Your workwear speaks louder than you know.

Workwear | Think Piece

Your workwear, from uniforms to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), isn’t just clothing – it’s a driver of performance, the basis for safety, and the face of your brand. Think it doesn’t matter? Think again.

At KISKA, we’ve had the privilege of working across a wide spectrum of workwear-type apparel, from the high-octane demands of motorcycle protection to the more nuanced needs of branded store uniforms. And one truth stands tall no matter the industry: comfort is non-negotiable.

Technical workwear demands certain features, such as water-repellence, stretch inserts, cut-resistance, or reinforced kneepads depending on the job at hand. Safety criteria like EN (European Standard) and ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) aren’t just boxes to tick – they’re a design backbone. And yet, amidst all this technicality, comfort remains paramount: as it did with the HAIX FLEXTREME COLLECTION. After all, if you can’t move freely, can you truly give your best?

Workwear as a business tool. Discover HAIX.

But workwear isn’t confined to the outdoors or high-risk environments. Walk into a supermarket, and you’ll find another world of needs. The area of employee uniform is an untapped opportunity in our eyes. Many brands miss the mark with basic polo shirts which don’t actually meet an employee’s functional requirements.

For an example, take our project with an Austrian supermarket chain. Employees need to bend and lift without feeling constrained while also having garments that cater to all body types, sizes, and even religious requirements. And let’s not forget climate control for those stocking shelves in the refrigerated aisles. Functionality here means inclusivity, adaptability, and everyday ease.

Our cross-industry experience, spanning everything from sports to motorcycling, equips us with a unique lens to innovate. Unseen design gestures, unexpected yet highly functional materials, and a knowledge of certifications, trims, and craftsmanship allow us to craft workwear that not only meets the brief but elevates it.

Tell us what your take is on the opportunity workwear holds. Let us know.

Even branded uniforms, which might seem less technical, demand careful thought. One of our projects blended German craftsmanship with Asian heritage, each piece celebrating the brand’s story through raw, authentic materials like canvas and the finesse of classic couture. These uniforms weren’t just workwear; they were silent storytellers, helping customers instantly recognise the expertise behind the counter.

Drugstore employees face a different set of challenges again. Their uniforms need to reflect brand while being effortlessly comfortable and approachable. For our lab project, we opted for rust tones, tying the staff seamlessly to the brand’s visual identity. Functional minimalism guided our design choices: modular fits, removable sleeves, and layering options made the uniforms as dynamic as the employees’ tasks.

More dynamically-designed apparel. Meet the K360 vest.

No matter the sector, workwear isn’t just about looking the part – it’s about feeling capable, confident, and connected to the job at hand. By embracing emerging mega-trends like sustainability and innovative materials, brands can create apparel that not only serves its purpose but exceeds expectations with enhanced functionality.

For any business owner or workwear user, the message is clear: don’t treat workwear as an afterthought. It’s a powerful tool that influences performance, safety, and brand perception. At KISKA, we bring thoughtfulness and precision (and a whole lot of passion) to every stitch. Ensuring your workwear works as hard as you do.

Check out more of our work.

Find out what co-creation can do. Strategic and hands-on, KISKA boosts business and generates impact with brand and design. See the results for yourself.