There's a quiet kind of pride running through South Africa's offices right now. Why? Well, from 100's of entries, 50 teams reached the final round of SA's Best Dressed Team Award, 12 were selected as Finalists and one team WON it all. Trophy, cheque and all the glory.
Who were SA's Best Dressed Finalists? Take a peek here.
Who took home the Silver Wear? Meet SA's Best Dressed Winner here.
From bustling hospitals and busy airports to creative studios and boardrooms, what we saw wasn't about trends or price tags; it was about teams who took genuine pride in how they showed up for work and the quite awe-inspiring respect their showed their fellow workers and customers. They all had this in common.
But as the judges compared notes, a few themes kept coming up: confidence that felt effortless, fabrics chosen with care, and uniforms that looked like they belonged to people, not policies.
So, to all the teams planning a uniform refresh or simply wanting your team to look and feel happier and more connected, this is for you…
Here's what the Top 50 taught us, and how you can make those lessons your own.
1. Cohesion over conformity
The strongest teams looked unified, not identical. They shared a colour story and fabric family, but still allowed for personal touches in cut and accessories. The result? Teams that looked professional and comfortable in their own skin.
Make it yours: Choose two or three base colours and one accent tone, keep fabrics consistent, and let people mix approved silhouettes within that framework.
2. Fit is everything
The biggest difference between "fine" and "fantastic" was fit. When jackets sat neatly on the shoulder and sleeves ended where they should, people carried themselves differently. It wasn't about 'unnecessary extra costs', it was about care and confidence.
Make it yours: Build a fitting session into every rollout and budget for small alterations. That's how a uniform starts feeling like my uniform.
3. Dress for the work - not the photos
The top entries all looked authentic because their clothing made sense for their day-to-day world. Hospitality teams looked warm and approachable; legal and finance teams chose structure and authority; creatives added polish with a bit of play.
Make it yours: Start with how you want clients to feel when they meet your team, then choose pieces that deliver that emotion all day, every day.
4. Colour that tells your story
Great teams didn't splash colour everywhere - they wove it in with restraint and purpose. Think a pop of brand tone on a scarf, subtle piping, or an embroidered detail that catches light just enough.
Make it yours: Try and 'ground' your range in timeless neutrals like navy, charcoal, black or cream, and use your brand colour as an accent. It reads as elegant, modern and photographs beautifully.
5. Fabrics that work as hard as your team
The right fabric choice made all the difference. Mid-weight weaves with structure, stretch and crease-resistance kept everyone looking fresh from the morning meeting through to the last handshake.
Make it yours: Prioritise breathable, low-shine fabrics with recovery. They're practical, durable, and quietly luxurious.
6. Comfort isn't casual
It's quite simple, when people move easily, they looked more confident - no tugging, no stiff collars, no awkward shuffling. The best-dressed teams looked relaxed because their clothes let them be.
Make it yours: Add flexible, breathable fabrics where it counts, vents in jackets and skirts, and temperature-smart layers for South Africa's ever-changing weather.
7. Details pull everything together
The teams that looked most 'complete' weren't necessarily wearing more pieces - they were just intentional. Tonal embroidery, matching hardware, one unifying accessory: those small touches whispered professionalism but screamed 'success'.
Make it yours: Choose a single signature element - a scarf, pin, belt or tie - that quietly ties the look together.
8. Pride shows - even without a logo
What stood out most wasn't colour or cut. It was attitude. The teams that shone were the ones clearly proud of who they were and the team they represented. That kind of pride can't be stitched on; it's built through inclusion and purpose.
Make it yours: Involve staff early, explain the 'why' behind the wardrobe, and give everyone a feeling of total inclusion and of course, a proper fit. Pride is still the best styling tool of all.
Quick take-aways for your next refresh
- Unite around colour and fabric, not identical cuts.
- Fit first for major impact.
- Choose hard-working, matte fabrics that hold shape.
- Let personality breathe within structure.
- Keep comfort and confidence at the centre of every design.
Ready to take the next step?
If you're planning a uniform refresh, shortlisting a corporate clothing supplier in South Africa, or exploring custom staff uniforms that bring your brand story to life, we'd love to collaborate.
Start by browsing our corporate clothing catalogue (button below) to see the latest styles, fabrics, cuts and colour stories - or book a quick call with our team.
