Workwear for everybody means workwear for every body

In our latest Insight article, Alice Genillard, Head of PPE, Facilities and Workwear at Commercial, considers the profoundly positive impact of bespoke, inclusive workwear in today’s ever-evolving world of work. 

The working world and the world of workwear have so much in common, besides the letter ‘w’. Over the past five years or so, more focus than ever before has been placed upon inclusion, diversity and wellbeing in the workforce, quite rightly. The exponential increase in hybrid working has led to a better work-life balance, greater emphasis being placed upon health and wellbeing both physically and mentally, not to mention the prioritisation of inclusive practices. All of this and more has greatly impacted the working world for the better. But one area where I believe there remains much room for improvement is in workwear and uniforms.  

In many cases, workforces are still subjected to ill-fitting, uncomfortable, in some cases even unsafe garments when they are at work. Inclusion, diversity and wellbeing, beyond that which is mandated, can often take a back seat in the world of workwear. But with the wide availability and capabilities of bespoke tailoring, this doesn’t need to be the case. Your workforce and therefore your business can reap tangible benefits through the introduction of properly fitted uniforms. Feeling more valued, more comfortable and looked after can result in boosted morale, productivity and unity across a workforce.  

While the preconception is that bespoke workwear is significantly more expensive, our clients have been surprised to learn that they can achieve a bespoke design in the sizing they require at competitive costs. With the right partner guiding the way too- lead times are fully managed to ensure go live dates are always hit and replenishment is managed efficiently- so you never run out of stock. 

Workwear that’s ‘fit’ for purpose 

There are of course some industries where the requirements of a workforce’s clothes are thought to be of more importance than others. Construction, emergency services and healthcare obviously come to mind when thinking of stringent uniform standards. But proper workwear goes beyond just health and safety considerations. In the modern world, comfort should be prioritised as well. Comfort for people in all industries. 

Regardless of profession, gender, body type, or religion, everyone should feel comfortable when they’re at work. Without bespoke, properly fitting clothing, for many people this can be a real struggle. Off the shelf garment will rarely fit anyone who isn’t blessed with a very particular body type. Add to this the inconsistencies in sizing across different brands and the result is employees who are uncomfortable and sometimes feel restricted in their movement while working. In this aforementioned age of inclusion and diversity, it’s important that businesses of all kinds cater to the specific needs of each of their employees. 

The positives of embracing bespoke workwear aren’t simply limited to increased comfortability for everyone across your business. If your team are comfortable, feel good about what they are wearing to work each day and can see the extra effort that has gone into getting them proper and personalised fittings then what will be the natural result? They will feel more valued as an integral and appreciated part of your organisation. This feeling of positivity will lead to increased productivity, morale and perhaps most importantly, unity. In addition to this, your reputation as a conscientious employer will receive a boost. This makes it even easier to attract and retain staff.