Black has earned its place in every uniform wardrobe. It's easy to wear, easy to replace and works across almost every role. But if you've found yourself ordering the same black tunic year after year, this autumn is a good time to look at what else is out there.
Across salons, clinics, hotels and spas, business are becoming more confident with colour. Not bright, attention-grabbing shades, but richer tones that still feel timeless after months of wear. Think deep reds instead of scarlet, softer blues instead of royal blue, greys that sit comfortable between black and white.
The best part? You can find almost all of these part of our Buttercups Uniforms collection.
Black still works, it just doesn't have to work alone
Black isn't going anywhere and it never should. Apart from just straight up being practical and forgiving, it always looks smart.
Styles such as the Aurora tunic, Meadow tunic and Lunar trousers continue to be favourites because they work with almost anything. Rather than replacing black altogether, many teams are now using it as a base. A black trouser paired with a coloured tunic, or a black uniform for one department and softer shades for another, creates variety without losing consistency.
Reds are taking centre stage
Autumn has always favoured richer colours, and this year they're moving beyond the usual burgundy and wine shades. Instead, the focus is on colours that bring warmth without overpowering the room.
Ruby is a good example. It feels confident without demanding attention, making it a natural choice for salons, spas and reception teams looking to move away from black. The Senna Tunic captures that balance perfectly, adding colour while still feeling timeless.
If you're after something softer, Fig offers a completely different take. Found in the Pure Tunic, it's a deeper berry tone that works just as well through autumn as it does into spring. It's subtle enough for everyday wear but still brings a welcome change from the usual dark neutrals.
Rather than choosing colour for the sake of following a trend, these shades show how small changes can completely refresh the look of a team.
The other advantage of these deeper shades? They don't feel as heavy as black, but they're still practical enough for the realities of a busy working day.
Blue is getting warmer
For years, blue uniforms usually meant one thing: navy. Today, there's far more choice, and each shade creates a different impression.
Teal continues to grow in popularity because it sits comfortably between blue and green. It feels fresh, calming and easy to wear, making the Senna Tunic a popular choice for businesses looking to introduce colour without making a dramatic change.
Of course, Navy still has its place. The Aire Tunic shows why it's remained a favourite for so long. It's dependable, pairs effortlessly with black or grey trousers and works across everything from beauty to hospitality.
Then there's Lapis Blue. Available in the Rhodes Tunic, it brings a brighter, cleaner look than traditional navy while remaining just as easy to wear. It's the sort of colour that feels current today but won't look dated a few years from now.
If black feels too dark and navy feels too familiar, the newer blue tones offer an easy middle ground.
Don't overlook the quiet naturals
Grey rarely gets the attention of richer colours, but it's quietly becoming one of the easiest ways to update a uniform. It softens the overall look without sacrificing practicality and pairs effortlessly with black, navy or embroidered branding. For businesses that aren't quite ready for Ruby or Teal, it's often the colour that bridges the gap.
The Cassia Eco Tunic brings grey into an everyday essential, while the Rhodes Tunic offers a more tailored silhouette in the same understated tone. Paired with the Lunar Trousers in grey, the result is a coordinated look that feels lighter than black but every bit as wearable.
Grey may not be the colour people notice first, but it's often the one they keep coming back to.
Choose a colour that fits your team
Trends come and go, but uniforms stay in rotation for years. That's why it's worth thinking beyond what's popular just this season.
Ask yourself:
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Will this colour still look right next season?
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Does this reflect the way we want our business to be seen?
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Will it work across the whole team?
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Is it practical for the work we do everyday?
A luxury spa might naturally lean towards fig or ruby, while a dental proactive may prefer teal or lapis blue. A hotel reception could keep black as its foundation and introduce colour through selected roles or departments.
The right answer isn't always the boldest, it's the colour that feels like it belongs.
One colour can change the whole look
Refreshing your uniforms doesn't always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes replacing a single style, introducing one new shade or giving staff another colour option is enough to make the whole team feel refreshed for the season ahead.
Black will always have its place, but this season show there's plenty of room for colour too. Whether that's the warmth of Ruby, the richness of Fig, the calm of Teal or the understated appeal of grey, the best uniforms are the ones people enjoy wearing long after the trend reports have moved on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are coloured uniforms suitable for work?
Absolutely. Many businesses now choose colours that reflect their brand while remaining smart and easy to wear every day.
Q. Which colours are popular for Autumn & Winter 2026?
Deep reds such as Ruby and Fig, softer blues like Teal and Lapis Blue, along with Grey and Navy, are all strong choices this season.
Q. Is black still a good choice for uniforms?
Yes, black remains one of the most practical options and pairs well with almost every colour, making it a great foundation for a uniform wardrobe.
Q. Can different members of the same team wear different colours?
Yes, provided the colours are coordinated. Many businesses use different shades to distinguish departments while maintaining a consistent overall look.
Q. How do I choose the right uniform colour?
Consider your brand, the type of work your team does, how often garments are washed and whether the colour will still feel right in a year's time.
