A company uniform plays a vital role in presenting a cohesive brand image. An effective uniform can enhance employee engagement, boost productivity, and improve how your customers perceive your business. However, as time goes by, you may face the decision of whether to keep the same uniform or update in line with current trends. In this guide, we explore the strategies of three leading companies and provide insights on how often you should consider updating your company uniform.
As a global brand, you might expect McDonald’s to favour consistency, but the company has a track record of updating its uniforms every 3-5 years. The current uniform is all about inclusive and sustainable options . McDonalds were proud to promote “The new worker collection has “sustainability” at its heart and will include new polo shirts and T-shirts made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, and easy-care, non-iron fabric.” They also invested in understanding employee diversity, getting feedback from multi-faith groups within their organisation. Prior to this, the uniform launched in 2017, featured grey polo shirts with yellow accents — it was practical, stain-resistant, and comfortable, while the uniform design from 2012 had a dark green palette with vibrant yellow and orange highlights. McDonald’s frequently updates its marketing strategy, and the uniform changes are part of aligning its brand with fresh and modern appearances.
Virgin Atlantic, unlike McDonald’s, places a high value on the consistency of its uniform design. The iconic red skirt and jacket combination has been in place since the early 1990s, originally designed by Elizabeth Emanuel. Instead of complete redesigns, Virgin Atlantic opts for subtle updates that reflect current fashion trends. For example in 2022, the airline modernised its uniform policy, allowing all employees to choose garments that best align with their gender identity, regardless of their role.
Virgin Atlantic’s focus on a timeless, consistent look aligns with its brand identity as a luxury carrier, where tradition and heritage are key elements of customer trust and brand recognition. Their recent updates have also aimed at making uniforms more inclusive, reflecting changing societal values.
Sometimes, a uniform update is necessary to align with changing times and employee needs. Tesco’s major rebranding in 1997 saw a shift from the red-and-white spotty shirts to a more practical dark blue scheme, which conveys trust and reliability. This overhaul included the introduction of versatile options, such as polo shirts and fleece jackets, making the uniforms more comfortable and practical for staff.
In recent years, Tesco has focused on sustainability, incorporating recycled fabrics into their uniforms and prioritising employee feedback for new designs. This approach highlights a growing trend among large retailers to balance brand identity with environmental responsibility and employee comfort.
When considering a uniform update, our bespoke process can help, especially our uniform audit. We suggest you start by evaluating whether your current uniform reflects your brand values, provides comfort, and meets the practical needs of your employees. While some brands make frequent updates to stay relevant or respond to feedback, others maintain a consistent look to reinforce brand recognition. An overhaul isn’t always necessary; often, a few updates, such as switching to innovative fabrics or offering more diverse options, can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.
At HeathBrook, we advise companies on the best approach to uniform updates, whether it’s a complete redesign or incremental improvements. We focus on quality materials, ensuring durability and reducing the need for frequent replacements, which saves costs in the long run. If you’re considering a change, start by listening to your employees and understanding their needs — a well-designed uniform can make a significant difference in their day-to-day comfort and overall job satisfaction. If you’d like more guidance on updating your uniform, speak to us today at HeathBrook today for expert advice.