10 December 2025
designing for comfort: uniforms that support menopause and beyond
Menopause is a change that affects everyone differently, yet its impact on working life is widely felt across the care sector. With 82% of the workforce surveyed in our latest report identifying as female, and more than a quarter of those experiencing menopause symptoms considering leaving their role because of them, comfort at work has never been more important.
Unsurprisingly to us, care home uniforms play a much bigger part in this than many realise.
In the survey, care workers raised clear concerns about overheating, sweating, discomfort, and lack of stretch. These are all issues that can be influenced through fibre choice, garment construction, and design – and the opportunity for improvement is significant.
This blog explores what the data tells us, why traditional garments have never helped, and how better uniform design can support anyone experiencing menopause symptoms – as well as the wider care workforce.
what the data reveals
Among care workers who had experienced menopause symptoms at work:
68% disagreed that their uniform helps them cool down after a hot flush
63% disagreed that their uniform prevents them from getting sweaty or uncomfortable
52% disagreed that their uniform stretches to keep them comfortable during tasks
why hot flushes and heat regulation matter in uniform design
Hot flushes are one of the most well-known menopause symptoms and can be unpredictable, intense and physically draining. If a uniform traps heat or moisture, the effects are amplified – leaving the wearer uncomfortable, more self-conscious, and less able to focus on their role.
Crucially, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for menopause because it is such an individual experience. However, for common menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweating, there are considerations that can be made to help. For example, selecting garments that incorporate a percentage of natural or regenerated fibre such as will facilitate a wicking effect to manage the absorption and evaporation of moisture.
- Sara Catanzaro, Design Manager at alsico
Breathable construction, lighter fabric weights, and design features like venting panels can also improve airflow without compromising durability – a key consideration in care environments.
supporting comfort, stretch and sensitivity
Beyond temperature regulation, many people experience bloating, skin sensitivity and changes in mobility during menopause. Uniforms that are too rigid or restrictive can quickly become a barrier to comfort.
Yet, more than half of respondents who experienced symptoms told us their uniform does not stretch enough to support easy movement. This suggests that stretch fabrics are not yet commonplace in healthcare uniforms, despite their benefits.
Design decisions such as stretchy materials, shaped waistlines, flexible panels, and softer-touch finishes can reduce friction and pressure points – small details that collectively make the garment more forgiving on sensitive skin or fluctuating body shapes.
listening to teams and closing the feedback loop
One finding from the wider research stands out the most for us: almost a third of care workers said they had worn uniforms that did not fit properly, and one in five felt their employer does not act on uniform feedback.
This suggests that, whilst uniform design is critical, the process around selecting and reviewing uniforms is just as important. Encouraging honest, open conversations about comfort can help employers identify issues early and respond with practical adjustments.
Regular wearer trials, anonymous surveys, and scheduled uniform review cycles create a feedback loop where needs are heard and acted upon. This collaborative approach not only leads to better-performing uniforms but reinforces that staff wellbeing is genuinely valued.
designing for everyone – not just those experiencing menopause
One misconception is that uniforms designed to support menopause must be menopause-specific. In reality, fabrics that wick moisture, offer stretch, regulate heat, and feel softer against the skin are universally beneficial.
Uniforms should be made available to the entire workforce because there is no menopause symptom-specific uniform, they are simply designed with properties that can support with the management of common symptoms, which can also be experienced by others in the workforce who are not going through the menopause.
- Sara Catanzaro, Design Manager at alsico
This approach avoids singling out individuals and instead raises the comfort baseline for the entire workforce. Inclusive design elevates performance for everyone, regardless of age, stage, or symptoms.
putting insight into action
The data is clear – when uniforms do not support temperature regulation, comfort, or movement, they become a barrier, not a tool. But the solutions are easily achievable.
Care providers and their uniform selectors can make immediate improvements by:
- choosing fabrics with natural or regenerated fibre content for better breathability and moisture management
- incorporating stretch to accommodate movement, flexibility and physical changes
- trialling garments with staff groups before rollout
- keeping open, ongoing conversations about comfort and fit
- partnering with uniform specialists who can align fabric performance with real workforce needs
By pairing inclusive uniform design with a genuine commitment to listening, employers can create a more comfortable, confident, and supported environment for everyone – during menopause and beyond.
menopause-friendly care home uniforms from alsico
At alsico, we’ve been working closely with Care England and many different care providers to understand how uniform design can better support those experiencing menopause symptoms.
The findings from our latest research reinforce what we see across the sector – that heat management, stretch, softness and breathability are essential for helping staff stay comfortable throughout demanding shifts.
Our approach combines wearer insight with technical fabric innovation. Through ongoing conversations with care teams, and the expertise of our design specialists, we’ve been able to identify the features that make the greatest difference for those managing symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating and sensitivity. This includes the use of regenerated fibres and moisture-wicking synthetics to help improve evaporation, as well as construction techniques that support airflow and ease of movement.
This commitment is reflected in our healthcare stretch collection – a range designed to provide enhanced comfort through blended fibres, four-way stretch and soft-touch finishes. These garments support freedom of movement, regulate moisture and help reduce irritation, offering practical benefits for anyone seeking greater comfort, including colleagues navigating the menopause.
By pairing proven fabric technology with inclusive design principles, alsico continues to develop uniforms that respond to real needs across the care workforce. Our goal is to ensure that every team member feels supported, confident and comfortable, whatever stage of life they’re in.
ready to improve uniform comfort in your care home?
If you’d like guidance on choosing menopause-friendly options or want to explore our care home uniform ranges, our team is here to help. Get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of our uniform specialists today!
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Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
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We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
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Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
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We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
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