How to Design Work Uniforms That People Actually Want to Wear
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 05-10-2025
Come on, let's be real—when most people hear the word uniform, they automatically think stiff, stodgy, and. kind of forgettable. But it doesn't have to be that way. With great design and materials, work uniforms can shift from something people are required to wear to something they're actually glad to wear.
So how do you make uniforms more of an extension of your brand—and your people? Here's what we found that works.
Start with Fit and Comfort
The fastest way to have someone loathe their uniform is to outfit them with something boxy, itchy, or warm. People are more apt to wear something—and like themselves in it—when it's fitted and comfy.
That means using trendy silhouettes, lightweight materials, and offering an actual size range that accommodates every body on your team. A little wiggle room doesn't hurt, either.
Choose Styles That Feel Relevant
Consider what your team already wears on a daily basis, and use that as inspiration for your uniform choices. A good-fitting polo, a crisp quarter-zip, a gentle hoodie, or even a logo'd bomber jacket can make someone feel a lot more dressed up than a plain tee with a logo tacked on.
You don't want your team to feel on-brand, but like they're in a time warp.
Keep Branding Subtle but Strong
You don't need a giant logo on the chest to make a uniform effective. In fact, the less obtrusive the branding, the more likely people are to wear them outside of work as well. A small embroidered logo, subdued branding, or a minimalist chest patch goes a long way toward making your uniforms high-end.
If the piece feels like it could’ve come from a favorite retail brand, you’re doing it right.
Let Employees Weigh In
If you're replacing your uniforms or introducing a new product, don't do it alone. Involve your crew. What do they like? What do they never, ever want to wear again? Involving them in the decision-making process doesn't just get you better decisions—it gets them more ownership when the new kit arrives.
Think Beyond the Basics
Shirts and jackets are not the only uniforms they must be. A hat, an apron, a fleece, or a shell can be used and provide something different as well as allow workers to interchange a piece and set up their own look without branding out.
When properly designed, uniforms serve to not only acknowledge your workers but create culture, confidence, and brand enthusiasm. The mission? To come up with something your employees wear not because they have to—because they wish to.