When people think of security uniforms, the image that often comes to mind includes a neat shirt with shoulder tabs. That look isn't random. The epaulette shirt is a practical part of most security uniforms and happens to be one of the most recognisable pieces of clothing in the job.
Put simply, an epaulette shirt is a collared, button-up shirt that has stitched shoulder straps. These small features can carry radios, ID badges, or patches. They might not look like much at first, but there’s a reason they stick around in the security field. Especially during summer shifts, when heat and long hours make comfort and function more important than ever, the epaulette design continues to hold its ground.
A Look That Stands for Authority
The way a uniform looks matters, especially in roles where visibility and control are key. Security staff need to be noticed quickly and taken seriously in a crowd. Clean, structured clothing helps with that.
The shoulder tabs do more than act as a place for gear. They help frame the shirt in a way that makes the user look formal, prepared, and part of a trusted system. Often, epaulettes will carry rank patches or reflective strips to help show who does what. That comes in handy in places where multiple guards are moving through a space.
This style also plays a role in first impressions. Crisp, tucked-in shirts make the staff look organised and give people the sense that things are under control, which adds a layer of comfort in public or busy areas. When done right, the shirt becomes a subtle tool that supports both the wearer and the people around them.
Tools on the Shoulders: Practical Use in the Job
Function plays a big part in this choice of shirt. Epaulette tabs give security staff a simple way to carry small but important items. Radios, ID cards, flashlights, or pens can all be attached at shoulder level, keeping hands free. That’s especially helpful in situations where quick response or mobility is needed.
In summer, when events run outside or indoor venues get stuffy, having gear placed high on the body leaves room for airflow and prevents clumsy movements. Nothing flops or swings around. Workers can move more freely through crowds, doorways, or tight spaces.
Here's how the shoulder tabs help keep things practical during a shift:
• Easy access to communication equipment without slowing down
• No need for heavy belts when some tools can sit at shoulder level
• Reduced strain on the lower back by spreading the load
It’s a subtle benefit, but one that makes a big difference over an eight-hour shift.
Reinforcing Team Identity and Uniformity
A strong team uniform creates structure. It says, “We’re all on the same page.” Epaulette shirts support that feeling by giving staff a shared, clear appearance that stands out across a crowd. This helps staff identify each other quickly and shows the public who to go to if something’s up.
Most of these shirts come in repeatable colours, navy, grey, black, chosen for both function and visibility. Patches or badges may show company names or job titles, keeping things clear. At larger events or buildings with several guards, that kind of visual cue helps avoid mix-ups.
This kind of uniform consistency can take the pressure off both staff and the people they’re helping. When workers wear matching shirts, it brings a sort of calm to situations where quick decisions count. And for newer team members, wearing what the others wear helps them blend in and feel like they belong from day one.
Built for Long Hours and Hot Conditions
Anyone who’s worked a long shift outdoors in summer knows how much the wrong shirt can ruin your day. That’s why security uniforms need to do more than just look good, they have to perform in the West-facing sun, during late-night shifts, and through rain or heat.
The standard epaulette shirt is built for all that. It usually comes in lightweight cotton blends or breathable poly fabrics that pull heat away from the skin. Some short and long sleeve epaulette work shirts supplied by Ace Workwear use 65% polyester and 35% cotton fabrics at around 110 gsm, combining durability with a light feel that suits warm conditions and regular washing.
Think of how the features play into weather and time on the job:
• Short sleeves or roll-tab long sleeves let workers adjust depending on heat
• Button-up fronts create airflow so workers don’t feel locked into the shirt
• Easy-care fabrics make it simpler to wash and wear them again right away
That’s a big help during high-workload weeks when multiple shifts stack up.
Why the Style Isn’t Going Anywhere
We’ve seen updates to uniforms over the years, but the epaulette shirt continues to stay put for one reason, it works. It fills that space between formal and functional, giving staff what they need without looking too casual or dressed up. Alongside classic button-up shirts, Ace Workwear also offers epaulette polos and knitted jumpers, helping security teams keep a consistent look across different seasons and temperature changes.
Its place in the uniform isn’t about fashion. It’s about consistency, functionality, comfort, and ease. And after being used across airports, concerts, malls, hospitals, and industrial zones, it’s become something both staff and the public expect. The familiarity helps everyone.
If a new hire walks on-site with one of these shirts, it’s immediately clear that they’re part of the team, part of the plan, and ready to work. That’s hard to replace with just a name badge or hat.
Keeping Things Simple, Practical, and Recognisable
Security uniforms aren’t meant to be flashy. They have a job to do, just like the people wearing them. The epaulette shirt helps with that by offering a shirt that works hard without needing special care or upgrades. It pulls together function, comfort, and team image in one solid piece of clothing.
As summer rolls on and outdoor shifts get hotter and longer, something as simple as the right shirt design can go a long way. Staying cool, keeping ready access to tools, and looking like part of a steady team makes all the difference during busy shifts. The epaulette shirt quietly supports all of that, shift after shift.
At Ace Workwear, we understand how the right uniform can boost comfort and confidence for security staff on the job. Whether you’re organising workwear for a small team or a larger crew, items like the classic epaulette shirt help create a look that feels organised, practical, and ready for long shifts. With breathable choices designed for warm Australian summers and everyday wear, having the right shirt makes all the difference when things get busy. For questions or expert help finding workwear to suit your team’s needs, reach out to us today.