work uniform
All employees at the hospital must wear a clean work uniform every day.
The clothing is required for staff to maintain a professional appearance.
standardized clothing worn for a job
The restaurant requires all servers to wear a black work uniform.
The clothing includes a black shirt and pants.
She ironed her work uniform before the interview.
The clothing was prepared to look professional.
Often includes a company logo or specific colors. May be provided by the employer.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'uniform'
A 'uniform' alone may refer to military, school, or sports uniforms. 'Work uniform' specifically indicates clothing worn for employment.
Gold Rule
Check employer policy
Always review your workplace dress code to confirm uniform requirements (e.g., color, style, accessories).
Word Origin
The term combines 'work' (from Old English 'weorc', meaning labor or employment) and 'uniform' (from Latin 'uniformis', meaning 'of one form'). The phrase emerged in the 19th century as industrial jobs required standardized clothing for safety and branding.
Usage Notes
Work uniforms are common in jobs requiring hygiene (e.g., healthcare, food service) or safety (e.g., construction, manufacturing). They may be provided free or purchased by employees.