The rise of a millennial workforce witnessed the dramatic shift away from office formality, to new casual work attire.
For the uniform industry, it's easy to panic that this spells the end for the office uniform as we know it, destined to go the way of the video store.
However, instead, what we're witnessing is exciting new opportunities emerging, requiring a slight paradigm shift of what a ‘uniform’ is.
The dictionary definition of ‘uniform’ is ‘remaining the same in all cases and at all times; unchanging in form or character.’
In this vein, we traditionally think of the uniform industry as the polo or versatile go-to shirt that ‘uniforms’ an entire team; or the service industry with protective work shirts.
However, where this opportunity exists is from an industry so notorious for its casual stance on corporate attire, that you would be forgiven for instantly dismissing it as a write-off for the uniform industry.
The software tech industry.
Synonymous with the eternal student look (think Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg), the tech industry on paper appears polar opposite to what we do, however, there are crucial elements of what the tech industry wears that is the perfect yin to the uniform industry’s yang.
Look closely, and there is an excellent opportunity from one of the fastest-growing and cash-rich industries.
The Tech Uniform.
Let’s break this one down. What is a uniform?
- Clear identification as a member of an organization. For example, retail, hospitality and armed forces.
- Safety. For example, hi-vis workwear.
- A sense of belonging, team mentality and affiliation.
There are others; however, these are the three that spring to mind. The first two being the most obvious and represents the bulk of what you sell, and that is unlikely to change soon.
The third is the unsung hero here.
From Canva to Salesforce, the software tech industry is a ‘cool’ place to work, pioneers of cutting-edge human resource techniques such as unlimited leave, and boasting internal climbing walls.
Most importantly, those that work for the company like to ensure that everyone knows it.
If you visit a software tech company’s office, alongside CBD skyline views, internal baristas and beards, you’ll see something else… branded t-shirts, bags, hoodies and caps… everywhere!
These essential elements of the tech ‘uniform’ advertise the wearer’s status as an employee of the cool, innovative and dynamic company, providing the required affiliation.
The exciting thing is it's not restricted to the office, and you're just as likely to see employees rocking the brand on the weekend, as you are the weekday.
Similarly, these companies boast a strong brand loyalty with their users and customers, resulting in full-blown e-commerce online stores, where you too can affiliate yourself with the software revolution.
Whatever you make of all this, there is a clear opportunity for the uniform industry, so get yourself in on the action!
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Image Source: Business Insider