Managing uniform design, manufacture and distribution of a uniform suite for four brand identities under one umbrella can be a difficult task. Thankfully for GTR – which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express – Tailored Image was more than capable of rising to the challenge. Delivering a uniform programme of this scale and complexity required an experienced supplier partner. Following a competitive pitch in 2025, Tailored Image was appointed to fulfil the uniform contract.
GTR is the UK’s largest railway operator, delivering 18% of all passenger journeys in the UK whilst managing 18 depots, 238 stations and 7400 colleagues. The remit for this uniform project was to provide a uniform solution for approximately 5000 colleagues across the four brands, including drivers and customer service colleagues.
Tailored Image was fortunate to partner in this exercise with Contracts Manager Lisa Stanford and Design Consultant Debbie Johnson, a duo with a combined experience of 60 years in the design and supply of uniform solutions for the transport, retail, hospitality and travel sectors. This dynamic duo was the driving force behind the exercise and led the process from January 2023 when the project first began, focusing on GTR’s internal engagement and design development. Following a competitive pitch in 2025, Tailored Image was appointed to deliver the final uniform solution, working collaboratively with GTR through the next phase of the programme.
A key part of the brief was that GTR colleagues should be at the centre of the project. The new uniform was designed following a series of uniform surveys, the establishment of a Uniform Working Group and engagement with all four brands through station and depot visits which gave the opportunity to speak directly with employees about their thoughts regarding current uniform offerings and how they could be reimagined. The aim throughout the process was to improve fabric compositions, achieve a greater level of wearer comfort and to upgrade fits, garment detailing and quality so as to enhance the experience for the wearer.
Colour choice was a key element of the brief with each of the railway brands adopting a bold colour – pink for Thameslink, green for Southern, blue for Great Northern and the iconic red of Gatwick Express. Each uniform collection should incorporate this main colour into its wardrobe, whilst adopting a common feature/base colour to unite all brands.
Prominence was to be given to the Four Brand Stripe – a mark which signifies unification of these brands under one umbrella with a common focus.
Base colourways across the group include black and white micro check shirts with grey marl polos with dark charcoal suit garments and outerwear including soft shell jackets, coats, lightweight jackets and jumpers.
Each garment is branded with individual company logos to achieve a visible mark, but it is the accessories that really make the colours pop and ensure brand visibility. Ties and scarves in brand colours mean there is no mistaking each employee’s individual brand.
The presence of the Four Brand Stripe in prominent positions on the polos and shirting elements as well as inside cuffs, zippers etc adds an additional touch of class to the garments and presents a unified aesthetic across the brands.
These intricate details were included as a response to employees’ and stakeholder requests to really raise the bar with this garment collection, and it’s clear to see this has been achieved.
Garments of note include the longline coat which includes a removable Thermolite® Heat+ liner. Thermolite® Heat+ represents the next generation of advanced thermal insulation, crafted to deliver exceptional warmth, lightness, and lasting comfort. Its innovative hollow-core fibre technology creates a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, efficiently trapping body heat while allowing moisture to escape for all-day comfort. The result is effortless warmth without bulk-a refined balance of performance and elegance.
Softshell jackets have also been received gratefully because of the detachable sleeves which allow for uniform adaptations depending on the current climate. Gatwick Express soft shells come in an unmistakable red which helps the identification process for colleagues in the busy airport-serving stations.
For the first time, Customer Service colleagues have been provided with a smart polo shirt which has received very positive feedback.
For both of these garments (softshell and polo), a new female fit has been added to the collection which has been gratefully received to provide additional comfort for female colleagues.
Roll-out of the collection was complete in August 2026 with around 5000 uniform ‘person packs’ delivered to individual home addresses, all collated and managed through Tailored Image’s award-winning online portal. This intuitive portal is highly bespoke to the needs of GTR, giving a user-friendly online retail-style experience for individual wearers whilst achieving intricate reporting capabilities for management and procurement colleagues.
The most satisfying element of the process for Tailored Image has been receiving feedback from the wearer trials on the final chosen garments. Here is just a flavour of these:
‘I got a lot of compliments from passengers and other colleagues about the look of the shirt and the touches of the stripe, which gave the overall look a much more fun vibe.’
‘Love, love, love! The fabric is so much nicer, washes well, fits better and is slightly thicker.’
‘These are the best quality trousers I have encountered during my time with the company; they are exceptionally comfortable and present a very smart appearance, making them a pleasure to wear.’
For more information on how Tailored Image can help transform your transport company uniform, why not Contact Us today!
