Happy Threads UK Blog

Koi:

Koi are a US manufacturer of fashion-forward uniforms designed for those looking for a contemporary yet professional look. When Kathy Peterson, the founder of koi, first began designing uniforms, she noticed that many manufacturers viewed design as an after-thought; she found that many healthcare professionals welcomed a more fashionable approach to uniforms.

The secret of the koi garments is the fit; a well-made and fitted garment will feel more comfortable and look better. Koi do not make unisex garments and so the garments are designed for the female (or male) body shape. The koi uniforms are made from high quality 55% cotton, 45% polyester soft twill that is easy care, hard wearing and yet so soft and comfy. In addition to the fantastic selection of tops there are three different trouser styles to choose from and each size is available in three different leg lengths ensuring the correct fit for all.

Koi produce two ranges; the fashion (or prints) and the reoradables (or solids) range. There are currently 5 different styles in the solid range including the recently launched Andie. This new style is a longer top responding to a demand in the market place. The Ashley top is the best seller and flatters all body shapes, it features a contrast trim colour which can be matched with the trousers, e.g. the Ceil top has navy trim which can be worn with navy trousers. The re-orderable are suitable for teams where continuity is required.

The fashion or prints range offer an exciting range of limited edition patterns and styles that change each season, these are particular popular with the fashion conscious Hygienist or Therapist who wish to express their individuality.

Each print features a few of the basic colours (such as navy, white, ceil or steel) so that they can be worn with existing trousers. Already I have noticed an increase in demand for these prints especially from Hygienists and Therapists who desire a fashionable individual look. There are always exciting new products on the horizon, keep an eye on our facebook page for more details.

In a recent survey we found that a large number of Hygienists and Therapists choose and purchase their own uniforms, a smaller number were provided with uniforms by the practice they worked in and a lucky few were able to chose their own and have their practice pay for them.

We found that many Hygienists and Therapists require a more individual look and seek a uniform that reflects their personality and profession wishing for something more than the generic scrub top or a beautician’s tunic.

The work of Hygienists and Therapists is active and so the clothing and footwear they wear must be comfortable, through the breathability of the fabric and the fit of the garment or shoe. Work clothing should look smart and allow the individuality of the wearer to shine through.

What does your uniform say about you? does it say, ‘I am professional, I am clean and I am happy at work’.

The survey also revealed that many wish to look different from the beautycare professionals and found the high polyester content of these tunics did not offer enough breathability for the active role undertaken by Hygienists or Therapists. The traditional scrub top is a unisex product that does not flatter the female figure. Koi have bridged this gap by providing breathable uniforms specially designed for the female form

Many practices have a strict uniform policy and there are certain advantages to this as it creates a professional environment and lets the customer know they are in safe clinical hands. Practices may wish to have different teams in different colour schemes but with a degree of continuity. An example is steel grey trousers in various styles that can be worn with Ashley Pink tops (with steel trim), Ashley Peacock tops (with steel trim), Harlow Steel/Pink combo top and the sienna steel top, thereby giving four co-ordinating options within one main colour scheme, and there is also a men’s range in steel (but not pink at present!)