Your servers are the face of your restaurant. What they wear tells guests what kind of experience to expect before they even look at the menu. The right server uniform also needs to be comfortable, practical and easy to care for. Here is a simple, step by step way to choose restaurant server uniforms.
Step 1: Match the uniform to your style of restaurant
- Casual dining and cafes: polo shirts or t-shirts with a waist apron.
- Upscale casual and bistros: button down shirts with a bistro apron.
- Fine dining: dress shirts or banded collar shirts with a server vest, tie or full length bistro apron.
- Banquets and events: tuxedo shirts, tuxedo vests, bow ties and banquet jackets.
Step 2: Build the uniform piece by piece
Shirts
The shirt is the base of the uniform. Wrinkle resistant and performance fabrics keep servers looking fresh through a double shift. Banded collar shirts are a popular modern choice because they look dressy without a tie. Learn more in What Is a Banded Collar Shirt?
Vests
A server vest instantly makes a uniform look more professional. Classic black waiter vests work almost anywhere, and service vests come in many colors and fits for men and women.
Aprons
Aprons protect clothes and give servers pockets for order pads, pens and wine keys. Not sure which kind to pick? Read Restaurant Apron Types Explained.
Pants
Choose dress pants or service pants that are comfortable for walking all shift and that hold up to frequent washing.
Accessories
Ties, bow ties and other accessories are a low cost way to tie the whole look together.
Step 3: Put comfort first
Servers walk miles every shift, carry heavy trays and work around hot kitchens. Look for breathable, stretchy fabrics and a range of sizes in both men’s and ladies’ fits. Comfortable staff are happier staff, and it shows in how they treat your guests.
Step 4: Choose colors that fit your brand
Black and white are timeless and easy to match. A brand color on a shirt, vest or apron can make your team stand out. Keep the palette simple, two or three colors at most, so the look stays clean.
Step 5: Add your logo
An embroidered logo on a shirt, vest or apron turns a plain outfit into a branded uniform. It helps guests spot your staff and makes your business look established.
Step 6: Plan for care and replacements
- Pick easy-care fabrics that can be washed often.
- Give each server at least two or three sets so there is always a clean one.
- Choose styles that stay in stock so new hires match the rest of the team.
Need help putting it together?
Ambassador Uniform has been helping restaurants, hotels and clubs outfit their teams since 1995. We offer custom logo embroidery, no order minimums and free shipping on orders over $299. Browse our restaurant uniforms or call 1-800-711-5885 and we will help you build the right look.
