How to choose hotel uniforms: a guide for managers

Why uniforms matter for a hotel’s image

A guest forms an opinion of a hotel in the first few seconds. A tidy, well-cut uniform sends a clear message: the details are looked after here. The same standard a guest feels in the room or the restaurant has to be visible on the staff who welcome them.

Beyond looks, a uniform has a practical role. Guests can tell at a glance who works at the hotel, and staff move through a shift more easily when their clothing suits the job they do, from reception to the kitchen.

What to look for in a hotel uniform supplier

Before you sign a contract, check the following five things.

Fabric quality

Hotel staff wear a uniform all day, often in shifts that involve physical work. The fabric has to survive daily washing, resist creasing and stay comfortable through a whole shift. A cheaper fabric looks fine at first glance, but loses its shape after only a few wash cycles.

Room for customisation

Every hotel has its own visual identity, colours and logo. A good supplier offers customisation of the cut, the colour and details such as embroidery or buttons, so the uniform fits your brand rather than the other way round.

Minimum order quantity

Smaller hotels and boutique properties rarely order uniforms in large quantities. That is why it matters that the supplier has a low minimum order, per model rather than per whole collection, so you can order exactly what you need.

Lead time

New employees cannot wait months for a uniform. Check how long the supplier needs from measuring to delivery, and whether they can react quickly when you need a top-up for new staff.

Experience in hospitality

A supplier who has worked with hotels for a long time knows the specifics of each department, the regulations and what guests expect. Experience is easiest to check through references and existing clients.

Types of uniform by hotel department

Different parts of a hotel have different needs.

Reception and concierge

The first contact with a guest calls for a formal, representative cut: suits, shirts and waistcoats, in colours that follow the identity of the hotel.

Housekeeping

Here the priority is comfort and function, with materials that stand up to physical work and frequent washing.

Restaurant and kitchen

Waiting and kitchen uniforms have to be practical, stain-resistant and in line with hygiene standards, while still reflecting the level of the restaurant.

Spa and wellness

Here a relaxed but well-groomed look works best: spa and wellness uniforms are usually in softer fabrics and neutral tones that follow the atmosphere of the centre.

Facility and maintenance

Technical staff and the maintenance team do their work out of sight of guests, but the uniform still has to be hard-wearing, recognisable and aligned with the visual identity of the hotel.

How much does a hotel uniform cost

The price depends on the fabric, the complexity of the cut and the size of the order. Top imported brands cost more, but local made-to-measure production often gives a better value for money, because you pay for exactly what you need, without the importer’s and the middleman’s margin.

A realistic frame for planning: from measuring and agreeing the details to delivery of the first order usually takes five to six weeks, while urgent top-ups for new staff can be much faster.

The most common mistakes when choosing hotel uniforms

Three mistakes keep repeating at hotels that change supplier:

Why hotels choose DP Uniforme

DP Uniforme has been making uniforms for hotels, restaurants and corporate clients in Belgrade for twenty years, for clients such as Square Nine, Majestic and Maestral. Every uniform is made to measure, fitted to the identity and the needs of each hotel.

The minimum order is only six pieces per model, with no upper limit, and local production means a fast response when you need a top-up for new hires.

Have a look at our collection of hotel uniforms and see what our work looks like. When you are ready for the next step, book a free consultation and we will go through the needs of your hotel together.