We have to say something straight up front…
Whittling this competition down to just 10 finalists was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do. Every single entry that came in absolutely blew us away with their creativity, their pride, their passion for showing up every day in style. The effort… WOW – is this just a South African thing? Would we be saying this if we launched this in Europe, or perhaps did a kind of 'World Cup Best Dressed Team Award'? South Africa, we love you and honestly, every team deserved a prize, and if we could have put you all in the final, we absolutely would have.
That's why this moment feels bittersweet. We're humbled by the incredible response, totally gutted that we had to narrow it down, and that so many brilliant teams couldn't be squeezed into The Top Ten, and we're completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the incredible stories that poured in. What started as a fun idea turned into a last-minute full-blown frenzy of entries and votes. And because of the popularity and the love for this initiative (so fear not for those who didn’t make the final), we're seriously looking at making it an annual event - with more time to enter, more time to vote, and even bigger celebrations in the future!
But for now, let's raise a toast to our Top 10 Finalists. Here's a closer look at who they are, how they have rocked their team uniforms and what makes their style stand out, as well as the messages they'd love to share with the rest of South Africa.
The Winchester Boutique Hotel – represented by Jacoba Marcus
Jacoba describes their look as "professional, polished, and instantly recognisable". Their uniforms reflect elegance and practicality, keeping the team confident and comfortable. She calls herself the hotel's "true fashionista", and if they win, you can expect them to celebrate with a team lunch, photoshoot, and a social media celebration. Her message to other teams? Wear your uniform with pride - it speaks volumes about your commitment and passion.
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NAC Helicopters Cape Town – represented by Charne and Team
For NAC, style is about more than appearance - it's about empowerment. Based at the V&A Waterfront, this mostly female-led team is breaking barriers in aviation while looking effortlessly stylish. Instead of one "secret stylist", style is a collective decision that reflects unity. If they win, they'll spread the news across social media, press, and even give away a 6-seater scenic flight to celebrate. Their message? Uniforms aren't just clothing; they're confidence, belonging, and brand pride.
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Mphela & Associates Attorneys, Pretoria Branch – represented by Vanessa Mdhluli and Team
For this law firm, style is storytelling - sharp tailoring, polished presentation, and a splash of individuality. Their Head of Litigation, Ms. Manisha Maganbhai-Mooloo, is the office's secret style inspiration. If they win, the celebration will start with a team lunch, then ripple out across social media, thanking clients and indeed us, Imagemakers (we've been proudly dressing their three branches since 2009). Their message? Dressing with pride is empowerment. It speaks discipline, unity, and professionalism before you even say a word.
George Surgical Centre – represented by Nicki and Team
This team's motto is "individuality in unity". They celebrate their differences while embracing professionalism, and they even draw style inspiration from their hospital's interior. Fittings often turn into fun "modelling" sessions before placing their uniform orders. If they win, they plan to share a thank-you video, go on a team outing, and most importantly, pay it forward with a project that gives back to their community and the environment. Their message? Professional dress unites a team and builds confidence that flows into the way you serve others.
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VR Print – represented by Carla Janse van Rensburg
Carla sums it up perfectly: "Power in heels, style in the boardroom". Her team are young, vibrant professionals who balance style with confidence, often letting their individuality shine through their chosen Imagemakers looks. Carla herself is the office's not-so-secret stylist, picking new ranges every year. If they win, expect a glamorous lunch and a social media splash, with a possible feature in industry press. Her message to other teams? Corporate fashion isn't about blending in - it's about showing up with confidence and purpose every day.
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Bandag Southern Africa – The Admin Ladies (represented by Sune van Wyk and Team)
This team combines professional polish with personal flair. Everyone brings their own twist to the corporate look, making unity anything but boring. Their office stylist? Gugulethu Mahlangu. And if they win? A big social media announcement and a proper team braai - because nothing says celebration like great food and laughter. Their message? Dressing with pride is about confidence, individuality, and being part of a professional team that has your back.
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Franke – represented by Nadia and Team
Franke's team blends comfort with chic, turning minimalist looks into bold statements. With over 200 employees, individuality shines brightly alongside their corporate style. Their secret stylist? A quietly influential colleague who sets trends without saying a word. We don't even know who this is but we are told cryptically: "if Franke had a human form, it might just be them..." If they win, they'll announce it nationwide at a company townhall, across social media, and at a celebratory lunch. Their message? Dressing with pride reflects professionalism and unity - it's about how we show up for ourselves, our colleagues, and our shared purpose.
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Afrogem Jewellers, The Manhattan Hotel, and Elegant Lodge Pongola have also officially dazzled their way into the finals of SA's Best-Dressed Team Award, and what a line-up it is! From the timeless sparkle of Afrogem's stunning sales team, to the elegant hospitality magic of The Manhattan Hotel, and the professional presence of Elegant Lodge, these teams are proving that style is not just about corporate clothing- it's about confidence, brand identity, and all around team pride. The competition just got even hotter, and we can't wait to see which of these standout office crews will claim the crown as SA's most stylish team.
Keeping Everyone in Suspense
For those eagle-eyed participants with a PhD in Maths, you've probably spotted that only 10 teams are listed above. That's because the final 2 will be announced on Monday, the 6th October. Who will they be? Remember, it's not only votes that count – see our blog post here explaining the judging criteria.
Closing Thoughts
To our finalists, thank you for sharing your stories, your style, and team spirit. You've inspired us and so many others to see work clothes not just as staff uniforms, but as a powerful symbol of pride, teamwork, and professionalism.
And to every single team who entered - you made this journey absolutely unforgettable. The sheer frenzy of entries and votes was proof that South Africa is ready to celebrate workplace style in a big way. That's why we're already thinking ahead- this probably won't be the last Best-Dressed Team Award… Next year, we're pretty sure we'll be back - with more time, more prizes, and more opportunities to shine.
For now, let's celebrate these 10 incredible teams. They've set the bar high, and we couldn't be prouder.
And… of course. LET'S GET READY to RUMBLE on to the WINNER, which will be announced on the 7th of October.
