What's the Difference Between Branded Clothing and Uniforms?

Whether you are a long-time business owner or experienced corporate executive or are just getting started, at some point, you may need to decide if your employees should wear a uniform, don branded clothing, or follow a dress code. You may be uncertain of the difference between branded clothing and a work uniform. Briefly put, a work uniform is likely to incorporate branded clothing, but not all branded clothing is for a uniform. Both can be part of a dress code. Still confused? Read on for further details.

What Is a Work Uniform?

A work uniform is something that employees are required to wear to do their job. Uniforms serve various functions. For example, auto body shop mechanics often wear coveralls made of durable but breathable fabric in lieu of regular clothing—even jeans—to protect themselves and their garments from dirt, oil, and grease. Electrical workers may wear garments that are resistant to electrical arcing to protect from static electricity or shocks. And chefs, cooks, and other kitchen workers who work around open flames may wear flame-retardant clothing for protection.

What Is Branded Clothing?

Branded clothing is any garment that identifies the wearer as being a member of your business. Whether the "brand" is that of your company name or the logo, the intent is the same. If, say, your business is a sporting goods store, having all your employees wear logo polo shirts will enable customers who need assistance to easily locate a floor worker. More traditional work uniforms, such as the aforementioned mechanic's coveralls, will usually incorporate some sort of company identifier as well.

Branded clothing also provides free advertising, especially if you also sell your items to the public or offer them to customers during periodic giveaways. Think of how often you see people casually dressed in branded clothing as they go about their day. Popular branded clothing items include logo polo and T-shirts and custom company baseball caps. Be sure your clothing is suitable to your business, though. A bank may ask employees to choose from a few branded dress shirt options, but that would not be suitable ice cream shop workers, who would be better off with easily washable cotton or cotton-blend T-shirts.

What Is a Dress Code?

A dress code comprises any stipulations regarding clothing to be worn by employees while at work; such provisions usually are set forth in writing in an employee handbook. A dress code can be as simple as requiring employees to wear khaki pants, a white shirt, and closed-toe, casual shoes other than sneakers. Or, it can be specific as to what company uniform an employee should be wearing depending on their role and the time of year. A dress code can be combination of both. Thus, a restaurant might require their wait staff to wear black pants that are not leggings or jeans, any solid-color button-down shirt, and company-branded business ties and server aprons. Dress codes also tell employees what not to wear, such as flip-flops, tank tops, or jeans with holes.

Reasons to Have Employees Wear Work Uniforms

Work uniforms serve several functions. First, uniforms are identifiers, which can be especially important for employees who are in customer-facing positions. A hotel, for example, may have different uniforms for various categories of employees: front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, and the like. These uniforms also let guests know that a worker does, in fact, belong at the hotel. If you call the front desk for extra blankets and you see through the peephole that the person bringing them is wearing a housekeeping uniform, you will feel that it is okay to open the door to your room.

Uniforms also help employees convey professionalism and competence. Several studies have found that a majority of patients prefer their doctors to wear white coats for just those reasons. In addition, as noted earlier, certain uniforms also have a protective function. Military uniforms convey the same purpose, and both military and civilian uniforms bring together the individuals wearing them. Such uniforms serve to remind individuals that they are part of a team that is united in serving a common goal.

Finally, having your employees wear uniforms or branded clothing can be convenient to your workers because they have one less thing to worry about when getting ready for work. Employees who work in the food service industry, for example, do not have to worry about getting food stains on them.

Other Considerations

Be aware that the federal government and a number of states have specific regulations when it comes to the wearing of uniforms and branded clothing and who pays for the garments and for their cleaning. Basically, you cannot require an employee to pay for a uniform if the cost of doing so will reduce their hourly salary to less than the minimum wage. Be sure to review these regulations with an employment attorney to ensure you are in compliance with the law.