At Field Grey, we know that colour is integral to brand identity. Our Readywear collection offers adaptable palettes, giving brands the flexibility to create their own bespoke collections. Readywear blends traditional workwear elements with contemporary design, crafting garments that are functional, durable and true to a brand’s essence. And colour is central to this process – not just for aesthetics but for telling a story.
Colour is more than just a design element – it’s a powerful tool that shapes how we feel and how others perceive us, enhancing both the workplace and the wearer. Our collection includes a core palette of subtle hues, ranging from rich coloured cottons to ecru-striped linens. These shades dominate workwear because they project professionalism and authority while pairing easily with different combinations. They’re also timeless, enduring beyond fleeting trends, and can adapt to various professional settings – providing brands with a strong foundation that evolves with them.
To understand the impact of colour in today’s workwear, it’s helpful to look back.
French blue – Originally associated with French labourers in the 1900s, the iconic French blue workwear jacket evolved into a modern fashion staple. Known as ‘bleu de travail’ or ‘working blues,’ it was chosen to mask grime from hard work. Today, it symbolises cool, effortless professionalism, elevating its humble roots to high fashion.
Denim – Once the fabric of choice for miners and railroad workers in the late 19th century, denim’s toughness and longevity made it ideal for manual labour. Today, denim is everywhere. Its classic indigo conveys laid-back resilience, while darker shades offer a polished look for professional settings. Denim, in all its forms, seamlessly blends function with style.
Khaki – Derived from the Hindi word for “dust,” khaki became a standard military colour to help soldiers blend into arid environments. It evolved into mainstream fashion as a symbol of toughness and durability, widely used in workwear collections, from utility jackets to chinos.
Red and black flannel – Originally worn by North American loggers in the 19th century, red and black flannel lumberjack shirts became cultural icons in the 1990s, thanks to Grunge. Today, they signal rugged individualism and outdoor work.
Carhartt Hamilton Brown – Originally named in tribute to the company’s founder, this bold hue was chosen for safety on construction sites. Over time, it’s transcended its practical roots to become a symbol of rugged, street-smart style.
These colours resonate because they tap into cultural and psychological chords, making them aspirational beyond their blue-collar beginnings. They remind us that even workwear rooted in functionality can have an aesthetic appeal that resonates emotionally.
At Field Grey, we use this understanding to push the boundaries of fashion and functionality, offering brands the chance to use colour as a central part of their identity through our Readywear collection.
Uniforms aren’t just pieces of clothing – they tell stories about the brands they represent. Readywear takes this idea to heart. From conceptualisation to the final stitch, every piece in our collection marries style with functionality. We guide our clients in choosing fabrics that suit their teams best, from cotton and polycotton to Teflon coatings and elastane – even cashmere. Each material is tested to perform in various work environments, delivering both style and practicality.
Readywear also allows brands to add unique touches, such as custom embroidery. For example, at Elmore Court, a wedding and events venue, we incorporated a rich dark brown tone from Readywear for aprons, paired with crisp white shirting, featuring their swan logo embroidered in mushroom grey – an elegant nod to the estate’s history.
Michelin-starred restaurant Murano in Mayfair also turned to us ahead of their high-profile reopening in September 2023. We elevated their staff uniform with our blue micro-striped bib shirt and navy button-up waistcoat, a combination that perfectly reflected the venue’s classic yet contemporary ambiance and ethos of simple elegance.
For Pump Street Bakery, our Readywear Bib Apron with Cross-back in Slate Grey perfectly complemented their stylish interiors, while Miel Bakery’s founder, Shaheen Peerbhai, selected our Readywear Bib Apron with Square Pocket & Strap Adjuster in navy, saying she chose Readywear for her uniform because of our “individual style.”
Field Grey’s Readywear collection is not only stylish but built to handle the demands of everyday work. Fabrics like polycotton ensure breathability, while tear-resistant materials give durability. This balance of form and function is why clients – from busy cafés to formal event spaces – choose Readywear for their teams. By customising both colour and fabric, brands can create a cohesive, professional look that reflects their unique identity.
At Field Grey, we believe uniforms are more than just workwear – they’re an extension of a brand. Our Readywear collection gives clients the opportunity to weave their story into every stitch, creating a visual narrative that enhances both their brand and the wearer’s experience.