Restaurants and bars have many different policies on what their bartenders can wear. Keep reading to find out what we’ve included in our checklist for a bartender uniform, so you know where to start and why it’s so important.
3. Invest in Good Quality Footwear
4. Being Both Comfortable and Presentable is Possible
5. Stay Safe from Sharp Objects and Spills
1. Dress to Impress
Before you buy anything, you should check the uniform policy for your workplace. Many establishments either provide employees with a uniform or ask that their bartenders wear a plain black long sleeve top, black trousers and black shoes.
This ensures you look smart and the darker colours ensure that accidental spills won’t be too noticeable on your clothing. Plus, wearing similar outfits unites you and other bar staff as a team.
You’re a significant part of the experience that your customers have at the bar. Your patrons are there to socialise, have fun and relax. Having the right outfit and footwear can improve both their experience - as they will have more respect for you and increased trust in you and your abilities, and your shift - as you’ll be safer and more comfortable.
For a sleek look, go for Delray. It features a superior slip-resistant outsole and water-resistant full grain natural leather upper - a perfect combination of safety and style.
2. Be Formal
Although some uniform policies at bars, pubs and similar establishments can be casual, bartenders should still maintain a level of formality in their appearance. You’re representing the business so it’s best if you look professional.
Also, customers will be more likely to engage with you if you look smart and will be more likely to want to return to your bar - that can mean extra tips! So, take the time to iron your clothes and keep your shoes clean (customers aren’t likely to look over the bar and at your shoes, but your manager will likely see them).
For women, Jenni is an elegant yet practical option. It provides a simple design suitable for a variety of work environments, from a trendy cocktail bar to a more casual restaurant. It’s also crafted to include the safety features you need for the workplace, including a water-resistant leather upper and a slip-resistant outsole.
3. Invest in Good Quality Footwear
The saying goes, ‘if you buy something cheap, you buy it twice’ - as the low quality of the item means it won’t last very long. So, if you decide to buy a cheap pair of shoes for work, you’ll probably end up needing to continually buy new pairs.
To avoid this, it’s worth investing more money in a high-quality pair of shoes which fit you well and are made from durable materials. You’ll be wearing them for hours at a time and want them to last as long as possible.
Remember to look for shoes which offer key features to keep you safe from potential issues at work like liquid spillages. These features could include slip-resistance, water-resistance and tapered outsoles to minimise the risk of tripping.
4. Being Both Comfortable and Presentable is Possible
Looking professional at work is your primary mission but it’s essential to be comfortable in your uniform too.
As well as spending your shifts making and serving drinks, you’ll be socialising with customers and your attention needs to be entirely on them, not your aching feet. A cushioned insole - like the ones used in Shoes For Crews models - is ideal for keeping you comfortable throughout your day.
If your feet are aching because of uncomfortable shoes, you won’t be able to concentrate on your customers and both your work and the level of customer service you provide will suffer. Old School Low Rider IV is ideal if you are looking for maximum comfort as it includes a removable cushioned insole and additional cushioning.
5. Stay Safe from Sharp Objects and Spills
As a bartender, you’ll be working with a lot of glass - from pint glasses to glass bottles - and you’ll be surrounded by liquids.
This may sound obvious, but it’s vital to know that there’s always the risk of a potential injury, whether it be because of slipping on a wet surface and breaking a glass, or puncturing your shoe due to broken glass on the floor. These two hazards, amongst others, can result in several possibly dangerous situations.
Slip-resistant shoes with additional safety features (such as a puncture-resistant sole) can help to protect you from these unfortunate accidents in the workplace.
At Shoes For Crews, we have created styles with this profession in mind, providing bartenders with smart, durable and comfortable shoes to keep their feet safe.
Now you know what you need for your bartender uniform, it is the perfect time to learn more about how to be a successful bartender.
Become a More Successful Bartender in Five Easy Steps
From working effectively as a team to how you can best communicate with customers, there are always skills and tips to learn in bartending. To help you become an even better bartender and progress up the ladder, download our bar success guide.
This guide provides you with five easy steps to becoming an even better bartender and plenty of other useful information you need to know. Get your free copy by clicking the link below.