What is a work uniform called?

Author：HAIYUAN TIME：2025-09-15Read：

However, the specific name can change depending on the job, the formality, and the purpose of the clothing. Here’s a breakdown of the most common terms:

1. The General Term: Uniform

This is the broad, all-encompassing word for standardized clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity.

Example: "Labor clothing, police officers, and flight attendants all wear a uniform."

2. Common Category-Based Names

Depending on the type of job, you might use a more specific term:

Workwear: This refers to durable, functional clothing designed for manual labor, trades, and industrial jobs. It's often made from tough materials like denim or canvas.
- Examples: Coveralls, overalls, heavy-duty shirts, and carpenter pants worn by construction workers, mechanics, and factory workers.
Corporate Attire / Business Attire: This is a more formal term for the clothing worn in office environments. It's often not a strict "uniform" but a dress code (e.g., suit and tie). However, some companies provide standardized corporate wear.
- Examples: A matching blazer and trousers/skirt with a company logo.
Scrubs: The specific term for the uniform worn by healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
- Examples: Worn by doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and dental hygienists.
Livery: A historical term, still used today, for the uniform worn by chauffeurs, doormen, and other domestic staff in formal settings or wealthy households.
Garb: This word is often used for the traditional clothing associated with a specific profession or role.
- Examples: A chef's garb (including a toque blanche and double-breasted jacket), a judge's garb (a robe), or academic garb (a graduation cap and gown).

3. Industry-Specific Examples

Chef: Chef's coat, checked pants, toque (hat), apron.
Waiter/Waitress: Often just called a "uniform," but can be described as a "waitstaff uniform" or "restaurant attire."
Mechanic: Coveralls or shop shirt.
Retail Employee: Often called a "uniform," but if it's just a branded T-shirt and a vest, it might be referred to as "store apparel" or simply "a company shirt."

In Summary:

Term	Best For...	Example Jobs
Uniform	The general, all-purpose term	Police, Military, Nurse, Pilot
Workwear	Durable clothing for manual labor	Construction, Farming, Mechanics
Corporate Attire	Formal office clothing	Bankers, Real Estate Agents
Scrubs	Healthcare clinical settings	Nurses, Doctors, Dentists
Livery	Formal domestic staff	Chauffeurs, Doormen