Adeesh Sharma

Uniform and non-uniform segments are the two key components of the workwear market in India. You can choose the style in the non-uniform segment—business formals or casuals—but the uniform segment is much more regulated and in certain professions protective clothing is required to safeguard employees from occupational hazards.

Uniform segment consists of basic and protective workwear. Basic workwear is what employees in police, healthcare, defence and mnanufacturing companies wear while performing their routine activities. Protective workwear requires specialized protective garments and equipment such as fire retardant suits, bullet proof jackets, chemical-resistant coats, eye glasses, gloves, shoes, etc. These equipment are used in construction industry, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing facilities, laboratories, by security agencies, fire services, mining, etc.

The demand for protective workwear in India is on an upswing as the economy is growing at 7% year-on-year and the SME sector increasing in size. This demand is further fueled by the entry of MNCs that maintain the best standards in occupational safety and have spurred their Indian counterparts to improve workplace safety standards. In certain professions, having a distinct workwear for the staff also helps in improving the brand value of an organization. For instance, hospital staff can be given colour-coded workwear to assist patients in identifying them. This also helps in creating uniformity and team-like feeling among employees.

In oil and gas industries, where occupational hazards are common, employees themselves demand workwear to protect themselves from injuries. Also, vendors that work with MNCs need to comply with international safety standards to create a better brand identity. Such factors are proving to be decisive factors in increasing the growth of workwear market in India.

The lack of variety in terms of quality workwear, relatively lack of awareness in the market, lesser distribution channels, and poor advice on workwear requirements are just some of the key challenges. The suppliers, in association with safety experts, need to take adequate steps to ensure the growth of workwear market in India.

Both comfort and style are important parameters that come right after the safety requirements. The kind of fabric to used, the overall weight of the uniform, strength of the materials used and their texture, all impact the quality and costs of a workwear uniform. Most workers are comfortable wearing western casuals as opposed to business formals such as suits and sarees. Casual clothing also allows one to don additional protective equipment with ease, without causing any discomfort to employees or denting a hole in their pockets.

Protective workwear features

The market is increasingly technology driven with new innovations that promote crease resistant, water repellant, anti-microbial and anti-static designs in addition to flame-retardant and high visibility finishing of fabrics. The advancements in technology have ensured that workwear for employees has become more comfortable and enhances their safety in good measure. The thought behind designing modern workwear is that employees should not get distracted by clothes and any equipment worn by them should also not be overbearing on their bodies. The functional innovations are happening in sync with the fashion trends in workwear. The traditional workwear trends such as coveralls have given way to functional and more trendy jackets and trousers, and there are low cut trousers made from textile materials in usage.

There is an increase in the organized players that supply to various verticals such as food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, FMCG, etc. The clients can choose from three different models of operation according to their requirements. The rental/full service model provides the customers rental workwear for a fixed weekly cost for each garment. As part of this facility, services such as laundary, repair, replacement, delivery, logo embroidery, etc are provided by the supplier. This option is most popular among organized companies but is also the most expensive. The second option is the lease of workwear and is meant for buyers who want to receive advantages of mending and replacement but prefer them at lower costs by not subscribing to additional services such as laundry. The outright purchase of workwear is the third option but does not come with regular maintenance services such as laundry and repair. It is suitable for clients that want lowest costs and also have their own arrangement for regular maintenance tasks.

Conclusion

Certain industries such as oil and gas, construction, mining, etc experience occupational hazards on a regular basis and hence workwear provides them safety and comfort, alongwith the confidence to go about their tasks in a diligent manner. With globalization comes the need to follow best industrial practices in occupational safety and health, and the importance of the right workwear cannot be understated under any circumstances. In fact, even in uniform workwear we shall witness innovations such as anti-microbial and odor-free finishes alongwith emergence of distinct divisions of corporate wear such as boardroom attire, executive casuals, baseline casuals, etc.