to walk around with their pad, pen, credit cards and money all in their hands. It looks unprofessional and disorganised. The same goes for the chef’s apron. One badly placed string can get caught in door knobs, spoons, and ladles, and cause an accident.

Of course, quality is something you can’t compromise on. A high-quality apron looks presentable, makes the servers comfortable and confident, and gives the restaurant a classy feel. Stain resistance is a must in this business. No one wants to walk around with food and beverage spills and serve people. Easy maintenance and cleaning are crucial. These aprons have to be washed and dried often.

Make sure the materials are breathable, stain resistant, dry quickly and don’t wrinkle. This will speed up the whole maintenance process and you won’t have to buy new aprons each month. If you don’t want them to be colourful, choose the plain white apron. In the eyes of the customers, this will be a neat, clean and well-managed restaurant they’ll come back to.

Medical Uniforms

Being a healthcare worker can be hectic and demanding. These people work many hours so having comfortable clothing is very important. Their appearance is also something to think about, after all, when the patients see them, they need to look presentable and put together.

No matter if you’re wearing a lab coat or scrubs, your uniform has to be temperature regulating, moisture resistant, affordable, comfortable and have many pockets. You should also have the right fit that allows for free movement. You’ll need to twist, turn and bend a lot of times during your shift and your uniform shouldn’t restrain you.

You’ll probably be tempted to buy a cheaper pair of scrubs, but think twice. These uniforms get stained a lot during your working hours, from food to drinks, but mostly body fluids. Because of this they’ll get washed and dried very often. This means that you’ll need to replace the cheaper versions very soon.

So don’t try to save a couple of dollars on your medical uniform. It’s not worth it. Usually, medical personnel wears solid colours such as green, blue, brown, maroon, pink or purple, and they can change depending on the position they work in. But sometimes, in children’s hospitals, for example, they can have prints. As we said, pockets are crucial too. This is especially true for medical staff that manages a lot of tasks during the day and all of those papers, pens, tubes, scissors, or penlights need to be stored somewhere.

Office Dress Code

Most offices don’t have a strict dress code you should abide by, but there are general rules you should follow. Mainly, there are four types of office dress codes:

Business Formal

This is the highest level of office attire and people in high positions, such as politicians, lawyers and executives. Men should wear tailored suits in neutral colours, such as black, grey and navy, with minimal accessories. The white shirt is a must and the shoes should be closed-toe oxfords in neutral colours. The same goes for women as well, plus the two-finger-width skirt suit and closed-toe heels. Being well groomed with clean nails, clean teeth and nice hair applies to both men and women.

Business Professional

This is a step down from the business formal style. It’s still professional and conservative but more forgiving when it comes to colours and patterns. You have the opportunity to look classy but with a twist. You can express your personality through different colours, patterns and accessories. For men, the same coloured suits apply, but you can add patterns. You can wear sports jackets, watches, and coloured shirts, mostly in grey, blue or burgundy. The shoes can be oxfords or polished loafers. The same applies to women as well in terms of colour and playful accessories.

Business Casual

This is the most common dress code in the world. In this case, men can wear coloured, collared button-ups, and conservative patterns such as stripes and checks. You can add a tie, but it’s not a must. Now, pullovers and sweaters come into play with black dress pants or khakis. Women can go with skirts and cardigans in solid colours or conservative patterns. Jewellery can be a bit bolder and the shoes get more comfortable, such as flats, pumps or loafers.

Casual

This casual dress code is a dream come true for most people. But don’t get too casual – always check with HR about the exact attire you’re allowed to wear. Pants, slacks and even jeans are allowed with coloured pullovers and sweaters. You can combine casual accessories with comfortable shoes, such as sneakers. The same goes for women in terms of colour and comfort, skirts need to remain at knee length and you can wear open-toed shoes.