COLOUR THEORY IN UNIFORM DESIGN

hen designing a bespoke uniform there are many aspects which we are to consider. The three most overarching elements are practicality, durability, and a strong aesthetic.

To create this strong aesthetic, we must focus on the individual client as well as their brief, building renders, branding guidelines,historical stories, interior design and so on. It is during this information-gathering stage that we begin to dig deeper and ask the right questions to ensure we meetthe needs of the brief.

Over the course of our 12 year history, we have developed a range of questions that enable us to understand the end goal effectively. One of the first questions we ask a client when deciphering job roles is ‘how do you want that person to make a guest feel?’ Often the response is something along the lines of ‘they need to make a guest feel at home’ or ‘A guest should feel as though they are talking to someone in charge’. This is where colour theory comes into play.

Once we have selected a colour palette for the project, we start to think about what colours each position should wear. This comes down to things such as where in the building they are based and if they are likely to get dirty in their job role but also how they want to come across to guests.

We break colour theory down into many different variations such as colours for increasing formality or approachability or colours to evoke calmness vs excitement.

Formality is often assumed to be dictated by the garments themselves, where a three-piece suit is immediately more formal than a separate jacket and trouser combination. Whilst this can be true, it is the relative warmth or coldness of an outfit that could sway it in either direction.

Warm colours such as tans, burgundy, oranges, yellows, mid-blues and grassy greens tend to lessen the formality of an outfit, whereas cold colours such as navy, greys, black, whites, and minty tones tend to heighten formality.

Below is an example where the technically smarter 2-piece suit appears more relaxed than the jacket and trouser separates to the right. This is because the warmth of the tan and wine colour combination appears much less formal than the cold grey and navy pairing.

Sometimes, however, formality is not the most important aspect of a uniform. For a person in the role of Guest Relations, Receptionist or Host it may be more important that they come acrossas friendly, approachable, and welcoming; someone that is there to assist and greet. A study conducted in 2013 titled ‘First Impression and the Reference Encounter: The Influence of Clothing’ suggests that blue, green, tan and brown clothing communicates a person is reliable and trustworthy so these may be good colours to dress these positions. It’s interesting to note that these colours are also those in the warm category that lessen the formality of a look.

Depending on the environment we may also want to create a sense of excitement or calmness through colour. For example, a contemporary restaurant with a lively bar might be looking to create an atmosphere that is stimulating and energetic. Tones between the shades of yellow and red would be perfect for this. Orange is a colour of enthusiasm and deeper rust shades work well with most skintones and so this could be a brilliant option for a hostess dress here.

Similarly, a spa receptionist maybe best in white, blue, or green. White is associated with cleanliness and perfection, blue is proven to have a calming effect and green denotes safety, freshness, and harmony.

There are many ways to interpret colour though we reference these as guidelines. When we are designing a new bespoke uniform, we will always work with our clients to figure out what’s most important to them and allow the collection to evolve as we delve into their world.

Here at Studio 104 we are able to offer client's many ways to work with us. This can range from a fully bespoke, highly creative uniform collection through to a pre-designed house uniform range (104 Collection) that can meet short lead times and keener budgets. We are particular specialists in men's tailoring, exemplified in our work with some of the world's finest luxury hotels, where the male look is of utmost importance. From heritage brands such as Gleneagles, The Savoy, Fortnum & Mason and Mandarin Oriental to the modern luxury brands such as NoMad, Nobu Ibiza Bay, The Fife Arms & The Newt in Somerset.

Written by Beth - Studio 104 Designer

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