What should a security uniform include in the UK?
There’s no single prescribed security uniform that UK operatives must wear (by law). But the Security Industry Authority (SIA) does state that licensed staff must display their badge clearly. The choice of workwear is left to the employer’s discretion.
Beyond the SIA’s requirements, the most suitable garments for your team will be based on their duties and working environment. For example, do your staff work mainly indoors, or are they likely to come in and out of a venue all night?
Are they operating in low-visibility environments, and will they need suitable hi-vis to mitigate the risks of working at night? As a buyer, these are the questions you’ll need to know the answers to.
It’s common sense that an officer working based at a corporate reception desk will need an entirely different uniform from someone on outdoor patrols. But knowing the core components of a good security uniform is a good place to start.
Join Corporate Wear, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded uniforms, as we explore non-negotiables garments for security teams.
1. Security/pilot shirt
Instantly recognisable, the pilot shirt is the foundation of a smart security uniform.
These garments project immediate authority, as their structural features (button-down epaulettes and chest pockets) meet the dress code for high-security environments (e.g., corporate receptions and shopping centres).
If you’re buying uniforms for a team, look for features like epaulette tabs: these can be a good way to display security identification. You may also need chest pockets for essentials like notebooks or pens.
A great example of this is the Premier Long Sleeve Pilot Shirt (PR210). Built specifically for the demands of the job, it comes equipped with standard epaulette tabs, two buttoned chest pockets, and a handy pen pocket.
2. Practical trousers
Security work is physical by nature. Often, officers spend long hours on their feet moving between different areas of a site, and because of these demands, the right choice of trousers will depend on the specific duties of the role.
Tailored trousers might be best for high-end corporate reception areas, but rugged cargo or work trousers are generally the practical preference for active patrols and outdoor sites.
The Warrior Cargo Trousers are a great option. Made from a hard-wearing polyester-cotton fabric, they come with an extendable waistband, belt loops, two side pockets, concealed-button rear pockets and two tear-release cargo pockets.
Or, for roles involving more movement, the Regatta Pro Action Stretch Trousers are made from a woven stretch fabric and feature a partially elasticated waistband for added flexibility.
3. Mid-layer (sweater/fleece)
It’s not uncommon for security staff to be moving between heated and cooled environments, so a reliable mid-layer is an essential component of the uniform. But the right option will, again, depend on the role.
You might be looking for V-neck sweaters, which are well-suited to customer-facing teams, or, if you’re buying for staff who work in active patrols in less formal settings, a fleece or sweatshirt may be more appropriate.
For corporate security officers, the Henbury Acrylic V Neck Sweater from Red Oak Corporate Wear can be worn neatly over a high-quality pilot shirt and tie.
The garment will look great after regular use (thanks to its anti-pill finish). Made from cashmere-touch acrylic, it has a ribbed V-neck and ribbed cuffs and hem for a more structured fit than standard sweaters.
Regardless of the style your team needs, a sweater should fit comfortably over your base uniform without feeling restrictive or concealing any essential identification.
4. Weatherproof security jacket
For some security teams, exposure to the elements is just part of the job.
Mobile patrol officers, entrance staff, and event security teams may have to contend with wind and rain for extended periods, meaning a warm, protective jacket is non-negotiable.
When procuring uniforms for a team, prioritise waterproof fabrics paired with taped seams to completely block out moisture, as well as dedicated wind protection and a warm lining or quilted padding to retain core body heat.
You might also look for garments with a concealed or adjustable hood. For this, we recommend a product like the Yoko Security Jacket.
Available in both classic black and navy, this jacket has a waterproof, windproof outer layer with taped seams, quilted padding, and a nylon lining (but its semi-fashioned sleeves and neck detail make it smart enough for a security detail).
Any outer layer should continue to clearly identify the wearer as a security operative, so purchasers should consider the placement of custom-embroidered logos or security wording when personalising the jacket.
Front-line SIA licence holders must also normally wear their licence where it can be seen while carrying out licensable activity, meaning the jacket you select shouldn’t obscure it.
5. Hi-vis (where required)
Hi-vis isn’t a universal requirement for security uniforms - it’s a safety measure that should be deployed where needed.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance states that hi-vis workwear should be carefully selected based on the specific risks, lighting conditions, weather, the nature of the job, and the wearer.
So, if you’ve got staff working in hazardous or low-light situations (e.g., car parks, vehicle entrances, construction sites), it might be worth adding hi-vis pieces to your team’s rotation. When you need something lightweight, the Regatta High Visibility Pro Executive Vest is a polyester knit garment.
It comes with a range of practical features, including reflective bands around the body and shoulders, an ID pocket, a radio loop, a media pocket, and front storage pockets.
Security officers working outdoors in cold or wet weather may need a more substantial garment, like the Portwest Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket. It combines EN ISO 20471 Class 3 visibility with waterproof fabric, taped seams, quilted padding and a comfortable fleece-lined collar.
Shop for security uniforms with Red Oak Corporate Wear
When security teams are comfortable and clearly identifiable, you’ve invested in the right pieces. We stock the key components of a good security uniform, including clothing from brands like Regatta, Beechfield, YOKO and Craghoppers.
If you’re looking to elevate these already high-quality pieces, Red Oak also offers customisation services, including embroidery and screen-printing.
Our in-house specialists handle all services for printed workwear, using methods matched to your garment’s fabric. If you have any queries, you’ll be able to direct them to your dedicated account manager.