25 November 2025
why comfortable care home uniforms are important
Healthcare uniforms are essential to protect staff, support professional identity and ensure comfort during long shifts. For care home staff, such uniforms must withstand rigorous use while allowing freedom of movement and breathability.
In a sector where 4 in 5 workers are women, there is also a need to ensure that care home uniforms are designed to accommodate the needs of staff experiencing menopause.
Alsico’s latest research has shown that uniform comfort continues to be a concern for many care home workers. Over half of those surveyed said their uniforms did not have the properties they needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively – particularly when managing changes in body temperature and comfort levels throughout the day.
the link between menopause and comfortable care home uniforms
Menopause brings with it a range of physical and psychological symptoms, especially whilst at work, including hot flushes, body temperature regulation changes and skin sensitivity. As such, we weren’t surprised when our survey found that over a quarter of care workers experiencing menopause symptoms had considered leaving their roles because of them.
In physically demanding roles like caring and hospital work, menopause symptoms can be exacerbated by uniforms that trap heat and feel uncomfortable to wear. For workers providing hands-on, physical care to vulnerable care home residents, uniforms worn for long shifts with the wrong fabric or fit can be extremely uncomfortable and contribute to emotional distress as well as physical discomfort.
By contrast, uniforms designed for comfort, breathability and flexibility can make a meaningful difference. They not only support physical comfort but also signal that employers recognise and respond to the real, lived experiences of their staff.
why comfortable uniforms matter
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what makes a care home uniform comfortable?
Comfort-led care home uniforms offer more than just decent fit and durability, incorporating important features such as:
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1. breathable fabric
Lightweight, breathable fabrics help manage body temperature by allowing air to circulate and avoiding trapping sweat. This can help reduce the discomfort during physically active shifts, hot flushes linked to menopause symptoms, or sudden temperature changes.
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2. flexibility & stretch
Ergonomic design and fabrics with stretch enable natural movement without restriction. This is especially important in care roles that involve lifting, bending, and extended periods of physical activity. A flexible uniform adapts to the wearer’s body, reducing irritation.
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3. soft seams & finishes
Skin sensitivity is common among care workers, particularly during menopause, making rough fabrics and stiff seams uncomfortable – especially for extended periods of wear. Thoughtful designs with soft finishes and seams can reduce irritation and ensure all-shift comfort.
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4. inclusive sizing & fit
Body shape can fluctuate over time, so uniforms must be available in a wide range of sizes and cater to fluctuations with ease. Care home uniforms designed with flexibility in mind ensure all staff members get the best out of their uniforms with dignity and comfort.
alsico’s approach to comfortable healthcare uniforms
At alsico, we believe that every uniform should be designed with the wearer in mind – including women going through menopause in the workplace. Through our fabric stretch technology, ALSIFLEX®, we work to develop fabrics and uniforms that support these requirements.
ALSIFLEX® is a fabric stretch technology that combines moisture-wicking properties with advanced fibre blends for superior flexibility and comfort. Fabrics powered by ALSIFLEX® help regulate body temperature, move with the wearer and maintain performance through long shifts.
With our new healthcare stretch collection, care home uniforms from alsico are designed with side vents, a breathable neckline, elasticated waistbands, and adjusted drawcords, offering a uniform that moves and breathes with you.
But we’re still learning. Through our Menopause Matters campaign and wider industry research, we’re talking to both experts and women working in the care sector – along with carers of all genders – to find out what support they need in the workplace. Support isn’t just uniforms, but it can help.
partner with alsico for purposefully designed uniforms
Care home uniforms are more than just workwear. They are essential for staff wellbeing, identity and comfort. By addressing the needs of staff – including those experiencing menopause – care homes can create a more inclusive, supportive environment that helps retain talent, improves quality of care and fosters equality in the workplace.
At alsico, we’re committed to designing uniforms that reflect the realities of working life. Comfortable care home uniforms are just one part of that mission: helping staff feel comfortable, valued, and empowered every day.
frequently asked questions
Comfortable uniforms are designed with fabrics, fits and features that specifically support workers – including those experiencing menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes or skin sensitivity.
Comfortable attire helps staff feel comfortable and supported during long shifts, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. This contributes to higher staff retention and better quality of care for residents.
Breathable fabrics, ergonomic design, inclusive sizing, and softer finishes are key features that make uniforms more supportive – including during menopause.
Alsico uses our proprietary ALSIFLEX® stretch fabric technology to develop uniforms that offer enhanced flexibility and moisture control. This helps uniforms move with the wearer and manage body temperature during hot flushes – ideal for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
We design uniforms from blends of natural and regenerated fibres, so the fabric breathes and wicks moisture away from the skin. This helps keep wearers drier and more comfortable in warmer working environments.
We incorporate features such as underarm ventilation, open necklines, stretch panels, and thoughtful cut lines to allow airflow and movement. This reduces overheating and ensures comfort, especially during long shifts, active work and hot flushes.
By working with suppliers like alsico, who understand the specific needs of healthcare workers, care homes can source uniforms designed with workers in mind, ensuring staff have the right options available.
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
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.
Environments
healthcare
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.
Environments
workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
Environments
electrification
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.
Environments
contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
Environments
emergency response
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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