How colour psychology can help you get the right look for your branded uniforms
We’re surrounded by vibrant colours every day. And big brands know how important colour can be when it comes to enhancing their message and reinforcing brand visibility. From Macdonald’s iconic golden arches to Google’s use of primary colours, brands use colour associations to grab the attention of their audience.
In this article, we’ll look at how understanding colour psychology can help you make an impact with your branded uniforms.
Understanding the psychology of colour
93% of shoppers consider visual appearance of primary importance when making purchasing decisions. And 85% say colour is the primary reason why they buy a particular product. That’s the power of colour psychology, which plays on our past experiences and conditioning to form an emotional response.
So McDonalds use yellow for their iconic logo because it’s a colour we associate with happiness and fun. And because red triggers appetite, it’s a favourite with fast food companies. In contrast, green is used by a diverse range of brands because of its associations with nature, sustainability, prosperity and health.
As a result, you can use colour psychology for branded uniforms to trigger associations including luxury (purple), dependability and trustworthiness (blue) or modernity and sophistication (monochrome).
Play with contrast
If you have a pre-existing logo or your brand is associated with a set of colours, you’ll need to reference them in your workwear or uniforms to maintain consistency. The obvious choice is an embroidered logo against a contrast colour uniform.
The human eye is naturally drawn to contrast. So if you have a predominantly red logo, you should consider green as a suitable colour for branded workwear. These colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel, as are blue and yellow – another high contrast favourite.
Going for a high-contrast pairing is a bold statement. But by making your logo pop against a high-contrast background, you’re also making life easier for your customers. They’ll be able to see at a glance your company name and logo, plus any additional information like name and job title. If accessibility is important to your organisation, choosing a high-contrast colour should be a primary consideration.
Get the right balance
It’s always important when choosing colours for branded uniforms that you balance the theory of colour psychology with your brand values. Ultimately, you’re aiming to create a unique aesthetic for your brand. So that could involve making a bold choice that makes you stand out from the competition rather than a safe one.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your team. After all, they’re the ones who’ll be wearing branded workwear, and they need to feel good in what they’re wearing. It’s also a good idea to avoid colours chosen by the local sports team, and don’t copy the look of a large organisation or you could run into copyright issues.
Trust your instincts and the opinions of your team, and you’ll choose a colour that attracts attention and contributes to your brand’s ongoing story.
Branded uniforms at Sussex Clothing
Colour counts for every brand. We can offer a wide choice of uniform colours plus embroidery and screen printing that helps you stand out. Please contact us today to create your eye-catching uniform.