But Brisbane fashion experts are bemoaning the uniform to be donned by the 700-strong volunteer army at the G20 world leader's summit in two weeks' time as a missed opportunity for the city's rich design talent.

While River City fashionistas have stopped short of condemning the white shirt and beige pants combination, the colour scheme reflects their enthusiasm for it.

But their views weren't quite as kind towards another uniform addition - an oversized silver bum bag.

While cost pressures would have been a key consideration for the design manager and uniform co-ordinator of the G20 Taskforce, Brisbane-based menswear designer Andrew Byrne said it was no excuse to stifling creativity.

"I would have loved to have had a crack at this," he said.

"This is definitely a missed opportunity to create something that is unique and says something about Brisbane.

"It would have been great to see a little more colour in the choice of fabrics.

"It doesn't have to look like an APEC uniform but there's a lot you can do with a pant and shirt.

"Kudos to them for creating something that has a more relaxed summer feel but it would be great to see volunteers at an event like this look a little sharper."

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is, perhaps wisely, not confirming the name of the designer due to a long-standing policy that prevents the public naming of government employees.

It was unveiled last month, at a training day for volunteers attended by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

It is, according to a statement released by the G20 Taskforce, a design that sought to capture the spirit of Australia and reflect Brisbane's relaxed, sub-tropical climate.

"The design was conceptualised to suit both genders and a varied age demographic," the statement read.

"The uniform was designed to represent an Australian, professional look and took into consideration the Brisbane climate in November.

"The G20 logo embroidered on the uniforms was inspired by the distinct and unique Australian environment."

Queensland University of Technology fashion lecturer Dr Alice Payne was somewhat kinder, describing the uniform as "safe and neutral".

"It's not fashion, it's practical clothing and will keep them looking and feeling comfortable," she said.

"It's neutral and light and they will feel comfortable.

"I think there's a time and place for showcases and sometimes clothing can be just clothing.

"My only point is really the bag, the colour doesn't match the rest of the ensemble."

The statement from the G20 Taskforce further explained that the design had to be practical for all volunteers, from those manning the bus load zones to those assisting with accreditation at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A cap, identifier pin, water bottle and sunscreen come as part of the volunteer uniform pack in addition to the shirt, pants and what the G20 Taskforce politely terms a "waist bag".

All supplier companies are Australian. That move won the support of Dr Byrne.

"One thing that is quite lovely is using all Australian manufacturers," she said.

Brisbane fashion curator Nadia Buick echoed Mr Byrne's opinion that the uniform could have had more local flavour.

"I think working with a local designer to create the uniforms would have produced a more interesting result with a more sophisticated connection to the city, as well as showing support for the local fashion industry," she said.

"The uniforms are very simple, which can be a good thing.

"In this instance though, I think the simplicity and casualness has led to something quite bland and unmemorable. The bumbag is a strange addition, too."

Mr Byrne said with hundreds of the uniforms being worn by volunteers throughout the event, an enormous opportunity to make an impression on 7000 international delegates had gone begging.

"I think whenever these things come along it's a great opportunity to say something and in this instance to say something about Brisbane and who we are," he said.

"It doesn't need to be high fashion but unfortunately what has been designed doesn't really say much at all."

Dr Buick agreed.

"Fit and finish are always hard to achieve en masse on a budget, but certainly not impossible," she said.

"Again I think working closely with a local designer could have assisted with this.

"I think a better use of colour and print would have made the uniforms more dynamic."