Healthcare tunics are an integral part of the medical profession, representing both tradition and practicality. At Work in Style, we’re proud to have been providing high-quality tunics for healthcare services since 1935. As a trusted supplier, we understand the importance of tunics in fostering professionalism, ensuring comfort, and maintaining hygiene standards in healthcare settings. Let’s explore the significance of healthcare tunics, who wears them, their uses, and the role they play in modern healthcare.

Who Wears Healthcare Tunics?

Healthcare tunics are worn by a wide range of professionals, including:

• Nurses: Tunics are synonymous with nursing staff, offering a functional and professional appearance while ensuring comfort during long shifts.
• Doctors and Consultants: While some doctors may opt for shirts or white coats, tunics remain a popular choice in clinics and non-surgical settings.
• Care Workers: Care workers in residential and home care settings wear tunics to maintain a professional look and ensure practicality.
• Support Staff: Healthcare assistants, cleaners, and administrative staff also often wear tunics to identify their roles and create a unified team appearance.
• Therapists and Specialists: Professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists frequently wear tunics as part of their day-to-day attire, ensuring they can work comfortably while engaging with patients.

Different Uses of Healthcare Tunics

Healthcare tunics serve several purposes:

1. Professional Identity: Tunics help differentiate roles and responsibilities within a healthcare setting, making it easy for patients and colleagues to identify staff, either with tunic colour or with a coloured trim on the tunics neck and arms.
2. Hygiene and Safety: Designed with infection control in mind, tunics are made from durable, easy-to-clean fabrics that meet hygiene standards.
3. Comfort and Functionality: Our tunics have an array of pocket to keep tools and pens, they are designed to support the demanding needs of healthcare professionals.
4. Durability: Healthcare tunics are built to withstand frequent washing and long-term use, ensuring they remain a cost-effective choice for employers. All of our tunics are suitable for industrial laundry and can withstand washing temperatures up to 85 degrees.
5. Team Unity: Matching tunics create a cohesive and professional look across departments, reinforcing teamwork and organisational identity.

Colours and Their Meaning

In healthcare settings, the colour of a tunic often serves as a visual indicator of the wearer’s role or department. Colour coded trims are often used as a more subtle tell of someone’s department/rank.

While specific colour assignments can vary between organisations, this system helps patients and staff quickly identify roles, fostering efficiency and trust in busy healthcare environments. Colour-coded tunics also enhance communication, making it easier for colleagues to identify who to approach for specific needs or concerns.

If your team requires a unique set of colours and/or trims, we can accommodate this with almost any colour and trim combination you desire.

The Tradition of Healthcare Tunics

Healthcare tunics have been a cornerstone of NHS uniforms since its inception in 1948. Their traditional design reflects the values of professionalism, care, and dedication that underpin our health service. Over the decades, the design of tunics has evolved to include modern materials and ergonomic features, but the core principles remain unchanged.

The durability and timeless appeal of tunics have cemented their place in healthcare history. From the early days of the NHS to the present, tunics have adapted to the changing demands of the healthcare sector, maintaining their relevance in both clinical and community settings.

Work in Style’s Tunic Collection

At Work in Style, we’re proud to offer a wide range of healthcare tunics designed to meet the needs of today’s healthcare professionals. Our collection includes:

• Classic and Modern Styles: Combining traditional designs with contemporary touches for comfort and practicality.
• Durable Materials: Hardwearing fabrics that can withstand rigorous washing and daily wear.
• Variety of Colours: Options to suit various roles and organisational colour schemes.
• Inclusive Sizing: A range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for every member of staff.
• Customisation Options: Personalised embroidery and branding to reinforce organisational identity.
• Bespoke options: We can offer almost any colour combination for your tunics, contact us with your colour requirements.
• Modern designs: Tunics are used in all sorts of settings, like Beauty salons & Dentists, we have tunics for everyone, take a look at our options below.

DVDTR Nursing Tunic A traditional nursing tunic in a ladies fit, the DVDTR healthcare tunic features a concealed zip, two hip pockets, and a breast pocket for practicality and comfort. This is our best-selling healthcare product and is available in various colours to align with departmental codes.

Philip Male Healthcare Tunic A classic male healthcare tunic with a revere collar and coloured trim on the collar and sleeves. Features a concealed zip fastening, action back shoulder pleats, and side slits for enhanced mobility. Choose your own colour and trim for organisational identity.

Work in Style Maternity Nurse Tunic Specifically designed for expectant healthcare professionals; this tunic accommodates a growing bump while maintaining a professional appearance. Features include side vents and pleats for added comfort.

You can explore our full range of healthcare tunics here.

Supporting the NHS Since 1948

Since the NHS was founded, Work in Style has been a proud partner, providing high-quality uniforms that support the vital work of healthcare professionals. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

Over the years, we have worked closely with healthcare organisations to understand their requirements, ensuring our uniforms offer the perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality. Our dedication to quality has made us a trusted name in the industry, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support healthcare heroes.

Whether you’re outfitting a team or looking for individual pieces, our healthcare tunics are right for you. Trust in a tradition that spans over seven decades and choose Work in Style for your healthcare uniform needs. Together, we support the vital work of those who care for others.

Contact us for more information on our Healthcare tunics and beyond..

The landscape of corporate wear is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when a standard suit and tie were the sole symbols of professionalism. Today, the corporate wardrobe has expanded to include a variety of attire that balances comfort, style, and functionality. This shift reflects broader changes in workplace culture, fashion trends, and employee expectations.

The Evolution of Corporate Wear

Traditional corporate attire was synonymous with formality—think dark suits, crisp shirts, and conservative ties. While this dress code conveyed professionalism, it often lacked flexibility and comfort. As workplace cultures have evolved, especially with the rise of creative industries and tech startups, there has emerged a demand for attire that was still professional, but more comfortable.

The concept of "business casual" has gained traction, introducing pieces like chinos and polo shirts into the corporate wardrobe. This shift is not merely about dressing down but about embracing a more relaxed yet polished aesthetic that can adapt to various professional settings. By allowing for a broader range of styles, this approach enables employees to express their individuality and feel more comfortable being themselves at work, fostering a sense of authenticity and confidence.

The Rise of Polos and Chinos

Polo shirts and chinos have become staples in modern corporate wear, offering a blend of comfort and style. Polo shirts, traditionally associated with sports like tennis and golf, have been re-imagined for the workplace. Brands have introduced polo's in premium fabrics and tailored fits, making them suitable for professional environments. Similarly, chinos—crafted from premium fabrics like breathable cotton twill—provide a comfortable yet sophisticated alternative to traditional suit trousers. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism, making them a great option for corporate settings.

Brands Leading the Change

Several brands have been instrumental in redefining corporate wear by offering versatile and stylish options that cater to the modern professional. Let's explore three such brands:

Nimbus

With roots in Scandinavian design, Nimbus focuses on creating premium corporate fashion that embodies quality, design, and attention to detail. Their collection includes a range of polos, shirts, knitwear & Jackets designed for everyday corporate use. Nimbus emphasizes timeless designs inspired by Scandinavian heritage, ensuring their pieces remain relevant and stylish.

Henbury

Henbury offers classic, easy-to-wear styles tailored for the modern corporate market. They consistently push the boundaries of innovative garment technology and practical styling, providing a range of Chinos and shirts that combine functionality with a professional appearance.

Asquith & Fox

Renowned for combining timeless British style with contemporary flair, Asquith & Fox offers a range of premium polo shirts, chinos, and casual wear. Their products are designed for a relaxed fit, using high-quality materials that wash and wear beautifully, making them ideal for corporate settings that embrace a smart-casual dress code.

The Impact of Workplace Culture

The shift towards more relaxed corporate attire is also a reflection of changing workplace cultures. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee comfort and the role it plays in productivity and job satisfaction. By adopting a more flexible dress code, organizations aim to create a work environment that fosters creativity and inclusivity.

Moreover, the rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements has further blurred the lines between formal and casual wear. Employees seek clothing that is versatile enough to transition between different business needs and interactions seamlessly.

Styling Casual corporate wear for the Office

Incorporating casual corporate wear like Polo's, sweatshirts and Chinos into your wardrobe can be both practical and stylish. Here are some tips to consider:

• Fit and Fabric: opt for well-fitted polo's made from high-quality fabrics to maintain a professional appearance. Similarly, choose chinos that offer a tailored fit and are crafted from durable materials.
• Colour Coordination: Neutral colours like navy, black, and beige are versatile and can be easily paired with other items in your wardrobe. Introducing subtle patterns or bolder shades can add a touch of personality without compromising professionalism.
• Layering: Layering a polo shirt under a sweatshirt can elevate the look, making it suitable for more formal occasions. Chinos can be paired with dress shirts and sweaters to adapt to varying office environments.
• Footwear: Pairing chinos with loafers or oxfords can enhance the professional appeal, while clean sneakers can offer a more casual vibe for less formal settings.

The evolution of corporate wear towards incorporating polo's and chinos reflects a broader shift in workplace dynamics and fashion sensibilities. Brands like Nimbus, Henbury, and Asquith & Fox are at the forefront of this change, offering products that meet the demands of the modern professional. By embracing this trend, individuals and organizations can cultivate a work environment that values the needs of their employees.

Professions Embracing Modern Corporate Wear

Modern corporate wear isn’t limited to traditional office settings; it has found its way into a variety of professions where style, comfort, and practicality are essential. While corporate wear is often associated with industries like finance, marketing, and tech, its versatility has allowed it to transcend these boundaries and even influence sectors like healthcare.

Industries Utilizing Corporate Wear

1. Corporate Offices:
   Polo's and chinos are now staples for professionals in tech startups, marketing agencies, and creative industries. These workplaces often prioritize a business-casual aesthetic that reflects their innovative and laid-back cultures.
2. Retail and Hospitality:
   Employees in customer-facing roles often rely on corporate wear that balances professionalism with comfort. A well-fitted polo paired with chinos offers a polished appearance while allowing freedom of movement during long shifts.
3. Education:
   Teachers, administrators, and staff in educational institutions appreciate the adaptability of modern corporate wear. Polo's and chinos provide a professional look without being overly formal, making them ideal for dynamic environments like schools.
4. Real Estate and Sales:
   Real estate agents and sales professionals frequently wear polo's and sweatshirts as they navigate between formal client meetings and fieldwork. This attire projects confidence and approachability, which are crucial in building relationships with clients.

Crossing Over into Healthcare

The healthcare sector, known for its traditionally uniformed workforce, is also embracing elements of corporate wear. Here’s how:

1. Administrative Roles in Healthcare:
   Hospital administrators, medical receptionists, and patient coordinators often prefer a professional yet comfortable look. Polo's in neutral or healthcare-themed colours (like light blues and greens) strike the right balance between formal and approachable.
2. Physiotherapists and Wellness Professionals:
   Physiotherapists and wellness coaches benefit from the flexibility and comfort of corporate wear, particularly in private practices or boutique clinics. A polo or t-shirt allows for ease of movement while maintaining a professional appearance.
3. Healthcare Startups:
   With the rise of tech-driven healthcare companies, employees often favour smart-casual corporate wear over traditional scrubs. This shift reflects the tech sector’s influence on modern work culture and the blending of healthcare innovation with a business-casual aesthetic.

Blending Corporate Wear with Traditional Healthcare Attire

To meet the needs of the healthcare sector, Work in style can offer customisable options on all your favourite corporate wear brands like Nimbus, Henbury, and Asquith & Fox. These garments can feature embroidery, logos, or brand-specific colour schemes, ensuring that corporate wear aligns with healthcare branding while maintaining practicality.

As healthcare continues to evolve, blending corporate wear with traditional uniforms offers a refreshing approach to professional attire—one that prioritises comfort, versatility, and style.

The evolution of corporate wear towards a more ‘business casual’ look reflects a broader shift in workplace dynamics and fashion sensibilities. These changes aren’t confined to traditional office environments—corporate wear has found its place across diverse industries, including retail, education, and even healthcare.

In healthcare, the adoption of modern corporate attire is particularly noteworthy. From administrators to wellness professionals and healthcare startups, polo's, fleeces & chinos are becoming a practical and stylish alternative to conventional uniforms. By blending professionalism with comfort, corporate wear empowers employees in every sector to perform their roles with confidence and ease.

Brands like Nimbus, Henbury, and Asquith & Fox are leading the charge, offering high-quality, customizable options that meet the demands of the modern workplace. Whether it’s the boardroom, the classroom, or a boutique clinic, corporate wear today strikes the perfect balance between functionality, versatility, and individuality. By embracing this trend, organizations across all sectors can cultivate work environments that value professionalism, personal expression, and comfort, setting the tone for a more dynamic and inclusive future.

Shop Work in Style's Corporate wear range here - Corporate wear

We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with a leading textile and work wear recycling company, offering our customers a reliable, professional, and safe way to dispose of end-of-life garments.

This collaboration reinforces our commitment to sustainability, supporting our customers in achieving their environmental objectives while maintaining the highest standards of security and professionalism.

For healthcare, medical, hospital, and education providers, secure disposal of work wear and scrubs is crucial. Improperly discarded garments can pose a significant security risk if misused. To address this, our partner provides secure lockable disposal units strategically placed around customer sites. These units are collected on a pre-agreed schedule, ensuring seamless and efficient waste management.

Textile waste remains a significant environmental challenge, with over 350,000 tonnes of textiles sent to landfills in the UK each year, generating 26.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

By offering an innovative recycling solution, Work In Style is helping customers contribute to reducing this environmental burden. Once collected, garments are securely processed and recycled into new products, fostering a circular economy and minimising landfill waste.

“This partnership represents an important step forward in our mission to provide sustainable solutions to our customers,” said Carl Tilbury, Sales Director at Work In Style. “By offering a secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to dispose of garments, we’re not only addressing a critical need but also helping our customers make progress on their own sustainability journeys.”

Work In Style is committed to making a positive environmental impact while providing exceptional service to its customers.

 To learn more about this secure disposal and recycling service, contact our team today. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future.

For over 90 years, Barco has been making quality workwear for healthcare professionals.  Its popular collections - Barco One and Skechers scrubs, both available at Work in Style, and many others have been used by doctors, nurses, vets and other clinicians across the world for decades. Recently, Barco has taken a pioneering step in reducing their environmental impact and promoting responsible manufacturing by creating scrubs made from recycled materials – with up to 7 bottles in each garment! But we’re not talking about recycling fabrics; we’re talking about that major scourge on the planet – plastic.

The rise of the plastic blight

The production of large quantities of plastics began following the Second World War. Since then, plastic pollution has become one of the most serious threats to humankind, with around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste being produced by the world each year. It’s in the air, in the soil, in freshwater, in the sea, and it has even been found in our bodies – such is the pervasiveness of this material that it’s even finding its way into our food*.

Plastic pollution is a serious global problem that does irreparable harm to the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, every day, the equivalent of 2,000 rubbish trucks full of plastic ends up in our oceans, lakes, and rivers, poisoning and killing sea life and getting into the food chain. Despite efforts by environmental activists, businesses and individuals to cut down on plastic waste, the amount being produced and discarded is out of control.

Whether it’s water bottles or food containers, packaging or playthings, tons of plastic products find their way into our homes daily. Plastic is convenient, portable, and cheap to produce, which is why it is used for most packaging materials. Indeed, plastic bottles contribute most to the global plastic waste problem because they are often used once and then binned. With over a million plastic water bottles bought every minute, this is not a problem that will be solved overnight – plus, it takes up to 1000 years for plastic bottle waste to degrade.

Barco’s commitment to a greener future

To tackle the plastic pollution problem, we need to reduce our use of plastic bottle waste, but we also need to deal with the mass that exists. In healthcare, where long hours and tough demands are the norm, it’s easy to overlook how workwear impacts the planet. But Barco is leading the charge by creating scrubs that don’t just meet their usual high standards in comfort—they also help reduce plastic waste.

From bottles to scrubs: How Barco makes a difference

Barco is putting some of plastic waste to good use by transforming recycled bottles into fabric for scrubs. It collects plastic waste, which is cleaned, melted, and turned into pellets. Those pellets become yarn, which then becomes fabric. Each Barco One scrub includes five recycled plastic bottles, and each Skechers scrub contains seven recycled plastic bottles.

Barco is making massive inroads into the plastic problem, having recycled over 40 million plastic bottles since 2016. That’s a lot of plastic kept out of oceans and landfills. In addition, this process uses less water, reduces carbon emissions, and saves energy when compared to traditional manufacturing.

Built for comfort, made for the planet

The best part is that even with all that sustainability built into Barco’s scrubs, the comfort and durability that healthcare professionals need haven’t changed. They’re lightweight, breathable, and tough enough to handle long shifts. Healthcare workers put these scrubs to the test daily, which never fail to hold up to the rigorous demands of their profession.

Your choice matters

If you’re in the healthcare industry and care about sustainability and making eco-conscious decisions, now is the time to make a difference. Every scrub made from recycled materials means fewer bottles in landfills. By choosing Barco’s recycled scrubs, you are joining the movement towards a greener future, where caring for the planet is as important as caring for others.

Barco is just one of the many thousands of companies finding innovative ways to supply their customers with the same quality product that they are familiar with and also to use fewer resources or recycle some of the waste we have created in the last several decades. Rather than finding ways to exploit new resources, as was the case only a few generations ago, people and companies are focusing on finding sustainable ways to grow while protecting the planet and the resources we have left. Businesses large and small, all over the globe are operating under this new ethos, and they deserve our support.

So, if you have the opportunity to support the business that supplies your workwear and help recycle some of the masses of waste we have created, without compromising on quality and comfort, then why wouldn’t you?

*Humes, E. Total Garbage; How we can fix our waste and heal our world.

Pictured: our measuring team 2024

Benefits of Measuring Days for Universities and Medical Students

In the demanding world of medical education, attention to detail is critical, and this extends beyond the classroom and into the realm of practical training. A key element often overlooked is the importance of properly fitting medical uniforms, which are essential for both comfort and professionalism.

This is where our  "Measuring Days" become particularly relevant for universities and medical students. With our extensive experience, our team excel in providing this essential service, offering a seamless and efficient process tailored to the unique needs of medical students across the UK.

The Importance of Fit for Medical Uniforms

The fit of a medical uniform is not just about aesthetics; it directly impacts a student’s comfort, mobility, and confidence. For medical students, who spend countless hours in practical sessions, the right fit can enhance their ability to perform clinical tasks effectively. Ill-fitting uniforms can be restrictive, leading to discomfort that distracts from learning and patient care.

A well-fitted set of medical scrubs or tunic contributes to a professional appearance, which is crucial in a medical or healthcare setting. Patients often judge medical professionals by their appearance, and a uniform that fits well can positively influence patient perceptions.

Work In Style understands these needs, which is why we focus on providing high-quality garments like Key Scrubs. These scrubs are designed with the demands of the medical profession in mind, offering durability, comfort, and a professional look that meets the high standards required in healthcare settings.

Efficiency of Measuring Days

Measuring Days are designed to be efficient and stress-free, a vital consideration given the busy schedules of medical students at beginning of the academic year. We have honed this process to perfection, deploying dedicated teams to measure large volumes of students quickly and accurately. The streamlined approach ensures that the fitting process is completed with minimal disruption to students’ academic schedules.

The expertise of Work In Style ensures that students receive the correct guidance and support during the fitting process. This attention to detail helps students find the right fit the first time, reducing the need for adjustments or replacements.