Uniform or Casual for a coffee shop?

[Olivia K]

Hi everyone can I ask for another opinion please. So do you think clothing is important for coffee shop staff? Do you think I should be wearing a uniform or do you think that casual clothes are the way forward? Basically is it important do you think? If so then what uniform do you think would suit me in a coffee shop? Thanks, Olivia xx

 

[fisicx]

All need to be identified as staff. A uniform of sorts helps. It may just need to be a polo shirt with an agreed colour of trousers or skirt.

If the shop becomes popular you could even sell a variant of the polo shirts to customers

 

[naxtech]

Uniform, or anything that will easily identify staff.

 

[Gingerbreadmen]

Helps towards food hygiene I suppose if staff have a uniform. Your staff can also claim a tax break of about £80 per year for washing their uniform I seem to recall.

Why not look for a comprise. Use a branded full length apron for your staff and let them wear their own (suitable) clothes. Also keeps costs down for you not having to supply two trousers, two tops and two sweaters for all your staff.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

First only hire staff who can smile and be look happy, Then give them a long coffee coloured apron with the company logo embroidered onto it
Coffee coloured looks the part and hides many spills and stains

 

[Paul Norman]

The issues are correctly spelt out above.

It is important for customers to be able to readily see who is staff. A uniform works well for that, or VERY clear badges.

Hygiene issues will have an impact on what is allowed in terms of clothing, and hair arrangements, and probably other things, too.

If you want to set a tone in the shop, a uniform does that well, too.

 

[Mr D]

Some places I've been in don't have a set uniform but do require white shirt / blouse and black trousers or skirts. Plus shoes.
Other places manage with uniforms - we had a t-shirt in our old business which we always wore to events to identify us.
Can look better with logo / colour uniforms than with dressing smart.

 

[Olivia K]

Thanks all, I am leaning towards an apron as well with the logo I think that would be cool. Definitely a uniform of some kind anyhow. Thanks, Olivia xx

 

[Mr D]

Thanks all, I am leaning towards an apron as well with the logo I think that would be cool. Definitely a uniform of some kind anyhow. Thanks, Olivia xx

Yes an apron with company name and logo on would present well to customers. All the same colour?

 

[alex360]

The apron sound a very good idea, no fuss with many sizes, you can also claim these against your tax you(uniform too)

 

[Mitch3473]

Smart, casual......logoed polo shirt, black trousers, apron, black shoes not trainers.
We're not on public display in our unit but we all wear company logoed polos.....just in case. The van driver has a winter jacket and a summer sweat top, both with co logo. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

 

[lillie421]

Hi Olivia. I think a uniform looks much more professional and appropriate for any kind of workplace, even a coffee shop. As someone stated above, it helps customers tell the staff from other customers. I think a uniform looks a lot more tidy as well.

 

[Nochexman]

It really does depend on whether you are trying to project a particular image. If your customers are young and funky you might think something casual would be right; an older clientele might appreciate something more traditional - but neither are fixed points.What sort of image are you trying to project?

 

[Noah]

So do you think clothing is important for coffee shop staff?

Without clothing, you will be appealing to only a very small demographic. I don't think it makes sense to limit your customer base in this way.

 

[Olivia K]

Thanks guys wow so a uniform is really what you are all saying that is good to know. I honestly wasn't sure but I like your points. We are aiming for trendy younger types but tbh I think you need to aim for all ages otherwise you limit yourself too much. Thanks for this everyone I love you all for this!!!! xx

 

[Violinni]

Hi everyone can I ask for another opinion please. So do you think clothing is important for coffee shop staff? Do you think I should be wearing a uniform or do you think that casual clothes are the way forward? Basically is it important do you think? If so then what uniform do you think would suit me in a coffee shop? Thanks, Olivia xx

I think uniform t-shirt and a skirt will be a very good idea. Brown colour and yellow (dark yellow-ish) colour is classic for a coffee place.

You put a yellow logo or a text on a brown background and you’re done.

 

[youngtrepreneur]

I'm just thinking about my local coffee shops.
If you want to go for a uniform (informal), feel free.
However if you want to go for casual that would work if you were also to wear something to easily identify you such as a name badge.

 

[voidless_]

Every business should have its design. The same goes with coffee shop. I understand that you might have your logo and branding but your staff is crucial for delivering your services and your customers should be able to identify your staff and see how they represent your brand. I personally like casual uniforms, like jeans and branded t-shirt. Oh, and recently I was in a coffee shop and all girls from the staff were wearing tiaras (Christmas mood etc) but it was so special of them.

 

[Ian J]

Without clothing, you will be appealing to only a very small demographic.

I'd certainly go if they weren't wearing any clothing

 

[Clinton]

@Ian J , that's without knowing the sex or age of the staff? I mean, it's very non-discriminatory of you and all, but is it really wise? If I served you coffee in the buff it might put you off coffee for life.

We are aiming for trendy younger types ...

Olivia, yeah, go for the uniform. And try and cater for the older trendies as well, not just the young ones! Even better if you aim to cater for the people with money rather than people who have a particular taste in clothes