How to choose medical uniforms and beauty industry workwear?

Before we dive into the world of medical uniforms and beauty industry workwear, I’d like to start by telling you a little about myself – who I am and why I believe I can share valuable insights on this topic.

Let’s get acquainted! My name is Kristel Suik – fashion designer, IFBB nutrition coach, and founder of Mirtel Design workwear. From an early age I loved creating clothing patterns – perhaps inspired by my grandfather, who was a talented tailor. For years I sewed clothes as a hobby for myself and my loved ones, but my deeper interest grew when I worked as a cosmetologist. That was the moment I realised how difficult it was to find cosmetologist uniforms that were stylish, comfortable, and durable all at once.

My passion for learning more led me to the Euro University’s Faculty of Fashion, where I earned my BA degree in fashion design over four years. In 2009, Mirtel Design was born – the result of my experience, knowledge, and passion. Today I design workwear for the healthcare and beauty industries: cosmetologists, massage therapists, doctors, dentists, hairdressers, spa employees, and many more. My goal is to create garments that are practical, beautiful, and feel tailor-made for the person wearing them.

Today, I feel ready to share my knowledge in greater depth. This is why I decided to write a blog about medical uniforms and beauty industry workwear – something inspiring to read over your morning coffee or during your lunch break.

Here are the topics we’ll cover together:

1. Introduction – what is workwear?

2. The functions of workwear

3. Why is the right size so important? – the “three sizes” rule

4. How many sets of workwear should you own?

5. The lifespan of workwear

6. Confidence and professionalism – how clothing influences self-esteem, brand image, and the trust between client and professional

---

Why is workwear essential in healthcare and beauty?

When we think of workwear in healthcare and beauty, we often see it simply as a uniform – something that looks neat and separates the professional from the client. In reality, the primary function of workwear is to protect the employee from risks associated with their job. Comfort and aesthetics come after that.

Healthcare workwear

In medicine and care, uniforms act as a protective barrier between the employee and external factors:

• Biological risks: exposure to blood and bodily fluids, spread of bacteria and viruses. The fabric needs to be tightly woven or specially treated – for example, antibacterial or liquid-repellent.

• Chemical exposure: disinfectants, cleaning agents, medicines. Fabrics must withstand contact with these substances and be easy to wash.

• Mechanical risks: small splashes or scratches that can occur from sharp instruments.

• Physiological protection: clothing must be breathable, moisture-wicking, and skin-friendly, ensuring comfort even during a long and busy shift.

Beauty industry workwear

Cosmetologists, hairdressers, and other beauty professionals face slightly different risks, but beautician uniforms are just as important as healthcare uniforms:

• Chemicals and products: hair dyes, bleaching agents, oils, and creams – fabrics must be resistant to stains and chemicals.

• Moisture and oil stains: high-quality fabrics don’t absorb moisture, dry quickly, and keep the wearer comfortable.

• Mechanical risks: scissors or razors – here, a denser and slightly stronger fabric is sufficient.

• Aesthetic protection: in the beauty industry, clothing also plays a psychological role. Clean, professional-looking uniforms inspire client trust and boost the specialist’s confidence. Darker or specially treated fabrics help to mask stains.

In summary:

• In healthcare, the main priority is protection from infections and disinfectants.

• In the beauty industry, uniforms must withstand chemicals, stains, and moisture – while maintaining a professional appearance.

All of these requirements influence not only fabric choice but also the cut and design of workwear. Every fabric used by Mirtel Design is EU-approved and carefully selected.

In the next blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the specific functions workwear should fulfil.