In the competitive marketplace, often you may not stand out if you only pay attention to the product and not the packaging. The appearance is just as important as the contents. The same can be said about uniforms.
A hotel, resort, or building may be luxurious enough, but if the concierge fails to impress people with a professional image, you could struggle to get a positive outcome. The right uniform reflects the brand’s values and identity and boosts staff morale.
It’s also different from other hospitality uniforms because of the specific role the concierge plays which is to build connections with guests, ensure they have a nice stay, solve their problems and offer suggestions to enhance their experience. In short, it represents the establishment’s commitment to excellence.
First impressions matter, and it’s important to keep this in mind when shopping for quality concierge uniforms to be certain you make the right investment. How to go about this kind of shopping? Let’s start with one other simple question: What does a concierge wear?
Table of Contents
The Basics of Concierge Uniform
A great deal of the whole look depends on the establishment, what the brand is all about, as well as the climate at the location, but there are a few staples that you can basically incorporate. These include dress pants, a suit jacket, a dress shirt with or without a vest over it, a tie, all-leather dress shoes or loafers with non-slip soles and arch support, and neat plain socks. The preference in terms of colour is usually on the neutral choices, though some brands decide on stand-out colours as a contrast, like rich red accessories for navy blue uniforms.
Women’s essentials can also include wide-leg pants, midi skirts and shirt dresses at the appropriate length (no higher than an inch above the knee) for a polished look. Keeping these in mind, there are some crucial factors to remember when shopping to make the right choice, choosing from a range of concierge uniform options.
The Comfort
This is a no-brainer as a lot of the service consists of being on one’s feet with long shifts of walking and/or standing. The fit is a must to get it right from the start and ensure the concierge team has all the comfort needed to carry on with their duties properly. And, of course, the choice of material also has a say in this.
Make sure everyone has a uniform that follows their body contours without feeling restricted and affecting comfortable movement. If you can’t provide multiple sizes and cuts, ranging from regular and slim to plus size, the solution could be to get a custom-made concierge uniform design for everyone to avoid both discomfort and sloppy appearance. When shopping, it’s nice to ask for feedback from the team so they too can feel part of the experience and wear something tailored for their needs.
Regardless of the climate, the focus should be on fabrics that promote proper airflow and movement, and wick moisture away. Cotton, cotton blends, synthetics like polyester, and stretch fabrics like spandex are some tried and tested choices you can swear by. Breathable and lightweight fabrics are something you can’t go wrong with.
The Functionality
Practicality is everything for the concierge who is constantly on the go, and you can provide this by opting for general or specific designs like hotel concierge uniforms that are made for functionality. This is notable with the presence of utility details such as pant and jacket pockets (inner and outer) with ample storage; the key is to find discreet designs that don’t overwhelm the overall clean aesthetic.
Practicality can also be in the form of having clothes that give the staff the flexibility to mix and match the items as they see fit according to the season without affecting the uniformity in brand image. It’s additionally a solution that gives them the chance to show off more of their individual style. Designs with layering options are a nice example of functional concierge uniforms that are fit for the changing weather and seasons.
The Maintenance
If you think of how much wear and tear the uniform would be put on a daily basis, durability becomes evident as a factor to consider when shopping. Quality is imperative, and every detail counts, from the durability of the hardware like buttons and zippers to the reinforced seams at pressure points for prevention of wear and tear.
Furthermore, again maintenance-wise, it’s best to opt for fabrics that can go through repeated washing, drying and regular use without losing their colour or shape. And, while we’re at colour and shape, given the demands of this job, the staff would benefit from stain-resistant and wrinkle-resistant fabrics for uniforms that are low in maintenance.
The Finishing Touches
The aesthetic part of the uniform is equally important when it comes to making a lasting impression as the overall comfort, practicality, durability and easy maintenance. While the colour plays its role in the setting, and preference goes to neutral options, it’s easy to make for a playful touch with colourful accessories if the establishment allows it.
There are various options to incorporate here, ranging from ties and scarves to neckerchiefs, depending on formality. Other examples can be belts, hair pins, lapel pins, or something individual like embroidery of the brand’s logo. Name badges are another element that can showcase more individuality and still be helpful in reinforcing the brand’s image.
The Supplier
Who you choose to buy the uniforms from is another huge factor that shouldn’t be overlooked, given the importance of the investment. Responsive customer service, experience with uniforms, specifically in hospitality, and the chance to get custom designs (not only in sizing but colour and embroidery too) and sample fitting are some of the aspects you need to pay attention to. This would let you know what to expect out of the shopping experience.
Lastly, bundle options, great offers on the designs, as well as environmental and ethical considerations with the practices regarding the production of the uniforms can help you out with shopping within budget and enhancing your brand’s reputation with eco and social responsibility choices.
