Just wondering if most spas/dayspas have uniforms. We have a dress code but it is not followed the way it was intended, and I am seeing way too much skin. I ordered some reall cute scrubs today, and figured everyone can order more sets if they want them. If you have uniforms do you provide them? Also what does your front desk staff wear?

Hi there!

From client and marketing perspective, uniforms create credibility. I trust someone in a uniform more than someone in "regular" clothes. Front desk wardrobe should reflect your spa brand -- if upscale/elegant go with business casual; if more natural, consider flowing natural fabrics. Uniforms are always safe as well as long as they fit with your brand.

When employers require uniforms, they typcially provide them. And keep them if someone leaves. Alternatively, you can pay a uniform allowance based on hours worked that they can reimburse themselves with when the purchase more uniform clothing.

One manufacturer was really popular at the SF Face and Body show last weekend was JMT:
http://www.jmtbeauty.com/subpages/uniforms.htm

HTH,
Heather

I went with these http://www.jascouniform.com/ecom/showdetl....1&CATID=175 .
I hope that link works. I was thinking 3 sets for full time people, 2 sets for part time. Does that sound reasonable? They can choose black and gray, or black and pink. I'm thinking black shoes, and I'll have to stock up on lint brushes.

We have logo T-shirts and black yoga pants/scrubs. We go through www.custominc.com for the t shirts. We provide the shirts.

Hi,

I'm curious as to how you all feel about the wearing of uniforms, whether you like the concept or not and, if so, what sort of uniform you find appealing (color, style, material, etc.) Care to share? Thanks!

I like the idea of uniforms (easy for therapists - not subject to interpretation! - and reassuring for clients) however am absolutely not a fan of polo and kakhai uniforms at all!

The best, most universally liked uniform at any place that I've worked was a selection of cotton knit pieces (long pants, capris, 3-4 T-shirt styles, and a dress) that were in a dark gray. Easy to care for and comfortable to wear, flattering cuts for everyone and appropriate for both men and women.

I'm currently on the search for new uniforms, and want the following:
1. One stop shopping to outfit both male and female therapists (unless I go with scrubs this seems really difficult)
2. Affordable (lots of uniforms seem to be around the $50-$60 per piece ....which I consider too expensive)
3. Guarantee of availability - I don't want to have to buy everything up front in order to still have the same uniform pieces available next year.
4. Comfortable, easy care and flattering to a wide range of figures .... mix and match of styles helps with that.

ValM

The estheticians and nurse in our office have always worn uniforms. The front desk has gone back and forth between dress casual, uniforms and embroidered button-up shirts. Some type of uniform seems to work the best at the front desk and it has never been an issue with technicians or the nurse, you wear it and that's it.

We have had the same style of uniform top since the beginning (nearly 4 yrs.), white with silver buttons and black pants and shoes are worn with them. They are not the most comfortable or flattering, but they wash well and no ironing is needed. For full-time technicians, I order two tops and those look nice for about a year as long as they are taken care of. The rule in the office is that your uniform top is removed to eat and is not worn outside the office. This seems strict but it keeps them looking nice a lot longer.

Currently our front desk is going to be wearing button-up blouses, black pants and shoes with the option of blazers. The blouses and blazers will be provided just like our uniform tops are.

We do a simple black t-shirt with a very small logo. It looks good on both men and women and we provide both long and short sleeve. That works for all body types and the yoga pant/scrubs they provide so they are very comfortable, again in black. I like the look, it is simple, professional and we are recognizable around town.

About wearing uniforms...
I definitely believe in them for several reasons: 1) professionalism; 2) sense of team; 3) staff as models for retail clothing (if staff wear the same clothes you sell, i.e.) and 3) as a Massage Therapist, I like to look sharp (nice professional blouse), but I would rather get oil stains on someone else's shirt than my own.

Taste in uniforms: I definitely do NOT like the Asian look that is so trendy right now, for several reasons. Most importantly, I do not want my massage to be mistaken for a less-than-legal "Chinese massage".

As for companies, I like Branders. You can get your logo put on anything with them: clothing, pens, sport bottles, etc.

My 2 ¢ on uniforms,
Nina