Zarah ChoudharyA recent study conducted by Banana Moon Clothing in conjunction with YouGov has found that 80% of shoppers prioritise comfort over trends when choosing their workwear, making it the most important factor ahead of wearability (43%) and durability (41%).
Only 6% of respondents prioritised trends, making it the least considered factor for shoppers.
Research from the University of Warwick, meanwhile, showed that happy employees are around 12% more productive in their day-to-day roles.
The Workwear Trends Index, which combines search and survey data, provided a full overview of this year’s uniform and workwear trends, as well as how businesses can adopt them.
Searches for ‘customised workwear’ have risen by 631%, now reaching 1,900 monthly searches.
Additionally, almost one in 10 (7%) of survey respondents said their employers offer branded and personalised merchandise, a practice seen in sectors such as law, legal services, and education.
The study also reported that employees continue to struggle with the concept of ‘smart casual’ attire.
The phrase ‘what is a smart casual dress code’ received 8,100 monthly searches, marking a 406% increase over the past year.
Just over two-fifths of respondents (43%) indicated that they do not currently have a uniform or dress code, as many industries – including marketing, construction, and even law – have seen a loosening of guidelines.
The increase in hybrid and remote work, with around 41% of UK workers now spending part of their week working remotely, has further contributed to this shift.
The study also found that the majority of employees adhere to their employer’s dress codes.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents reported never having been disciplined for violating dress code rules, as they have never strayed from them.
However, 33% admitted to breaking the dress code before, though only 9% had ever been caught.
The survey also highlighted the impact of workwear on employees’ perception of themselves, with 41% stating that wearing a uniform made them feel ‘presentable’, while 19% said it made them feel ‘comfortable’.
Searches for ‘sustainable uniform’ have doubled in the past year, as companies strive to integrate eco-conscious practices into their branding.
With brands increasingly aiming for carbon neutrality, sustainability targets, and even B Corp accreditation, responsible workwear production has become a key consideration.
The study reported that businesses looking to incorporate sustainability into their uniforms should ensure their suppliers follow sustainable processes in development, production, and post-production, including circular recycling schemes.
The research also noted that the global workwear market is set to grow significantly, with projections indicating it will exceed £20bn by 2029.
Searches for ‘workwear outfit ideas’ have already increased by 1,876% over the past year.
