When Is a Uniform, Not a Uniform?

When we think of uniforms, we think of some of the most famous uniforms of our time from big names such as Virgin Trains, Tesco, B&Q and McDonalds. Today we’re taking a look at some of the most famous uniforms….and they might not be what you’re thinking! Personal uniforms are big news, from saving time in the morning to saving decision making capacity these 3 celebrities knew that a uniform is more than just a uniform.

Barack Obama is a man that certainly wouldn’t have had time to pick out a different outfit every day of the week. During his time in office Mr Obama almost exclusively wore navy blue or grey suits. Impeccably tailored, they were befitting of one of the most important men in the world. Mr Obama almost exclusively tied his ties with a four in hand knot, possibly one of the fastest ways to tie a tie. When you’re in charge of the United States of America, time is of the essence! Obama was quoted in Vanity Fair as saying “You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits, “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”

An article on celebrity personal uniforms wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Steve Jobs. Famous for wearing his own uniform of a black turtleneck and denim jeans, paired with New Balance trainers. Jobs was rumoured to own over 100 polo necks! As arguably one of the most famous men in technology, he could have easily afforded a different outfit every day. So why would a man like Steve decide to make himself a uniform?

Steve Jobs understood clearly that we have a finite capacity to make decisions. So what was more important, building the next generation of iPhone, or deciding which tie to wear with which shirt? Steve Jobs decided to adopt his personal uniform, so it meant he was using his brainpower for the decisions that were the most important to his work in making Apple one of the largest and most profitable corporations in the world.

A Dimensions article wouldn’t be complete without a fashion twist! Karl Lagerfeld is arguably one of the most recognised men in fashion, and certainly one of our favourite designers. Being a fashion icon Karl has a more varied and edgy wardrobe than both Barack Obama and Steve Jobs, but his look is very similar in every outfit. Shades, gloves, shirt with a high collar and his hair tied back into a pony tail are the Lagerfeld trademark. However, unlike the previous celebrities, Lagerfeld is said to wear his personal uniform as it’s a tried and tested formula. The gloves make his hands look longer, the shades cover up his short sightedness, and the ponytail to tame his unruly hair. Having a uniform saves Lagerfeld the hours of trying clothes on and working out whether or not they suit him, something we can all relate to!

Your team will often have made hundreds of decisions before they walk out of their front door that morning. To keep them functioning at their highest level, have you considered adopting a staff uniform?

Consistency of all kinds and at all levels is what builds brands.

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