The Science of Colors: Why You Can't Go Wrong with Blue Uniforms

[caption id="attachment_1165" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Image source: Youthedesigner.com[/caption]   Ah, the color blue. If all the colors of the rainbow were thrown into some sort of Mad Max-style cage match where only one color could emerge victorious, then putting your money on blue would be a safe bet. Blue is the most popular color by a landslide. A worldwide poll estimated that approximately 42 percent of Americans listed blue as their favor color. There were similar results elsewhere, with about 47 percent of Germans and 44 percent of Brazilians ranking blue as their favorite. The worldwide estimate is that four out of every ten people (nearly half of the world!) like blue the most.   By comparison, purple was the second most popular color at a measly 14 percent.   Business owners have capitalized on this trend. An estimated 33 percent of the world's top brands use blue in their logos. Blue's a reliable color that works just as well here in America as it does internationally.   [caption id="attachment_1163" align="alignnone" width="888"] Image source: Blog.marketo.com[/caption]   So, what's the deal with blue? Why is it the Justin Bieber, the Muhammad Ali, the Brad Pitt of the color world? Well, there's the obvious answer -- water is blue. People love to look at water, which is critical for basic survival. It's hardly surprising that mankind has learned to love blue.  

Blue

  Blue is generally considered a masculine color that is stable, dependable, and calm. Can you see why blue is one of the most popular colors for business suits? These are exactly the qualities that most business men and women want to convey in the workplace. Blue has also come to represent authority. It's not that blue is inherently assertive or anything, it's just that so many authority figures have used blue over the years that the association eventually stuck.  

Best Industries for Blue Uniforms

  Technology   Try to remember what Best Buy uniforms look like. OK, now try to remember what Apple uniforms look like. Notice a similarity? Tech companies like to use blue in their t-shirts or polo shirts to make their products appear more reliable and stable. When people are shelling out thousands of dollars for home computers, the whole issue of reliability becomes pretty important.   [caption id="attachment_1164" align="alignnone" width="2984"] Image source: 9to5mac.com[/caption]   Security   We have the boys in blue to thank for all of blue's authoritative connotations. Security companies like to use blue as a way to call to mind the power and authority of police officers. And the fact that blue uniforms have a calming effect certainly doesn't hurt.   Medical Care   Blue is the perfect color for medical care professions. Not only does blue help to calm peoples' nerves, but it also helps surgeons do their jobs. Do you know why surgical scrubs are green or blue? It's because our guts are red. The opposite colors of red on the color wheel are green and blue, so it's easier for surgeons to visually separate these two colors. The last thing any surgeon (or patient) wants during a delicate brain operation is for the surgeon's eyes to get tired.   [caption id="attachment_1169" align="aligncenter" width="492"] Image source: Sassywire.wordpress.com[/caption]   Transportation   Stewardesses in blue business dress suits are pretty standard nowadays. The formal uniforms help to establish stewardesses as symbols of authority and the uniforms' colors have a calming effect on passengers.   [caption id="attachment_1170" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image source: Izismile.com[/caption]  

Worst Industries for Blue Uniforms

  Blue has such a universal appeal that it fits in just about everywhere. That being said, there are some businesses that might not want to use blue. It's not that blue is a bad choice, it's just that other colors would probably convey the intended message more effectively.   Entertainment Industry   Most businesses that focus on entertainment don't want people to be calm and reassured; they want customers to be excited and chatty. You should probably opt for one of the warm colors (red, orange, or yellow) in order to create a more dramatic atmosphere. I mean, think about it: can you imagine how silly an all-blue casino would be? It would make people mellow instead of making them excited about gambling. Blue just isn't a great color for the entertainment industry.   [caption id="attachment_1172" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image source: Telyfoto.com[/caption]   Well, with three exceptions.