Changing Market: Uniforms and Workwear (Part 1)

CHICAGO — Uniforms and workwear used to be mostly a matter of function.

Companies provided uniforms to employees for protection and to fulfill industry regulations. The materials used and styles available were standard, making it easy for industrial laundries to provide for their customers. In the past decade, almost everything has changed.

Companies use uniforms and workwear for branding, culture and more. Materials and styles have modernized and become more individualized.

And all of these market transitions mean industrial laundries have had to update their processes as well.

American Laundry News communicated with three uniform/workwear providers to explore these market shifts and what operators need to know.

From Alsco Uniforms, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Ryan Mathews, senior national sales manager, and Trish Leishman, senior marketing and sales operations manager, teamed to provide expert commentary.

Rodrigo Patron is operations director for Lace House Linen in Petaluma, Calif.

And for King of Prussia, Pa.-based healthcare laundry specialist ImageFIRST, Chief Commercial Officer Dave Hilderbrand served as spokesperson.

Has the use of uniforms/workwear increased or decreased over the past decade? Why?

MATHEWS & LEISHMAN: The use of uniforms and workwear has steadily increased across North America over the past decade. What’s changed isn’t just how many companies use them, but why they do. Ten years ago, uniforms were primarily a function of compliance with healthcare, food service, and industrial safety requirements. Today, they’ve evolved into a cornerstone of brand experience, culture and workforce unity.

We’ve seen strong growth in segments like logistics, facilities management, and fast-casual dining, industries that once leaned toward casual dress but now recognize the value of professional presentation. Uniforms have become an equalizer, creating consistency for teams that may never share a physical office.

Several forces have shaped this growth:

Brand and culture. Employers now view uniforms as storytelling tools, visible proof of professionalism and pride.
Hygiene and safety. The pandemic redefined what “clean” means in the workplace, accelerating demand for professionally laundered garments.
Workforce mobility. As remote and hybrid models become more prevalent, uniforms provide frontline and distributed employees with a tangible sense of belonging.

Uniforms have moved from being a cost of doing business to a strategic expression of identity and trust. They help companies build connections in a disconnected world, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down.

PATRON: We are a mixed plant, and uniforms are not a huge part of our revenue, but we’ve actually seen uniform use go up, especially in hospitality and service industries.

People still want that clean, professional look, but comfort and flexibility are a big deal now. The days of stiff suits and ties are pretty much over — employees want uniforms that move with them and feel good all day.

HILDERBRAND: The use of healthcare uniforms and workwear has increased, driven by stronger infection-prevention awareness and the continued growth of the healthcare market. Over the past decade, more healthcare providers have recognized the importance of professional, hygienically clean attire.

Additionally, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) continues to reinforce the importance of proper laundering standards. The latest Guideline for Surgical Attire (effective Feb. 22, 2024) specifies that scrub apparel should be laundered in a healthcare-accredited facility or on-site, if it meets applicable regulatory requirements; home laundering is not recommended. These updates have further increased healthcare organizations’ focus on sourcing uniforms that align with recognized infection prevention and laundering standards.

How have uniform styles changed over the past decade? Why?

PATRON: Styles have definitely relaxed. There’s a lot more focus on sporty, fitted designs that blend professionalism with comfort and individuality. It’s less about strict dress codes and more about giving employees something they actually want to wear.

HILDERBRAND: Healthcare uniforms have evolved from simple, practical garments into performance wear designed for comfort, function, and infection control. The Wink INDY line, for example, blends a modern, athletic fit with durable, four-way stretch fabrics that meet the rigorous demands of healthcare environments.

MATHEWS & LEISHMAN: Uniform styles have undergone a complete transformation over the past 10 years. What was once purely functional has evolved into something that balances form, comfort and brand alignment. The line between professional workwear and everyday apparel has blurred, driven by changes in workforce expectations and the influence of retail fashion.

Employees expect the same level of comfort, mobility and style from their uniforms that they get from their personal wardrobes. That shift has pushed suppliers and service providers — us included — to rethink design, from cut and color to stretch and breathability.

Three significant changes stand out:

The “athleisure effect.” Lightweight, flexible fabrics and modern silhouettes have replaced stiff, boxy designs.
Brand expression. Uniforms now reflect company culture, often designed in collaboration with marketing teams.
Gender and inclusivity. Programs are built for all body types and identities; one-size-fits-all is gone.

The modern uniform has become a recruiting tool, a retention strategy and a source of pride.

Check back next Tuesday to read about customer requests, material changes and the resulting laundering challenges.