New work uniforms incorporating personality and the feel-good factor

Designing of work uniforms poses its own challenges: heavy-duty use requires much from the materials to be used, the many different body shapes and diverse personal preferences on the other hand require skilful patterning and attention to detail.

At the beginning of WDC Helsinki 2012, Alepa introduced new company textiles, and the new uniforms, carpets and durable carrier bags have already been adopted in the first few metropolitan shops. The designing process was aimed at youthfulness, casualness and adaptability – taking into account the employee's varied tasks and personal feel-good factor.

“When I heard about Alepa’s hopes and aims concerning the new work uniform selection, I was immediately enthusiastic. During the design process, we came up with the additional ideas of designing carpets and durable carrier bags in the same spirit as the work uniforms,”  states designer Anna Sairo who is responsible for the overall design process.

At its best, a work uniform will enhance work motivation and a sense of wellbeing at work. Alepa proposed that, apart from being suited for their function, work uniforms should also be trendy and pleasing to the employees’ differing personal styles. For those favouring a traditional dress code, there is the collared shirt, however, the designs include many different options from T-shirts to waistcoats, hooded tops and jackets.

The new uniforms have been received with enthusiasm and delight. “The new clothes are of the cheerful Alepa style, comfortable and smart. We feel uplifted, of course we like to look nice,” Mari Vähävirta from the Kisahalli Alepa explains. Even customers have noticed the new uniforms and praised them as better looking and easier to discern. “And our customers have been very pleasantly surprised when they have entered in and been received on new red carpets,” Mari smiles.

The new work uniforms and textiles are Alepa’s way of highlighting the importance of design in our daily lives. The new look conveys the WDC Helsinki 2012 philosophy: great design makes the world better, it enhances quality of life and offers interesting experiences. As part of the WDC Helsinki 2012 programme, the new look can be admired in the Kisahalli, Eliel, Mannerheimintie and airport Alepas.