Traditional Hotel Doormen’s Suit
Hotel uniforms have certainly become more contemporary and high fashion over the years. Of course, there are still the established five-star hotels that favor traditional uniforms with gold trims, trifoils on sleeves, shoulder knots, double breasted overcoats or overcoats with capes for the doormen. It’s part of their classic, dignified brand that their clientele has come to count on and trust. But, many of the newer places have opted for a more modern, haut couture appearance and this seems to be the direction where hotel wear is going.
Lavendar shirt, light pink suspenders, hot pink bowtie and skinny jeans for GSA’s.
I’ve noticed in several of the trendier downtown and midtown hotels, the Guest Service Agents wear suspenders, skinny ties, some even in leather, with either very fitted pants or skinny jeans. True, not everyone has the body type to wear a fitted jean with suspenders so one has to take this into account when stylizing. Personally, I’m a fan of skinny ties and not just for men. Female GSA’s are also sporting them, which adds a cool androgyny to the look. Leather ties look sleek but from a more practical point of view, they are expensive and tend not to wear that well. A bright color silk tie or bow tie with suspenders might be a better bet and it can even be customized so the hotel logo is dead center on it, instead of a traditional hotel pin or embroidery.
A more modern door man uniform with a mustard peacoat and black fedora.
As mentioned traditional overcoats still have a place in the marquis five-star hotels, but a number of the high-end boutique hotels have gone with a three-quarter length car coat or a peacoat instead. These can be custom-made in just about any color. Using a royal blue, mustard yellow, or rust wool for a doorman coat immediately sends guests a message that they are stepping into a trendsetting, hip world.
Mix up your hotel uniform with plaid shirts like this one.
At the moment, plaid shirts for servers and bellmen are popular. I like this because it gives the option of mixing and matching patterns. For instance, a gingham shirt with a polka dot tie or bowtie under a vest can be very stylish. Brightly or pastel colored shirts are eye-catching alternatives to the classic white dress shirt. Wearing one with a patterned pocket square and/or tie makes a much hipper statement. These looks are very fashion forward choice for GSA’s Bellman or doormen.
Housekeeping and maintenance uniforms definitely could use some work. It is not that hard though to customize them to be in sync with rest of the uniform brand. I encourage general managers to explore this more. For instance, a custom tunic with color blocking or even custom dri-fit polo would help promote a cutting edge style throughout the entire hotel.
This overlap of fashion and uniforms has been a much needed and welcome addition. Uniforms set the tone of a hotel from the minute the doorman greets you until checking out with the GSA’s. Clientele reacts to differences and it hones their opinion of the property. A lot of factors go into making a positive, lasting impression but the way the staff’s appearance is one that cannot be underestimated.
