The Science of Colors: Tips on Using Greyscale Uniforms in any Industry

[caption id="attachment_1220" align="aligncenter" width="422"]The Science of Colors: Black, White and Grey Image source: Youthedesigner.com[/caption]   We're tackling the greyscale today, so it's time to slow things down a notch. We're ditching heart-pumping reds, smile-inducing yellows, and elegant purples in favor of the three most boring colors on Earth: black, grey, and white.   But wait! Don't turn away from these colors too quickly. They may not be as exciting as the other colors of the rainbow, but the colors of the greyscale more than make up for it with their incredible versatility. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- every company uniform can benefit from the neutral colors.   What makes the neutral colors so powerful is that they support all other nearby colors. Let's say, for example, that you've got your heart set on a red custom polo shirt. That's great and all, but will the entire uniform be red? Red shirt, red pants, red hat, and red socks? Gosh no -- your employees would start to look like Elmo. You need to pair your custom clothing options with greyscale colors in order to enhance or cut the intensity of your uniform's primary color.  

Black

  Black never goes out of style. It looked good 500 years ago, it looks good today, and it'll look good tomorrow. It's probably the single most versatile color, but you have to be careful that you don't overdo it. When tastefully presented, black looks elegant and modern. If you're too heavy-handed with black, then it can look oppressive and gloomy. Don't use too much black -- you don't want your business to start to look like a funeral home. Well... unless your business actually is a funeral home.   [caption id="attachment_1224" align="alignnone" width="1152"]Sean Connery as James Bond Image source: Blog.blacktieguide.com[/caption] Black always makes things feel darker. It sucks up light, cuts sunlight, and deepens the hue of any surrounding colors.  

Grey

  Grey is about as neutral as it gets. It's both bright and dark, existing in a middle ground that enables it to fit in with every other color in the rainbow. It represents neutrality, calm, stability, and inaction.   Grey can make a room brighter or darker depending on its hue.  

White

  White is a pristine color that's often associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness. Of course, the reason why white represents cleanliness is because it shows even the tiniest smudge or stain. You will have to maintain strict cleanliness standards if your company uses white uniforms, otherwise your pristine company image will be tarnished by every little speck of dirt.   White always makes things feel lighter. It enhances sunlight and brightens surrounding colors.  

Best Industries for The Greyscale

  Medicine (White)   White's pristine image is perfect for industries that promote ideas of cleanliness and health. Think of a white lab coat, for example. The stark white outfit gives the impression that the laboratory is safe and clean.   [caption id="attachment_1226" align="alignnone" width="1890"]Scientist in Lab Coat Image source: Mdc-berlin.de[/caption]   Sophisticated Industries (Black and Grey)   Sports cars are all about flashy reds and yellows, but Lexus tends to favor black and grey. The sophisticated nature of black and grey makes these colors perfect for expensive, high-class industries that cater to refined tastes. Think of the greyscale like a tuxedo -- simple, elegant, and always fashionable.   Professions that Operate in the Background (Black and Grey)   Normally, people consider the neutral colors to be dull. That can actually be an advantage if you want your employees to blend into the background. Waiters are an excellent example of this. The perfect server should be ready and vigilant, but not so prominent that they steal the show. Butlers also rely on a touch of subtlety with their traditionally greyscale. Select black or grey if you want to avoid placing too much emphasis on your employees.   [caption id="attachment_1225" align="aligncenter" width="402"]Butler in Black and White Uniform Image source: Butlerschool.com[/caption]  

Worst Industries for the Greyscale

  Dirty Professions (White)   White and dirt are mortal enemies. If your employees are going to regularly be exposed to grease, oil, dirt, dust, body sweat, or other grimy substances, then you should avoid white like the plague. Cleaning your white uniforms will be a nightmare, and every little stain will cling to the white fabric and make your company uniform look filthy. Luckily, grey is an excellent color for dirty professions.   [caption id="attachment_1229" align="aligncenter" width="625"]Dirty Jobs Image source: 3ds.com[/caption]   Cheerful Professions (Black and Grey)   Black and grey aren't very high-energy colors. They tend to have a calming effect, which makes them a bit mismatched for industries that are all about provoking smiles and laughs. To put it bluntly, black and grey are boring. Avoid these colors if you want your employees to drum up excitement and keep people engaged.  
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