From Wool to Cool: The Evolution of Summer Workwear in New Zealand

New Zealand’s summers are as unpredictable as they are iconic. From muggy days in Auckland to brisk evenings in Canterbury—and let’s not forget those sudden downpours—we Kiwis know how to adapt. Over the decades, summer uniforms in Aotearoa have evolved, shaped by advances in fabrics, changing workplace demands, and a uniquely Kiwi sense of practicality.

This is the journey of how summer workwear in New Zealand moved from heavy wool to innovative fabrics like Cool Comfort®, keeping teams comfortable, confident, and professional.

The Early Days of Summer Workwear

In the early 1900s, summer workwear wasn’t really a thing. You wore what you had, and that usually meant heavy wool or thick cotton—materials chosen for their durability, not comfort. These fabrics were built to last, but they weren’t made to breathe, leaving workers sweltering through New Zealand’s summer heat.

Farmers, factory workers, and shopkeepers alike soldiered on in clothing that was hot, heavy, and unforgiving. If you were lucky, you might have a lightweight cotton shirt, but true summer-ready uniforms? Those were still decades away.

The Linen Revolution: Bringing Summer Comfort

The 1960s brought a welcome change with the introduction of linen into Kiwi workplaces. Lightweight, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking, linen was a game-changer for office workers, hospitality teams, and anyone who needed to keep cool while looking professional.

But while linen offered relief from the heat, it wasn’t without its challenges. It was expensive, required careful maintenance, and had a tendency to crease—making it less practical for certain industries. Still, linen set the stage for the idea that workwear could balance durability with comfort.

The Rise of Cotton Blends

By the 1970s, linen began to share the spotlight with blended cotton fabrics, which struck a balance between affordability, practicality, and comfort. Combining the natural breathability of cotton with added durability and easy-care properties, these fabrics became staples in retail and hospitality uniforms.

This era also saw the emergence of cotton-backed clothing, which paired the comfort of cotton on the inside with a more durable outer layer. These innovations made uniforms more versatile and better suited to New Zealand’s ever-changing summer conditions.

At Arrow Uniforms, we’re proud to offer cotton-backed options like the staff favourite Keira Polo range, which blends comfort and durability for busy workplaces. Available in men’s and women’s styles, this range is perfect for teams who need breathable, hard-wearing uniforms.

From crisp cotton polos to relaxed shirts and tunics, blended cotton became the backbone of summer uniforms for many Kiwi workplaces.

Polyester Reinvented: A Fabric for Modern Workplaces

Polyester had a rocky start in the world of uniforms, but the 1990s marked a turning point. Advances in fabric technology transformed polyester into a high-performance option for demanding workplaces, offering moisture-wicking, fade-resistant, and wrinkle-free properties. These innovations made it the perfect choice for industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, where durability and practicality are essential.

At Arrow Uniforms, we’ve refined polyester into Cool Comfort®, our performance fabric specifically designed for New Zealand’s unpredictable summers. Cool Comfort® combines moisture-control finish, breathability, easy-care properties, and a soft feel. Unlike older polyester fabrics, it retains its colour and shape wash after wash, ensuring uniforms look professional while keeping teams comfortable during long shifts. This fabric has become a staple in many of our summer-ready styles, providing the perfect balance of comfort and performance for Kiwi workplaces.

Sustainability in Summer Workwear

By the 2010s, sustainability became a growing focus in the fashion and uniform industries. Arrow Uniforms offers sustainable fabric options, including recycled polyester and Lyocell, which are truly innovative materials with lower environmental footprints. Recycled polyester helps divert plastic waste from landfills while offering durability and performance. Lyocell, made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, is produced using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, making it an excellent eco-conscious choice.

We also offer organic cotton and BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton, but we approach these options with transparency. While organic cotton avoids harmful pesticides and supports healthier farming practices, it requires significant water use and has lower yields compared to conventional cotton. Similarly, BCI cotton aims to improve the sustainability of cotton farming but doesn’t eliminate all environmental impacts. Because of these complexities, we work closely with businesses to help them weigh the pros and cons of different materials and make informed decisions based on their environmental values and operational needs.

Arrow Uniforms Cool Comfort® Range

Here are some of our favourite styles from our stock range featuring Cool Comfort®:

Coordinated Styles for Women and Men

Women’s Tunics

Looking Ahead

From the heavy wool aprons of the early 1900s to today’s lightweight performance fabrics, summer workwear in New Zealand has come a long way. It’s a journey of innovation, adaptability, and meeting the unique challenges of Kiwi workplaces head-on.

At Arrow Uniforms, we’ve been part of this journey for decades, and we’re here to help your business take the next step. Whether it’s navigating the pros and cons of different fabrics, finding the right balance between sustainability and practicality, or giving your team’s uniforms a full refresh, our experts are ready to guide you.

We offer free consultations to help you make the best choices for your team, ensuring your workwear is not just functional but also represents your brand perfectly. From understanding fabric options to tailoring a uniform range that works for your unique needs, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Let’s create workwear that’s built for your team—and built for the summer. Get in touch with Arrow Uniforms today to start your summer uniform refresh.