There are many aspects to the average consumer’s shopping journeys. They transact with several stores and organizations that influence how they perceive their ideal shopping journey to be. It keeps changing over the course of time. When it comes to in-store experiences, they almost always will have some suggestions to improve upon. But what businesses would want to do first is to improve the consumers’ perception of their brand.
How?
By elevating employee uniforms first and foremost.
Apart from boosting employee morale by up to 15%, according to many recent studies, uniforms also positively influence the perceptions of over 50% of consumers to think better of a business.
To put it all in a nutshell, your team’s appearance can be a game-changing differentiator that paints a better image of your brand. But building a professional uniform look isn’t only about matching the brand’s aesthetic themes. With the garment affecting even the employees’ morale and elevating the visual identity of the team, you could say it’s in essence a branding tool also.
Elevating Visual Identity
Uniforms bring your employees under one banner, in colors that match the brand’s own. Based on the kind of apparel chosen for the uniforms, the visual identity of the team itself can be tailored which imparts unique attributes to the brand itself. By attributes, I mean presentability, professionalism and a few more.
For example, think of yourself as a customer walking into a big grocery store. You see the staff there wearing plain black tees. It should give you a good impression of how the business presents itself to walk-in customers. In the same scenario, imagine the staff wearing gray polo shirts and full-sleeve navy blue polo shirts – the gray ones being shopping assistants and the navy blue polo guys being aisle managers or customer service executives. You’ll have a different perception here about the brand, and a bigger and better impact than when you see them wearing black tees.
Uniform Polo Shirts
This is not about that old polos vs tees for uniforms debate. There are benefits to choosing both. But I personally favor polo shirts over tees when it comes to employee uniforms. Because polos are simply more versatile, enough to go perfectly in various layered fashion styles.
For businesses in the logistics and hospitality industry, expectations from a uniform are different. While the former looks more into comfort and durability, the latter expects a professional look and welcoming appeal. Polo shirts can nail it all better than tees can. That’s simply a fact now.
That said, let’s look at a smart combination of polo shirts and jackets. That’s a uniform that can really do a number on the brand’s professional image. For the blue-collar workforce of a logistics business, wearing a polo shirt underneath a jacket delivers a professional appeal, keeps them comfortable, and reminds them that the brand cares much about their wellness. To customers, the same messages are conveyed while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its workforce.
However, to nail such impressions, the business has to consider a few factors.
Color Choices
Selecting the right color palette is the first critical step when you are combing jackets and polos for uniforms. Ideally, the colors should not only reflect the brand’s personality but also maintain a crisp, clean appearance. Colors have psychological associations worth considering. Deep navy polo shirts paired with matching jackets can create a sense of professionalism and reliability. For employees of a hospitality business, purple polo shirts and jackets show luxury with a welcoming appeal.
Strategic Layering
Layering polos and jackets can be considered a functional strategy. A nice jacket can actually enhance a simple polo from casual to corporate. You don’t want employees to look too casual. For logistics teams working in variable temperatures, lightweight jackets provide practical warmth without sacrificing mobility. Hospitality staff can use jackets to add a polished touch to their standard uniform.
Branding
You will need polos and jackets that are customization-friendly, because not all of them may be so. I’d suggest choosing polos and jackets from renowned brands. I personally prefer brands like Port Authority or CornerStone. CornerStone polo shirts are built to outfit employees. When choosing brands, you may want to learn about what makes them unique. Once that’s done with, you can start planning the customization. Here are a few common brand techniques that work for organizations.
- Embroidered company logos on jacket shoulders
- Subtle addition of logo on the chest of polos
- Matching color schemes across the uniform pieces
- Consistent typography and logo sizing
These details are meant to create a cohesive visual narrative that reinforces brand recognition and professionalism.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Different sectors require nuanced approaches.
- Retail: Breathable, movement-friendly fabrics in colors that customers will find approachable.
- Logistics: Durable polos and jackets that can withstand long shifts and physical exertion. This is another reason that’s getting CornerStone jackets popular in America by the way.
- Hospitality: A polished, approachable look that makes guests feel welcomed similar to what we covered for retail but different in appeal. If the uniform looks premium, it sends a signal that the service could be excellent too.
The ROI of Professional Uniforms
Studies show that well-designed uniforms can:
- Increase team cohesion
- Improve customer perception
- Enhance brand visibility
- Boost employee morale and identification
With uniforms, you are communicating your brand’s commitment to professionalism, quality, and attention to detail. Polos and jackets are the most sought-after uniform garments in the hospitality and logistics sectors, as the combination can represent a brand’s ethos with impressive versatility while also empowering the employees to trust in their employer.
The market is too competitive today. Every visual touchpoint matters. Choose uniforms for your team with wisdom backed by a lot of research.
