New uniform for Belgian rail employees

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First Deutsche Bahn, and now another railway company is kitting its employees out in a brand new uniform. This month rail staff at the Belgian NMBS swapped their gray work uniform for a fresh blue version.

Old uniform of Belgian rail employees

It was time for something new, as the uniforms were already a decade old. Gray was the predominant color in this collection, combined with black and orange detailing.

New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Old uniforms | Photo: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Old uniforms | Photo: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Old uniforms | Photo: © NMBS
Old uniforms | Photo: © NMBS

New uniform of Belgian rail employees

The new collection was designed and developed by the Belgian fashion house, Xandres NV. For the design, they requested input from NMBS staff and passengers. They extensively tested the uniforms last November, after which they enlarged the pockets and made other minor adjustments.

The new uniforms were finally launched on 9 November. The 4,300 train and station employees will now go to work wearing different shades of blue. Because of the measures surrounding COVID-19, the company has also opted for a matching face mask with a logo.

New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Stationmaster, right: winter clothes, left: summer clothes | Photos: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Stationmaster | Photo: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Stationmaster | Photo: © NMBS
Train conductor | Photos: © NMBS
Train conductor | Photos: © NMBS
Train conductor | Photos: © NMBS
Train conductor | Photos: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Counter clerk | Photo: © NMBS
New uniform for Belgian rail employees
Left: station master, center and right: train attendants | Photo: © NMBS

The old uniforms will be recycled by Xandres NV, for example, they will turn them into insulation materials. This is also the plan for the new uniforms when they are no longer in use.

My opinion

When I initially saw the new uniforms, I was not overly impressed. Different neutral shades of blue together is nothing new. In that respect, I think the Deutsche Bahn collection, dark blue with white and burgundy, is a lot more chic and unique. But when I compare the new collection with the previous one, I see a lot of progress. For example, there is now a difference between summer and winter clothing, and in addition to having a choice between trousers or a skirt, the ladies can now also choose a dress. The new colors are much fresher and look more businesslike. And let’s not forget the sustainable aspect. NMBS has also scored points with this.

What do you think about the new clothes?

Greetings,

Aileen

2 reacties

  1. I traveled in Europe (Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Denmark) in 1985. I am writing a memoir, trying to remember what clothing other railway crew members wore versus that of conductors at that time. I would really appreciate it if you can send me any information in this regard.

    Thank you very much.

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