Posted by
Patrick Maness +
Once the days get a little longer and the temperature starts rising, people look to change into cooler, more breathable clothes. Even in professional office settings, workers dress slightly more casual. In this relaxed, comfortable season, restaurant workers should also have the opportunity to change up their uniforms.
Doing so might liven up the place, for starters. Long-time customers will see something different and new, and employees will feel like they’re spicing things up a bit at work.
The bigger benefit, however, is that restaurant uniforms designed for summer help keep employees cool. Few things, after all, can be so upsetting to a customer as a sweaty server who smells like B.O. As for employees, few things are as demoralizing as having to sweat through a shift.
When looking for a new style for the summer, keep these factors in mind:
Material is key
Be sure to select uniforms made out of natural fabrics. The king and queen of summer clothes are cotton and linen. Both materials are naturally absorbent and as a result prevent sweat from pooling up on your body. They don’t cling to your body, either, drying quickly and remaining extremely breathable. This is particularly important in chef clothing. Whether it’s chef pants or server’s shirt, though, it's best to go natural.
Comfortable fit
Uniforms should be loose enough so they breathe but not so baggy as to act like a bag and trap body heat. For those establishments where employees wear tighter-fitting clothes, you might wish to consider some moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are made out of polyester, which you might want to avoid in general. But if it’s designated as moisture-wicking, it’ll do wonders.
A light color
It’s important to choose uniforms that deflect the sun and its heat, especially for those who work outside. Light colors, such as white, soft yellow, light blue and beige do this best. Avoid black. There’s no quicker way to make a person overheat than by having them wear black on a hot day. Even if you run a more formal restaurant, switching out black uniforms for something lighter can add some vibrancy and summer cool to the dining area.
Don a hat
A straw hat, fedora or other type of classic hat could not only add a unique touch to your staff’s attire, but could also help them stay cool during those warm shifts on the patio.
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