The Wall Street Journal recently released a thoughtful and beautifully produced video exploring a subject that everyone in our industry knows well—but the broader public rarely stops to examine: uniforms.
At first glance, uniforms are simply what people wear to work. But as the video quickly reveals, they are far more than clothing. Uniforms mark the transition from private individual to public role. They signal responsibility, authority, professionalism, and belonging. They are both deeply personal and unmistakably collective.
The video opens with a simple truth: everyone has a uniform story. Some remember uniforms that felt uncomfortable, awkward, or ill-fitting. Others recall uniforms that instilled pride and confidence, helping them feel capable and prepared. In either case, uniforms shape how people see themselves—and how they are seen by others.
From there, the story moves inside the business of uniforms through the lens of Meurice Garment Care, a company that has been serving New York City since 1961. President and CEO Wayne Edelman draws a powerful parallel between caring for a tailored suit and caring for a uniform. In both cases, the goal is the same: making sure the person wearing it feels good, respected, and ready to do their job. For the workers who clean, maintain, and manage uniforms, there is pride in knowing that someone else’s professionalism begins with their work.
The video then steps back in time to explore the history and cultural meaning of work uniforms with fashion historian Heather Akou. She reminds us that uniforms are part of America’s everyday material culture—often overlooked precisely because they are so common. Nurses, postal workers, delivery drivers, hospitality staff, healthcare workers, and industrial employees make up tens of millions of people whose jobs keep society functioning. Their uniforms may not be glamorous, but they are essential.
Uniforms serve different purposes depending on the job. Some are purely functional—you cannot safely do the work without them. Others establish authority and trust. A hotel concierge, a security guard, or a front-of-house employee may not seem like safety roles at first glance, but in moments of crisis, recognizable uniforms matter. They help people know who to follow and who is in charge.
Equally compelling are the voices of workers themselves. Some appreciate the comfort, utility, and thoughtful design of their uniforms. Others feel conflicted—finding community and unity in matching attire while also navigating designs that feel outdated or performative. Across these perspectives runs a shared theme: uniforms are deeply tied to dignity, identity, and how work feels on a daily basis.
One of the most striking observations in the video is that while the U.S. prides itself on individualism, uniforms tell a different story. They represent collective purpose. They are decisions made by organizations about how work should look, feel, and function. And they quietly shape millions of daily experiences, often without being noticed at all.
For those of us in the uniform, image apparel, and workwear industry, this video is a powerful reminder of why the work matters. Uniforms sit at the intersection of function, culture, history, and human experience. They are worn by people doing essential jobs—jobs that keep cities running, people safe, and services moving.
We encourage you to watch the full Wall Street Journal video embedded on this page. It offers a rare, thoughtful look at uniforms not just as products or programs, but as lived experiences—and as an integral part of American working life.
