What makes a good nursery staff uniform?

Nurseries are where children engage in activities vital to their development, and for the staff supporting them, that often means getting stuck in too. 

With painting, independent eating and outdoor exploration, things are bound to get messy. If you’re a uniform procurer, you’ll need to prepare for this eventuality. 

Childcare staff need garments that can cope with messy moments and frequent movement, but what does this look like in practice? Join Red Oak, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded workwear, as we learn more about nursery staff uniforms. 

1. Breathable polo shirts

When you spend hours on the move, an uncomfortable top can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. 

Procurers should look for polo shirts that feel soft against the skin, manufactured from quality piqué fabrics that breathe well during active days.

For this, we recommend something like the Pro RTX Polo Shirt (available in practical colours such as navy, bottle green, royal blue and sapphire) and the ladies’ equivalent, the Pro RTX Ladies Pro Piqué Polo Shirt. 

We also stock garments like the Premier Coolchecker® Piqué Polo Shirt, made from lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester and complete with panelled detailing for a fitted, sharper shape. 

All of these garments take embroidery or print, so you can add your nursery’s logo for a personalised touch. 

2. Tunics and tabards 

Messy play is standard practice in nurseries, and your staff need an extra layer of defence against paint-covered hands (like a lightweight tunic or tabard). 

Garments like the Premier Pocket Tabard are easy to slip on over a polo shirt and can be removed when they're no longer needed. Plus, they can withstand industrial laundering at temperatures up to 85°C.

Or, for staff who need a little more coverage, what about the Premier Long Pocket Tabard? 

Featuring adjustable side tabs, a large front pocket and made from an easy-care polycotton fabric, these garments are indispensable to teams involved in arts and crafts. 

3. Hard-wearing trousers

If you’re procuring uniforms for a nursery team, remember: staff spend a surprising amount of time on the floor. Often kneeling beside children or sitting cross-legged for storytime, nursery staff can’t afford to be wearing stiff, restrictive fabrics. 

Garments like the Warrior Cargo Trousers offer the toughness and pocket space many teams prefer. 

Or, for something more tailored that still allows for plenty of movement, the WK Designed to Work Ladies Day to Day Trousers come with a partially elasticated waistband with belt loops.

When you’re considering bottoms, think carefully about colour. Darker shades like navy, charcoal and black will be more forgiving of the inevitable marks and stains that come with days in a nursery. 

4. Warm fleeces and outdoor jackets

Nursery staff uniform doesn’t stop at indoor clothing - practitioners will regularly move between warm rooms and outdoor play. 

Staff may also need a soft mid-layer and a light weather-ready jacket for maximum comfort. First, consider fleeces - they’re lightweight and don’t have the bulk of a heavy coat. 

Our Russell Outdoor Fleece Jacket, for example, is made from anti-pill, dense, compact pile fleece. With a full-length zip and two zipped pockets, it’s excellent for cooler days. 

What about wind or drizzle? For this, consider a Result Core Printable Soft Shell Jacket - it comes with a recycled micro fleece inner layer but is also showerproof, windproof and breathable.

5. Branded uniforms that look professional

Comfort might come first, but there’s something to be said about a uniform that creates trust with parents. 

When staff are co-ordinated in polos, tabards or outdoor fleeces that showcase your nursery’s personalised branding, it makes team members easier for visitors to identify. 

Children may also recognise your nursery logo, helping them to feel settled in a secure environment. You can create this identity with our help. 

All of the nursery staff uniforms we’ve mentioned today can be embroidered or printed in-house at Red Oak. We handle artwork, proofs and production under one roof in the UK, so logos stand up to regular laundering. 

Find the right nursery staff uniforms with Red Oak Corporate Wear! 

Ready to make everyday working life that little bit easier? 

Shop for nursery staff uniforms with Red Oak, where you’ll find comfortable garments for floor-based work. Equally practical for outdoor play, you can take these pieces one step further with our simple branding services. 

As a trusted name in corporate clothing (with over 30 years' experience), we know what it takes to deliver the highest standards of quality from start to finish. To get started, browse our nursery uniforms and order directly through our website. 

Or, reach out to our team for a custom quote. We’ll pair you with a dedicated account manager who will guide you through product selection, sizing, and artwork guidelines.