How to choose summer workwear for the hospitality industry?

The summer season brings some of the most rewarding, but also the most challenging moments in the hospitality industry. Busy terraces, fast-paced kitchens, high temperatures and shifts that demand maximum focus and energy are all part of the job. In such an environment, summer hospitality workwear is no longer just a matter of a restaurant’s or hotel’s visual identity – it becomes an essential tool for getting the job done.

When temperatures rise above 30°C and the pace of work intensifies, an uncomfortable, heavy uniform can become your team’s greatest obstacle. Overheating, perspiration and restricted movement directly contribute to staff fatigue and consequently affect the quality of service. To make it easier for you to prepare for the season and choose the right workwear, we have created a guide to the key features of summer uniforms that will help your team handle long shifts more comfortably.

Why do traditional uniforms fall short when temperatures rise?

In practice, summer workwear is often chosen because it looks good at first glance, but its shortcomings quickly become apparent in real working conditions. The main problem lies in the choice of unsuitable materials and impractical cuts.

Although natural, heavy cotton fabrics tend to retain moisture. When an employee starts to perspire, the clothing becomes heavy and damp and can chill the body when exposed to a draught, causing considerable discomfort. Cheap synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, prevent the skin from breathing, trap heat and accelerate overheating. Whether it is a waiter’s uniform or chef’s clothing, compromising on materials directly reduces your team’s energy and concentration.

Breathable fabrics and cuts designed for movement

We believe that workwear should adapt to the person wearing it, not the other way around. That is why, through our long-standing partnership with the renowned German brand Greiff, we at Hemco offer hospitality professionals solutions developed specifically for working in high-temperature environments.

The secret of a high-quality summer uniform lies in three key elements:

• Breathability and intelligent fabric blends: The Greiff range uses specialized fabrics that actively wick moisture away from the body, dry quickly and allow the skin to breathe freely. In chef jackets, this also includes strategically positioned mesh inserts that provide maximum ventilation where it is needed most.

• Ergonomics and freedom of movement: A uniform must look elegant in front of guests, while its cut must also accommodate the dynamic nature of the job. Smartly designed shoulders, flexible waistbands and tailored sleeves allow employees to bend, stretch and walk quickly without tightness or restriction.

• Advanced thermoregulation with 37.5® Technology: To achieve the highest level of comfort, we can also integrate 37.5® Technology into textiles during the manufacturing process. Put simply, this intelligent fabric technology helps prevent the body from overheating. Unlike conventional materials, it responds to body heat and removes moisture before sweat droplets even begin to form. The fabric actively helps the body maintain an ideal temperature without the unpleasant feeling of perspiration against the skin. As a result, your team uses less energy to cool down and stays feeling fresh throughout the entire shift.

The wash test: How to maintain a fresh look despite daily laundering?

For procurement managers and hospitality business owners, choosing workwear also involves an important financial consideration. The summer season brings increased perspiration, which means one thing: garments need to be washed after every shift.

Ordinary retail clothing or lower-quality uniforms may begin to fade, shrink or lose their shape after only a few weeks of such frequent laundering. The result is a worn and untidy appearance in the middle of the most important part of the season.

Greiff workwear is designed with durability in mind and is certified for industrial laundering and care. This means the fabrics can withstand high washing temperatures and frequent treatment without losing their breathability, shape or color. Investing in high-quality workwear delivers long-term savings, as the uniforms retain their fresh, impeccable and professional appearance in front of guests, shift after shift and month after month.

Your summer checklist: 5 key things to consider before ordering hospitality workwear

To make sure you choose the best workwear for your team before the peak summer season begins, we have prepared a quick ordering checklist. Before making your final decision, review these five points:

1. Fabric weight and breathability: Does the material promote active airflow and dry quickly at temperatures above 30°C?

2. Ergonomic fit: Is the cut adapted to the specific movements required for the role, whether for waiters, bartenders or chefs?

3. Resistance to industrial laundering: Can the uniform withstand daily washing at higher temperatures without shrinking or fading?

4. Easy care and wrinkle resistance: Can the garments be maintained quickly and easily, so staff do not have to spend hours ironing before their shifts?

5. Availability and customization: Can the supplier quickly replenish stock during the season and provide high-quality embroidery of your brand logo?

Equip your team without compromise

When your employees feel comfortable, outstanding service comes naturally. Investing in high-quality workwear means investing directly in the people at the heart of your business, while our partnership with Greiff guarantees exceptional comfort and durability in demanding working conditions.

Explore part of our standard range at the following link:  Hemco Gaston Hospitality Collection.

Our greatest strength lies in personalized advice and customization. Every hospitality business has unique requirements, which is why our team is available to provide a complete solution tailored to your brand:

• Expert advice: We will help you select the ideal combination of materials and cuts for the specific working conditions at your establishment.

• Premium customization: We offer precise embroidery or printing of your logo, color coordination with your visual identity and made-to-measure adjustments.

• Special orders: Looking for a specific item that is not available in our online catalog? Get in touch with us!

Contact us with confidence and let us create distinctive workwear that will help your team get through the summer season with ease and a smile!