How many sets of workwear should a healthcare or beauty professional have?

In the medical and beauty sectors, one question comes up repeatedly: how many sets of workwear does an employee actually need? And the answer is not simply “one” or “two”. The right number depends on the nature of the job, hygiene requirements, washing frequency, and how each individual prefers to care for their uniforms.

Workwear is not just a uniform. It is part of safety, comfort, and professionalism. Therefore, it is important to think not only about style but also about practicality: how many sets ensure that the employee feels clean, presentable, and comfortable every single workday?

Healthcare professionals – it all begins with hygiene

In healthcare, workwear must always be clean. Not “clean enough”, but truly clean. Patients and the clinical environment require high standards of hygiene, and clothing can easily become soiled during a normal workday.

Recommended minimum: 3 sets

• one in use

• one in the wash

• one as backup

For intensive care, procedures, or work involving frequent patient contact, even more is recommended -4–5 sets.

Why?
Because some days are simply busier or messier than others, and uniforms may need to be changed during the day.

Beauty sector – looking polished matters every day

Cosmetologists, hairdressers, massage therapists, and nail technicians face fewer infection risks than medical professionals, but cleanliness and appearance are equally important.

Clients notice a professional’s appearance. And honestly – when the service provider looks polished, the client experience immediately feels better.

Recommended for beauty professionals: 2–3 sets

• one for the workday

• one in the wash

• a third for variety or to avoid pressure to wash daily

Spas and salons dealing with oils, creams, and chemicals often need more frequent washing. In these cases, 3–4 sets are advisable, especially for daily work.

Why one set is not enough?

One set means daily washing and waiting for it to dry.
It leads to faster wear, unnecessary stress, and eventually earlier replacement.

Workwear is a tool, not a luxury item.
It should support you—not be something you worry about every evening.

The psychological factor no one talks about

We all know the feeling of putting on fresh clothes in the morning.
It changes your mood.
It makes you feel professional.
And clients notice it too.

When employees feel good in their uniforms, they look confident—and that is the best business card anyone can have.

Mirtel Design’s recommendation for employees and employers

If shifts are rotated or a single set is shared by multiple people (yes, this happens), it is important to order enough sets so that no one ends up in a “last-minute laundry” situation.

Workwear should be supportive, not stressful.

A practical note for employers

When discussing multiple sets per employee, employers often raise a valid concern:
“What if the employee leaves before the investment pays off?”

This is a natural consideration, especially in pharmacies, dental clinics, medical centres, spas, and salons where staff turnover can be higher.

That is exactly why Mirtel Design has created a solution to help control costs: one size fits up to three employees.

This means that if someone leaves or a new professional joins, the uniforms remain usable. You avoid having perfectly new but wrongly sized garments sitting unused in storage.

Convenient for the employee.
Reassuring for the employer.
Sustainable for both the budget and the environment.

Ultimately, workwear is part of service quality. When employees feel good in their uniforms, it reflects in their attitude, customer experience, and the overall image of the company.

It really is that simple.