Server Uniforms Buying Guide
There are countless options when shopping for new server uniforms. Choosing the right apparel is a big part of keeping employees and customers happy. On the other hand, an inappropriate uniform can send the wrong message or leave the server in a sweaty mess.
Our experts have several restaurant uniform ideas that can help eateries of all sizes, locations, themes and star ratings make the right choice. Our uniforms are designed to be stylish while doing everything you could ask for in a hectic environment - all at affordable prices. Here are some of the most common things to consider when buying server uniforms presented in a Q&A format.
What Should a Server Wear?
While outfits can vary based on the theme and clientele, all restaurant uniforms should follow a few basic server dress requirements. Clothing should be comfortable to move around in so employees can walk, bend, lift and perform other physical activities for long periods. Your uniforms should also be easy to clean and made from breathable fabrics to reduce sweating. (Many restaurants also choose uniforms that are black or dark-colored to hide sweat/food stains.)
Lastly, there should be no hanging strands, overly long cuffs, baggy sleeves or other loose ends. These things come into contact with food too easily and can ruin a meal before the first bite. Many servers wear short-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve shirts for this reason. Our waitstaff uniforms take all these requirements into account and are designed to still look nice as they perform at high standards.
What Kind of Pants Do Waitresses Wear?
Generally speaking, waiters and waitresses wear either dress pants or chino (khaki) pants. These pants provide the right combination of comfort and durability for spending hours on your feet. Our pants are made of either cotton or a polyester-cotton blend that is far more breathable than jeans to help the wearer stay cool. Most restaurants require black or navy blue pants because they don't show stains, though white- and tan-colored pants are acceptable in some cases. You want pants to be a little loose so a server can move around - but if they're too baggy or long, they increase the risk of snags and trips. Ladies often wear skirts and dresses in high-end restaurants while shorts are generally limited to casual eateries in hotter locations.
Can Servers Wear Their Hair Down?
If a server has long hair, it should be tied up in a ponytail or bun, braided up or secured in some other way. This for the same reason uniforms shouldn't have loose ends - you don't want your hair to end up in someone's salad and breadsticks. Both ladies and guys will want to keep a good supply of hair ties around. Some also use scarves, bandanas or ascots, such as our crinkle chiffon scarf seen below, to contain their hair while adding far more style than a kitchen hair net. Just make sure the scarf isn't hanging too loosely, or you'll end up with the same problem as before. In certain restaurant environments, hats are also acceptable.
Do Waiters Wear Aprons?
In short, yes - they're an essential part of the restaurant uniform. A server apron provides much-needed protection from food and drink spills to reduce clean-up time. If you have an accident during a shift, you can simply wipe it off for crumbs and similar situations or change the apron instead of needing an entirely new wardrobe. Many aprons also have pockets to carry pens, notebooks, guest check holders and other tools of the trade.
Many types of restaurant aprons are available to fit your needs. Full and half bistro aprons provide the most lower-body protection while waist aprons have the best freedom of movement. Bib aprons and cobbler aprons protect the upper body, which is a good call for fast-food workers and other servers who also do food prep. These aprons come in many colors and patterns to complement both the main uniform and the theme of the restaurant. We even have denim aprons if you have a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic or dress code.
What Accessories Do Servers Wear?
Accessories are a great way to complement a server's look while also personalizing their professional wardrobe. A uniform tie is a must for formal restaurants, whether that's a classic necktie or a bow tie. Many servers wear clip-on ties or zipper ties so they can get ready for work faster. For a true five-star look add a pocket square or handkerchief to a shirt pocket. The scarves and bandanas we mentioned earlier can also be worn around the neck to protect a shirt from drips.
Belts and suspenders are crucial as well for holding your pants up in style. We usually prefer belts, since suspenders are more likely to get caught on something. However, suspenders do have the benefit of not squeezing the waist. A leader belt offers the highest quality and most polished look to make a good impression. If your waitstaff have multiple pant colors in their wardrobe, get a reversible server belt so they can mix and match as needed.
The Best Uniforms for Restaurants
You'll have the attention of guests from the moment they sit down when servers have the right uniform. These ideas for server uniforms are just the beginning of what good apparel can offer. Shop at Sharper Uniforms to find hundreds of options for your family restaurant, sushi bar, coffee shop or burger joint. We also offer white glove logo decoration services to customize server uniforms for brand awareness and easy identification by customers.
