Your identity is not limited to your name but would definitely be defined by the uniform you wear. Your uniform represents who you are. You can ask anyone about the uniform of a doctor, you will get the answer in seconds because it’s on top of every individual’s mind. The standardization of uniforms worldwide for any profession has made the profession more recognizable and relatable.

The literal definition by the Oxford dictionary of uniform is “distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body or by children attending certain schools”. The generalized concept of uniform familiar to the public is “Unity”. It refers to the unity of work or unity as a united front for togetherness.

In a corporate or business environment, a uniform designates the staff as a part of the organization. It also creates a unique identity for the staff differentiating them from the customers who would approach them for their requests. Within a school, it differentiates children of different age groups and classes. It helps them focus on their learning than other distractions.

This is predetermined that uniforms aren’t the latest requirement but have been followed from earlier ages. Let us understand more about the evolution of the uniform industry in the years.

Beginning of an Era

It can be well said that the uniform industry is an “old-school” player. The very beginning of uniforms can be traced back to the year 1222 in England. Although any major proof of such existence can not be tracked. It was in the 16th century that registered the first historical records of school uniforms that are somewhat similar to the existing uniforms.

Identification of workplace uniforms

In the early modern period (1500-1800), the liveries were the first occupational uniform that the uniform industry worked on. These uniforms were handed out to servants in the European court that connoted the house they belonged to in reference to the colours, form, and decorations.

The uniform was designed in order to represent the rank and distinction of the servant. It also served the purpose of showcasing the social rank, ambitions, and means of finances of the master that livery serves.

In this time period, the scope of badge addition in a uniform was widened. With postal service workers travelling to different destinations in a simple coat, it acted as a symbol of identification.

The significance of the badge still continues to survive with it being used among defence personnel, sports teams, and even public services.

Clinical approach to uniform

In the 19th century, Doctors usually wore black as the symbol of hard times faced due to ailment and so as to connote death. As medical advancement began towards the end of the century, the uniform industry also saw a shift in demand. The popular white lab coats were preferred by doctors and surgeons in order to display sterile purity and cleanliness.

These lab coats were later switched to casual scrubs and smarter attire to make things less intimidating to patients.

Taking school uniforms and corporate up a notch

The uniform industry has seen its peak when in the 20th century people opted for smart workwear. Corporates made it mandatory for everyone to wear formals in order to make the workplace more unified and dignified. Suiting up for work made an impressive gesture as well as defined unity among workers coming from different ethnicities, races, and religions.

In terms of school uniforms, the colours, fabric quality and of course the patterns have changed over the years. High-quality fabrics that are stain-resistant and comfortable to enable free movement all day long are the new norm.

The Uniform industry has seen major developments as per the social trends as well as the technological developments in the manufacturing of fabrics. Not only this, it has registered the changes as per the evolving regulations, attitudes, industries, and fashion trends.

Businesses have understood that it is more than just about a dress code and more about the creation of a brand image. Uniforms are the new tool for powerful brand recognition and hence the adoption of the latest trends and incorporation with rather solid uniforms is the ultimate goal for the uniform industry.