PPB May 2018

by Terry Ramsay Un i f o rms Dress For Success F or client-facing businesses, uniforms serve as important brand reinforcement for employees and customers. Carefully chosen uniforms convey competence, professionalism and the appropriate corporate image. In addition, they help customers to identify employees—there’s nothing worse than mistakenly asking a fellow patron, “Do you work here?” Uniforms also eliminate the uncertain areas in dress codes and the awkward conversations between managers and employees following a perceived policy violation. And when companies provide uniforms, employees benefit by less money spent on a work wardrobe, less time thinking about what to wear, and a sense of belonging since everyone dresses the same. Not surprisingly, corporate uniforms are closely following retail trends. “Retail fashion items are really taking off in the uniform market, especially for Millennials,” says Phillip Ambrose, creative director for Burnside/Sierra Pacific (PPAI 184396). “We’re seeing the industry heavily leaning toward these more fashionable items over the past five years, especially with plaids and flannels.” In the workplace, at school and on the field, uniforms make the first impression. 14 | MAY 2018 | INNOVATE