Three quarters of Belgians have more confidence in professionals wearing professional work clothes

Work clothes make the workman/worker, research by HEROCK® shows very clearly

Those who wear appropriate work clothes as professionals have an edge over the rest. That is the opinion of an overwhelming majority of Belgians, according to a survey(*) by HEROCK®, specialist in workwear and safety shoes. Three quarters of Belgians (75%) have more confidence in professionals wearing professional work clothes. More than seven in ten (73%) also believe they work more efficiently when wearing appropriate clothing. Laurent Van Laere, managing director of HEROCK®, sees the figures as confirmation of the importance of proper workwear. “The look of a workman or workwoman is partly determined by what they wear. For many people, it says something about the way they work and also about the work they deliver. It gives more confidence, they come across as cleaner and even more competent.”

Chances are you recognise yourself in the survey results. For many Belgians, a workman or workwoman who rings the doorbell neatly dressed makes a better impression than someone who turns up for a job in worn-out jeans. According to a HEROCK® survey of 1,000 Belgians carried out by iVox, more than 9 out of 10 Belgians (92%) think it is important for workmen and women to wear suitable work clothes.

Three quarters of Belgians say they have more confidence in the professionalism of workmen and women who wear appropriate work attire (75%). More than 7 in 10 Belgians surveyed also think that workmen and women work more efficiently when they wear professional clothing (73%). On the other hand, professionals without appropriate clothing clearly get a much lower score. To more than half of Belgians, they come across as less safe (58%), less careful (53%) and even less professional (52%).

Besides craftsmanship, cleanliness also plays an important role in customers' perception. For eight in ten Belgians (79%), clean, well-maintained work clothes contribute to a positive impression of the professional. Almost seven in ten feel that workmen with dirty work clothes come across as less neat (69%) and even less hygienic (66%).

“Clothes make the workman or workwoman”, says Laurent Van Laere, who has been working in the industry all his life as manager of HEROCK®. “Sturdy work shoes and practical clothing simply make it safer for craftsmen and allow them to work much more efficiently. However, a lot also has to do with perception and clothing plays an important role in this. Craftsmen actually dishonour themselves if they don't put on neat, professional clothes.”

Personalised workwear enhances professional image

According to the survey, three quarters (75%) of Belgians also have more confidence in workmen whose company logo appears on their work clothes. A team whose workmen and women all wear the same work outfit gives seven out of ten customers (70%) extra confidence.

According to Laurent Van Laere of HEROCK®, such personalised clothing has nothing but advantages:

“For a company with several employees, the extra branding definitely contributes to a sense of pride and belonging. In addition, when people see that they are part of a company with recognisable branding, it also creates extra confidence among customers. You immediately get the feeling that they are part of a bigger picture. Moreover, here too, you do yourself dishonour as a workman or woman if you do not promote your own logo. It is also just advertising for your business.”

Methodology (*)

The online survey was conducted by research firm iVOX on behalf of Wavemakers, between 6 and 13 May 2024 among 1,000 Belgians representative of language, gender, age and degree. The maximum margin of error among 1 000 Belgians is 3.02%.

Strengthen your professional image with high-quality workwear from HEROCK®

With well-maintained workwear, workers underline their professionalism, efficiency and safety. Herock® ticks off a selection from its range.

Herock® LINX - Multi-pocket stretch jeans trousers

A slim fit jeans that has everything you expect from a work pant? That's the Herock® LINX. The work trousers feature removable and interchangeable nail pockets, a thigh pocket, a small zip pocket, a meter pocket with mobile phone pocket, 2 back pockets, knee pockets with Cordura®, a hammer loop and a waist loop with key ring. At the top, the trousers have a soft and elastic waistband. There is a removable hem at the bottom of the legs. Available in dark denim, in sizes 36 to 56.

Herock® FLUXUS - Reflective, windproof and waterproof winter jacket

This water-repellent and windproof winter jacket is ideal for colder and wetter days. Warm the jacket is too, thanks to the heat-reflective inner lining made of 100% polyester mesh. For extra visibility at the top, the silver-coloured reflective fabric made of polyester with TPU membrane. The Herock® FLUXUS has an extended back, a drawstring at the bottom of the jacket, a sleeve pocket, adjustable cuffs and zipped side pockets. Available in sizes XS to XXXL.

Herock® SARON - High safety trainers with reinforced toecap

A safety shoe with a sporty look? Yep, there is such a thing! The black and khaki-coloured Herock® SARON may look like a high trainer, but it protects your feet one hundred per cent when you are at work. The shoe from safety class S3S is made of water-repellent leather. It has a reinforced composite toecap and a heat-resistant HEROCK® SAFESTEP non-metallic anti-perforation sole. The ergonomic HEROCK® COMFORTSTEP insole with high comfort foot arch and heel support saves your aching feet, and meanwhile the padded ankle collar keeps your ankles nice and warm. Available from size 37 to 47.

Herock® Taris - extra warm softshell winter jacket

A devil-do-well, that's this multi-pocket quilted, breathable, water-repellent and windproof 3-layer softshell jacket from sturdy stretch fabric. It has a chest pocket, two side pockets, adjustable cuffs and an elastic drawcord at the bottom. Reflective details on the back and side provide extra visibility. The hood can be taken off if required. The Herock® TARIS comes in many colour variations: from completely black to black combined with dark grey, light grey, navy or khaki. All available in sizes XS to XXXL.

Herock® Otis - comfortable hooded sweatshirt

This comfortable work sweatshirt with hood and long zip is available in three colours: dark grey, black and navy. Stuff can be stashed away in the two zipped pockets, or in the concealed sleeve pocket. The outside of the Herock® OTIS is made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester, the inside of 100% Teddy Sherpa polyester. Available from XS to XXXL.