We are currently seeing them more often than ever: mail carriers. One of the most widely recognized uniforms in the UK. The British Royal Mail uniforms have not changed in ten years. So it was time for a revamp. And this is considerable progress…
The old uniform
Before I show you the new uniform, let’s first look at what posties have been wearing for the last few years.
When I look at the photos above, I understand why the uniforms needed a revamp. The old uniforms look messy and unkempt. Formal white and light blue shirts combined with bright red fleece jackets. Also, both fluorescent red and orange vests and coats were worn. This combination does not radiate unity.
New uniform for British Royal Mail
For the past two years, Royal Mail has been busy researching their current clothing range. Mail carriers across the country were asked for their feedback on what they like and what they dislike about their uniforms, based on the results a new uniform has emerged. And the new look is a lot better!
ROYAL MAIL: New uniforms on display in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021. L-R: Ben Gorton, Sarah Cox, George Oteino, and Jodie PawsonROYAL MAIL: Ben Gorton wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.ROYAL MAIL: Ben Gorton wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.
The two basic colors immediately stand out: red on the top and dark gray on the bottom. This combination makes the uniform look a lot calmer.
ROYAL MAIL: Mark Coulthard wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.ROYAL MAIL: Mark Coulthard wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.
Even though the overall look is a lot calmer and more coherent, it is still vitally important that the mail carriers stand out. And this makes sense, given that these people are walking the streets in different areas and under different conditions such as busy traffic or poor lightening. For this reason, besides the red base color, they’ve also used fluorescent red and reflective materials.
ROYAL MAIL: Rachel Woods wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.ROYAL MAIL: Rachel Woods wears a new uniform in Skipton, North Yorks., February 17 2021.
My opinion
I think this is one of the strongest points. In the Netherlands, you rarely see mail carriers wearing much fluorescent or reflective clothing. When you think about it, this makes little sense. People who work on the roads wear fluorescent jackets so why not mail carriers. British Royal Mail has incorporated these materials into the clothing in different ways, sometimes subtle and sometimes more obvious. The idea being, employees can wear clothing that is appropriate for the environment in which they are working. And that is ultimately the most important thing: clothing fit for the job.
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