| Work uniforms do not exist solely for the purpose of | | | | are also required to wear work uniforms are fire |
| fostering a feeling of solidarity, they can also be | | | | fighters. Fighting fire is a very dangerous profession |
| functional. Uniforms for certain professions offer | | | | and requires individuals who are courageous and giving. |
| protection as well. We will look at some of the | | | | While courage and bravery play an important role, |
| professions that have both a symbolic and functional | | | | these individuals aren't superhuman. They cannot |
| or protective purpose for wearing uniforms. Here, we | | | | withstand high temperatures without some sort of |
| consider the professions of a chemist or someone | | | | protective clothing. |
| who works in a chemistry lab, a firefighter and a | | | | This is where the fire fighters' work uniforms play a |
| football player. | | | | significant part. The uniforms not only have the fire |
| People who work in laboratories often handle | | | | department branding and the name of the fire fighter, |
| chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be | | | | but it also has the capability of protecting the fire |
| dangerous and can cause a lot of harm if they come | | | | fighter during his most dangerous part of working |
| into contact with skin. Additionally, doctors also wear | | | | running into burning buildings to save civilians. We were |
| lab coats to minimize the risk of being exposed to any | | | | all able to instantly recognize the heroic New York City |
| infectious material. Lastly, lab coats can be used to | | | | fire fighters during the September 11th attacks by the |
| protect against fire. Some lab coats are made of a | | | | distinctive "FDNY" branding on their uniforms. |
| flame retardant material, but the main advantage that | | | | Individuals engaged in sports will also wear uniforms |
| a lab coat wearer has is the fact that the coat itself | | | | and some of them also offer protective features. |
| can quickly be removed and isolated from the rest of | | | | Football and Ice Hockey players not only have team |
| the body. | | | | colors, but also have a lot of protective gear that goes |
| All the professionals who work in this environment will | | | | on as part of their uniform. It is easy to pick out the |
| wear lab coats, both to provide them with the | | | | distinctive uniform of an American Football player |
| protection that they need and also to make the | | | | because of its unique design. The same can be said |
| distinction that they are members of staff of that | | | | for the Ice Hockey uniforms as well. |
| particular organization. Some lab coats may have | | | | The marrying of the symbolic and functional nature of |
| branding or insignias of the specific organization that | | | | uniforms is not new; it has been around for a long time |
| they work for, but in cases like this, the symbolic or | | | | and is a clever way of both projecting a team or |
| branding aspect of the lab coat is only secondary. | | | | organizations solidarity without having to sacrifice the |
| Another set of professionals that deal with fire and | | | | protective aspects as well. |