Workwear and PPE is non-negotiable in some roles - with certain industries requiring employees to wear PPE and safety gear by law. With some industries being more strict than others with their uniform requirements, knowing the role and tasks that your employees complete will help you to choose the best workwear for them.
One often overlooked aspect when choosing workwear is the fit. However, getting it right is essential to the comfort and effectiveness of any uniform. To help you make the best choice for your workforce, here are the key things you need to consider.
Materials and durability
Having durable and breathable workwear is important as it will ensure the workwear lasts long, is fit for purpose. This sounds simple but in practice, finding uniforms with materials and fits that suit the individual, the role, safety requirements and the brand can be time consuming and frustrating. Having a trial with your team or seeing samples of the clothes can be a great way to choose your uniform before investing in a completely new set.
Individual requirements
Individual fit and comfort is a high priority because if an employee is not comfortable in the uniform, they may adapt how they wear it and as a result lose some of the safety elements. Choosing suppliers with customisation or trousers with different lengths for the leg, waist measurements done in inches instead of standard sizes can be useful. Also investing in a range of accessories such as belts or high quality socks can ensure trousers and safety shoes are worn correctly while remaining comfortable for your team.
Job requirements
A veterinary nurse will have different job requirements to a construction worker… using such a blatant example, it seems obvious. However, looking at the industry as a whole instead of individual job roles within each team could be problematic when choosing uniforms. Take the catering industry, chefs are often taught the importance of safety footwear that protects the whole foot because of the hazards in the kitchen. However, service staff who also have to go into the kitchen are not always given the same regulations regarding shoes.
Legal requirements
Working with specific tools or around hazardous chemicals will require your team to wear PPE that is designed to protect them from the specific risk. However, providing your team with incorrect sizes in gloves - even if they’re of the legal specification - is ineffective. Having a range of sizes available for your team will reduce risks further and ensure the items fit well and leave no skin uncovered.
Corporate branding
Wanting your team to look onbrand should not come at the expense of clothes that are a good personal fit. One way of doing this is to choose your uniform items then work with yiiur supplier to have them branded or personalised in the way that works best for the item’s material. Choosing a colour that fits in with your brand palette will strengthen your look too.
Partnering with a supplier that can cater to a range of uniform requirements, personal sizes and help with choosing items that are on brand but also comfortable will make your workwear process much easier.
Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today to discuss your workwear requirements.
