How to Design Work Uniforms Your Team Will Love

Our team has recently started wearing a branded uniform (photo below). It’s not the first time we’ve invested in designing a work uniform for our studio, but it is the first time we’ve done it for everyone.

It’s simple, good quality, and adorns our brand identity. But why, when we can wear anything, have we chosen to consistently wear our company branded collateral?

Our new uniform: Cait and Mitch wearing our new branded sweater.

Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit every day: a black turtleneck, Levi’s 501 jeans, and New Balance trainers. His rationale was simple: by choosing a uniform for himself, he eliminated one daily decision. I understand that—when leading one of the most innovative companies in the world, it makes sense to minimise unnecessary decisions.

But in our case, I think it goes beyond convenience. This time, our new uniform was requested by the team, which I believe is evidence of our camaraderie and team culture.

This week, three out of four of us arrived Monday morning wearing the same jumper. Andy, our Lead Designer, let us down and missed the memo. I fired him on the spot. Now it’s three out of three wearing the designed uniform. Problem solved!

Obviously, I’m kidding.

Is there a difference between a uniform and branded merchandise?

In our view, uniforms are simpler, dialled back, and only permitted to be worn by company staff. It’s not just a cover-up; it’s a suit of armour. For that reason, I am always incredibly excited to see a team don their new uniforms for the first time.

We recently refreshed the uniforms for the cardboard displays and packaging business, Cutting Edge. We delivered their new staff uniforms to their factory in Sydney, where their Managing Director distributed them to the employees. Immediately, the team changed into their new attire, and from the founder to the factory workers, you could feel the pride and confidence emanating from everyone.

7 recommendations for designing work uniforms employees will actually wear.

We’ve been designing uniforms for almost a decade. Here are seven key things to consider when designing and ordering work uniforms that will withstand the test of time and that employees will actually want to wear.

Tip 1: Uniform quality – Sourcing high-quality garments is key.

Any investment in uniforms should focus on purchasing stock that lasts and will withstand the test of time. Chat with your supplier about the quality of the garment, its wearability, and its lifespan. High-quality materials not only look better but also feel more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that your team will wear them regularly. Quality uniforms also reflect positively on your brand, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

Tip 2: Uniform style – Finding the delicate balance between form and function.

When designing uniforms, it’s essential to ensure they are an authentic extension of your brand. The design should align with your company’s image and values, creating a cohesive and well-considered appearance when worn by your staff.

Additionally, consider the specific needs of individual roles within the team regarding safety and their ability to perform their tasks. For example, when we designed uniforms for a timber truss manufacturer, Advanced Truss Systems, we included hi-vis singlets for factory workers and corporate polos for office staff. This ensures that each team member has appropriate attire for their work environment, even if it means the uniforms are not the same across the entire business.

Uniforms can be tailored to suit different roles and positions within the company. Higher levels of hierarchy could have access to more premium items, such as directors and senior management wearing more expensive pieces. Similarly, providing factory workers with more uniform choices outside of their hi-vis attire can significantly enhance brand engagement and retention, making it a worthwhile investment that far outweighs the cost.

Tip 3: Design application – Embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer or direct-to garment?

Before even wondering how to design a work uniform, a critical component is the application process. Your supplier should provide recommendations based on the garment, the quantity, your budgets, and the longevity you’re looking for. In general, embroidery and screen printing will be more expensive but have much better wear and tear than heat transfer and direct-to-garment. Additionally, the application process will impact the uniform design style, colours, and other small details, so it’s vital that whoever is designing your work uniforms is well-versed in the application process or has a good contact from the supplier to provide guidance.

Tip 4: Placement of the design – Avoid simply stamping your logo.

Placement of the brand identity on a uniform design is critical; we never simply “slap” the logo on the front and back. Designing a work uniform involves a high degree of consideration and care. Many brand identities we create have various elements to consider, such as the icon/logo, the wordmark, and the tagline or positioning line. Therefore, we often design a badge or logo lockup specifically for the uniform. It’s also important to consider the wearer and the application. For instance, large embroidery on the back of a t-shirt can be uncomfortable and itchy.

Tip 5: Uniform design details – Your opportunity to tell a story about the brand and its people.

Great uniforms balance form and function and have the brand applied in a professional way. However, remarkable uniforms include finer details that compel people to ask questions and encourage staff to share the story behind them. For example, when designing staff uniforms for steel-coal miner Vitrinite, we added the employee’s commencement date to the back of the shirt and allowed them to customise their uniform with a shoulder patch featuring a flag representing their heritage. Some examples we’ve seen include the Torres Strait Islander flag, the Scottish national flag, and the Queensland state flag.

Tip 6: Uniform colour – Find a colour garment that will complement your entire team.

Your uniform doesn’t have to be in your brand’s primary colour. For instance, if your brand’s colour is yellow, you’re not obligated to outfit your team in bright yellow polos. While this could work (or make everyone look like a member of the Wiggles), it may not suit everyone. Darker colours are generally more flattering; black or navy t-shirts typically offer better wearability than white or cream.

Tip 7: Uniform delivery – How is your uniform given to your employees?

This isn’t a make-or-break, but there are some ways you can go above and beyond when presenting your team with the new uniforms. At an absolute minimum, ensure they are new, the correct size, and neatly folded. To make the moment more special, consider wrapping the uniforms, including a personalised note or card, and perhaps an in-person presentation. This adds a sense of purpose and significance to the exchange.

Think of how the Australian Test Cricket team presents debutantes with their ‘baggy green’. Handing out your work polos doesn’t need the same level of ceremony, but a bit of extra effort can’t hurt. Consider the ritual you’d like to create with your team. I guarantee whatever extra effort you make will be repaid in full in their commitment and engagement in your business.

Inspired?

Why not book a discovery call to discuss designing a new suite of company uniforms for your team. Or, if you’re seeking further inspiration, have a look through our gallery of selected uniforms we’ve designed over the years.

Vitrinite: Personalised workwear and corporate polos for a progressive resource company.

Cutting Edge: Casual tees, work shirts and high-vis uniforms designed for a cardboard displays and packaging manufacturer.

Engineering Networks: Professional corporate polos designed for a specialist talent recruitment firm.

QMC Logistics: Corporate oxford shirts, vests, high-vis and merchandise designed for a national refrigerated transport company.

Marin Wealth: Sports polos designed for a boutique financial advisory.

Advanced Truss Systems: High-vis singlets, vest, and work shirts created for a timber truss manufacturing company.