Creating a staff uniform on a budget

Putting together a staff uniform can seem like a big task. Not only should you consider the requirements of your uniforms, but ensuring you find the right items to stand up to the rigors of a job, protect staff, and be comfortable enough to make working easy, is important. You also need to make sure you don’t break the bank when bringing your uniform together.

We explain how to design a staff uniform for your company when on a budget.

Considering what your business needs are

When deciding on the elements which make up your uniform, it’s a good idea to know the kinds of jobs that your staff will be doing throughout the working week. It’s no good putting together a uniform that doesn’t meet your business needs effectively.

Things you should keep in mind when selecting a uniform, include:

• Durability
• Flexibility
• Stain resistance
• Comfort
• Infection control (for medical uniforms)
• Choice of material

Different businesses will have different needs. For example, kitchen staff will need something made from a heavier material that withstands heat, while also being flexible and stain resistant. Whereas staff in a beauty salon will need something flexible and comfortable for long shifts on their feet.

Consider additional elements, such as whether your staff require safety shoes when protection is necessary, fleeces or a lighter polo shirt for working in extreme temperatures. Or think about aprons to protect employees from spillages or to cover the rest of their uniform when carrying out specific tasks.

Making your uniform stand out with small additionsCreating a uniform that your staff feel proud to wear, and your customers see as professional and memorable, doesn’t have to be difficult.

A memorable uniform should separate you from your competitors and reflect your brand in a meaningful way.

This doesn’t need to be a complicated and expensive addition to a uniform. It could be something as simple as introducing a colour from your branding into your choice of workwear. For example, if blue is a dominant colour within your branding, consider including it within your uniform to create a link with your brand identity.

You could do this in several ways:

• The main colour of your uniform could be linked to your brand, such as a full blue suit for your front of house staff.
•  Your uniform could be a contrasting or neutral colour, with a bright block of an additional colour from your branding. For example, a plain, neutral suit, with a shirt in a colour from your branding, creates a statement element within a uniform that is both professional and eye-catching.
• Accessories are often the most cost-effective way of tying your uniform to your brand. Simple additions, such as ties, sashes, aprons and scarves, are affordable accessories that can bring a real touch of personality to a uniform.

Balancing affordability with durability

You should be careful not to be too tight with your budget. Sometimes, it’s worth investing in a higher quality item to save money in the long run, instead of sacrificing lasting quality and durability for a short-term saving.

Getting your uniform right by making sure you buy high-quality clothing can help your business save money over time. This is especially true if you provide a solid, versatile core to your uniform, such as a suit, which can later be adapted with different shirts and accessories.

This can work across several industries. For example, chef whites need to be durable and hard wearing. Cutting corners on the cost can lead to additional costs down the road, as you replace items which have become stained and damaged due to not being robust enough to handle wear and tear.

By looking for high-quality and durable uniform pieces you can also help improve the morale of your staff. Your employees should feel comfortable in the workplace and reassured that their boss is helping them look as professional as possible. Designing and providing the right uniform is a solid step towards doing this.

Helping you create an affordable uniform for your business

There’s a lot to consider when putting together a uniform that meets your budget. But by considering these ideas, you’re sure to be left with a high-quality and affordable uniform, which will leave both staff and customers impressed, while lasting through their toughest days at work.

At Simon Jersey, we pride ourselves in providing workwear that’s made with:

• Expert knowledge – We have 45 years’ experience providing brand-enhancing uniforms 
• Easy care – Most of our garments are machine washable and made to last 
• Styled with everyday practicality – Our fabrics are tested for durability that provide comfort and look good all day, every day