AILEEN’S UNIFORM ATLAS
The Pulse is pleased to present Aileen’s Uniform Atlas, a recurring feature written by Aileen Out.
Out is the owner of Prettybusiness, a news blog in the Netherlands that focuses exclusively on work clothing.
As a workwear supplier, your primary task is to provide companies with work clothing. However, if you look beyond that, you’ll quickly realize that engaging young people is also crucial. When we’re no longer around, they will take over our work. But how do you ensure that the next generation is well-prepared and eager to work in this industry?
From an airline and the police to pest control, these companies have all involved students in their workwear development process in unique ways. And it’s quite different from simply working with your colleagues in the office. I’ve delved into this topic below.
Developing workwear as a learning process
In July, Orkin, a company specializing in pest control, announced that new workwear was being introduced. The American company collaborated with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for this project. Sixteen students were selected from various programs, including fashion, fashion marketing and management, graphic design, art history, animation, illustration, film and television, luxury and brand management, and more. The group was split into two teams: a fashion team and a graphics team.
Although photos of the new workwear have not yet been shared, the press release indicates that the clothing is an update of the current uniform. The fabric has been upgraded, the fit for women has been improved, and the pockets have been redesigned. However, the strength of this project lies not only in the new uniform but also in the experience the students gained. By working in a group, they learned not only how to divide tasks and respect them but also how to come together to achieve a single result.
Increasing support through workwear
The police in Bangladesh also recently announced their intention to renew their uniforms and collaborate with students for this purpose. Unlike the project at Orkin, where the focus is on student education, the police force seems to be seeking reconciliation. During the nationwide protest on August 5, led by a group of students, there was a confrontation between the police and demonstrators, leading to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
Shortly thereafter, it was announced that the police would receive new uniforms as part of an effort to restore relations with the public. Although a 10-member committee had already been formed, students were invited to submit designs. The police aim to renew both the logo and the clothing, but the exact nature of the collaboration is still unclear. This could potentially evolve into a great educational project, but I have my doubts. It doesn’t seem to be the best way to get students excited about workwear. Anyone who has ever led a successful project knows how important a positive start and mindset are.
In my column next week I will talk about designing representative uniforms with students and how a manufacturer of protective fabrics organized a design competition for young people.
