Sunshine Uniforms

When the sun comes out, it lifts our spirits – but it can also make it difficult to decide what to wear to work. Hotter temperatures mean that uniforms with many layers may become too warm and uncomfortable to wear, particularly if they are made of materials such as wool and heavy cotton. When worn in the sunshine, uniforms should be light and breathable for maximum comfort. Whether at work or at play, clothing designed particularly for these conditions will make all the difference.

For students, some schools which have mandatory uniforms allow a degree of flexibility in the uniforms that children wear during different seasons of the year. In the sunshine, uniforms should help children to stay cool without appearing inappropriate. For example, boys are often permitted to choose between wearing trousers and shorts. They may have the option of long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, depending on the temperature and intensity of the sun. It is important to remember that boys with very fair skin should have some kind of coverage for their skin to prevent burning. Girls often have the option of wearing either a skirt with a lightweight cotton blouse or a summer dress to help stay cool.

Some companies are actively researching new fabrics that can help to keep the body cool. It was research like this that led to the development of microfiber wicking fabrics, a new technology first used in sportswear but now adopted for many uniform garments. This fabric “wicks” moisture away from the skin, helping to regulate body temperature. When exposed to intense sunlight some clothes may start to lose the richness of their colors, so some companies have found ways to keep colors intense by using newly-developed synthetic dyes. The clothing of sunshine uniforms should also be cut looser because tight-fitting clothing will be very uncomfortable in the heat. For example, some garments such as pants have adjustable waistbands.

When not at work, the sunshine uniforms that people adopt are widely varied. For example, when playing a sport such as tennis, players will wear lightweight garments that allow freedom of movement and keep them cool. Men usually opt for short-sleeved T-shirts or polo shirts, worn with flexible shorts. Women usually wear tennis skirts or a tennis dress. These are often made of wicking fabric so that players do not become overheated. In many sports, including tennis, wearing a cap or hat can be useful in shielding the player’s face from the sun to prevent burning and to help them see when the light is particularly intense. These caps can also be embroidered with the player’s name or team so that they can be easily identified.

In the sunshine, uniforms must be adapted so that the wearer does not suffer overheating and discomfort. With a few minor modifications, clothing can be made appropriate for hotter weather. This is particularly important during activity that requires a great deal of physical exertion, such as sport, when performance relies on the player maintaining a healthy body temperature.