In this December episode of Uniformer News, host Rick Levine is joined by columnists Leslie Watt-McArdle and Aileen Out for a fast-moving, global look at how uniforms, workwear, and PPE are evolving. The trio starts with fresh research on workplace dress codes: how “casual,” “business casual,” uniforms, and formal dress break down across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Aileen shares data showing why London is more formal than you might think, why Ireland stands out on casual dress, and how many American workers are actually in uniforms versus casual attire. From there, Rick introduces the problem of extreme employee turnover in sectors like grocery and quick-service restaurants—and what that means for uniform suppliers. They explore the ethical tension between durability, sustainability, and the business realities of constantly outfitting short-tenure employees, and compare that to markets where uniforms are regularly reused. Leslie then shines a spotlight on women’s workwear, featuring Dovetail Workwear’s collaboration with Lycra to create lighter, high-performance garments designed specifically for women in trades and industrial jobs. That leads to a wider conversation about why “just shrink the men’s version” no longer cuts it and how dedicated women’s workwear brands are proving the business case for better design. Aileen brings an international human-rights angle with the Japanese #KuToo movement, where women pushed back against mandatory high heels at work. The hosts discuss Japan Airlines’ shift toward more comfortable uniforms and sneakers, cultural expectations around women’s dress in Asia, and how footwear rules have become a frontline issue for gender equality. Finally, Rick looks ahead to the “employee” that doesn’t eat, sleep, or wear a uniform at all: AI. The group talks about how AI and “digital coworkers” are already reshaping the uniform industry—supporting research, RFP responses, analytics, merchandising, finance, and even writing and image creation—and what that might mean for companies, workers, and future uniform programs. From global dress-code trends to women’s workwear innovation, from sustainability to AI, this episode offers an energetic snapshot of where the uniform and workwear world is headed next.
