Types of Uniforms in the Hotel Industry
Whether it's the crisp white shirt of a world-renowned hotel chain or the playful polo of a boutique resort, uniforms play an important role in creating an image for a hotel.
From the smallest of details such as the type of buttons on a shirt to the way a logo is embroidered onto a pocket, each element of a uniform has been carefully selected to create a certain look and feel.
At Stock Mfg, we work with legacy brands, like Hyatt and Hilton as well as five-star resorts like Auberge and Four Seasons, as well as industry-leading boutique operators like Aparium and Provenance. Designing these uniform programs is different every time, but our goal remains the same — create uniforms that help employees look and feel confident in their roles, so they can provide guests with the exceptional service they expect from a top-notch hotel.
This article provides helpful information on how to design a uniform program for your hotel, and it includes detailed descriptions of several types of uniforms that hotel staff members wear."
What Types of Uniforms Are Used in the Hotel Industry?
Front-of-House-Uniforms
Front-of-house employees in a sharp uniform is often the first interaction a hotel guest has with the property, and this initial encounter must be a positive one. These are the faces of the hotel, and their uniforms should reflect that.
Drawing on inspiration from our boutique hotel concierge uniform let’s take a look at some examples of attire that would make up a front-of-house uniform:
Top
We selected our White Service Oxford Shirt. This is a staple that many of our customers choose for its versatility. It can be dressed up with a blazer or dressed down with a nice pair of jeans.
Pants
Our unstructured navy blazer is a perfect option for front-of-house staff. It provides a high degree of professionalism while providing enough stretch for the wearer to enjoy the full range of motion. Alternatively, we could select a more formal suit coat.
Khakis, skirts, or black pants
Khakis are a terrific option for a look that is both professional and comfortable. Skirts for women are also a great option or you can opt for a more casual look with a pair of black service jeans.
Shoes
For a formal uniform, consider oxford-style shoes. For something more casual, loafers or even crisp sneakers are excellent options.
Back-of-House-Uniforms
While the main goal of a back-of-house uniform is to keep employees comfortable and safe, the look of the uniform can still say a lot about a property. Guests still see employees in the back of the house, so the form is still as important as the function.
Our housekeeping uniforms are an example of Back-of-House-Uniforms.
Top
Our tipped camp shirt is the perfect option for your housekeeping staff. It’s made from an incredibly soft fabric called lyocell. It’s a light, comfortable top that fits loosely, allowing the wearer to move freely.
Bottoms
Similar to our shirts, we want to emphasize comfort without sacrificing professionalism. For this we selected our black stretch service jeans. The fabric is made from cotton and elastane, which provides a high level of comfort and mobility.
Other options for back-of-house staff are our linel joggers, khakis or khaki shorts. All of these are extremely comfortable and don’t restrict movement.
Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable and quality shoes are a must in the back of the house. For house cleaning staff you may want to consider a functional shoe like a sneaker. Other back-of-house staff members such as cooks may opt for clogs and slip-resistant shoes that are both great-looking and practical for kitchen environments.
Types of Hotel Staff and Uniforms
Hotel Receptionist or Front Desk Uniforms
Some of the most creative and stylish front-of-house uniforms are worn by the front desk staff members. These uniform styles project the hotel's image, whether that's sophisticated, minimalist, eclectic, or modern. Many hotels also incorporate local or cultural elements into the front desk uniform.
Design ideas: Some of the more interesting front desk uniforms we've seen have been inspired by the hotel's location or history. Check out our custom-made uniform by Stock Mfg for NOLA's Old No. 77. It features a custom garment dyed charcoal chore coat, a short sleeve ivory henley, and khaki stretch chinos.
Hotel Concierge Uniforms
The concierge is often the first point of contact for guests, so it's important that their uniforms project a professional image. Don't forget that these uniforms need to be functional as well.
Design ideas: Suits and blazers are common choices for concierge staff. A well-fitted suit or blazer is a great starting point for a concierge uniform.
Kitchen Staff or Restaurant Uniforms
We've seen a lot of creativity in restaurant and kitchen uniforms in recent years, with more and more opting for stylish and unique takes on uniforms. Parachute Retaurant’s kit is a great example. For their uniform program, we paired a smock-style apron with a high-fashion t-shirt.
Hotel chef uniforms
Chef pants, chef coats, chef hats, and aprons are all traditional elements of a chef uniform. We stock a large collection of bib aprons. This style of apron provides upper and lower body protection which makes it ideal for chefs. If you’re looking for a unique twist on a chefs coat we carry a chef shirt that is durable and stylish.
Servers uniforms
Servers' uniforms are a great opportunity to incorporate the hotel's branding. Consider the Hu Hotel, their serving staff wear a custom graphic t-shirt that incorporates the history of Memphis and the uniqueness of the Hu Hotel.
Housekeeping Uniforms
Housekeepers — The unsung heroes of the hotel industry. These hard-working employees keep guests' rooms clean and tidy, and they do it all with a smile.
Design ideas: Housekeeping uniforms don’t have to be boring. A fun top like our tipped camp shirt is functional and stylish.
Office uniforms
Finance, sales, marketing, and HR are just a few of the hotel departments that typically wear office uniforms.
Design ideas: Typically these staff members have fewer interactions with guests so a simple, yet professional look suffices. Our technical polos paired with khakis are a great option here.
Hotel Maintenance Uniforms
The maintenance team is responsible for keeping the hotel running smoothly. From fixing a leaky faucet to changing light bulbs, these employees do it all. This is why comfort is key for a maintenance uniform.
Maintenance uniforms need to be durable that can stand up to a bit of wear and tear.
Design ideas: Our chore coats are great long sleeve shirts that are durable and functional. Pair it with a stylish shirt such as our off-white henley and a black pair of stretch service jeans.
What Makes a Good Hotel Uniform?
A good hotel uniform is easy to move in and durable enough to withstand the demands of the job. And of course, it should fit with the hotel's branding.
Let's take a look at the many ways that hotel uniforms can be customized:
Color:
The colors of a hotel uniform can tell guests a lot about the establishment. For example, warm tones may make individuals feel more welcome, while muted hues often display sophistication. If your hotel has a signature color, be sure to use it in the employee uniforms; even small details like colored stripes on shirts or jackets can matter greatly.
Logo:
Unique logo designs can really make a uniform stand out. Don't make the logo too big or flashy. A simple and elegant design is often the best way to go. For instance, your logo can have varying levels of color or be incorporated into a pattern.
Fabric:
The type of fabric you use for your uniforms is also important. A durable and easy-to-care-for fabric is ideal for busy hotels. Natural fibers, such as cotton, are always a good choice.
Style:
There are many different ways to style a hotel uniform. It all depends on the look you're going for. Make sure the uniform is appropriate for the hotel's overall style and aesthetic. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts and silhouettes to find the perfect look for your hotel.
Functionality
A good hotel uniform should be functional as well as stylish. It should be easy to move in and durable. Pay close attention to the details, such as pockets, closures and overall fit.
Custom-Made Makes All the Difference
When it comes to hotel uniforms, custom-made is always the ideal choice. You can be sure that the uniform will fit well and look great. And, with so many ways to customize the design, you can create a uniform that perfectly represents your hotel's brand. We offer low minimums on high-quality uniforms designed and manufactured here in the US.
FAQ
What is a back-of-house team member?
Back-of-house team members are the staff who work behind the scenes. This includes roles such as chefs, sous chefs, expeditors, and dishwashers.
What is front-of-house staff?
Front-of-house staff are the employees who interact directly with customers.
In the hospitality industry, this includes positions such as hosts, hostesses, waiters, bartenders, and receptionists. Their primary responsibilities involve greeting and serving guests, managing reservations, and ensuring a pleasant customer experience.
Which color is best for front-of-house staff?
The best color for front-of-house staff uniforms depends on your brand's image and the atmosphere you want to create.
Neutral colors like black, navy, and white are popular for their professional appearance and versatility. However, brighter colors can be effective for creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere or matching your brand's theme.
How do I create a staff uniform policy?
Having a staff uniform policy in place is important to ensure consistency among your staff. One of the reasons for a uniform is so that different staff members can be easily identified by guests. To do this, you are going to want to clearly outline uniform requirements for different roles. This includes specifying attire details such as sizing, colors, footwear, what accessories are allowed or required, etc.
It’s also a good idea to involve your team in the process to gather their input on comfort, functionality, and style. Communicate the policy clearly to all staff and provide any training if necessary.