Creating a recognisable brand image has always been a priority for any coffee house, café, pub or bar and the use of uniforms is one of the easiest ways to do this. Starbucks, for example, have always been known for their black shirts and iconic green aprons. However, they have recently announced that they will now allow their staff to wear their own clothes underneath the green apron. This is a clear shift towards following an urban trend and creating a more relaxed feel within their coffee houses. But should you follow suit?

First of all, Starbucks staff can’t simply wear what they want as there are clear exceptions in the Starbucks dress code. This indicates that even Starbucks know that this move is going to be difficult to manage. However, you can achieve the trend that Starbucks are chasing without having to worry about your staff coming to work dressed improperly and harming your brand image. The urban range from Chef Works has been designed to create the relaxed, street-inspired statement that Starbucks are chasing and you can have it without all the extra hassle of creating a strict dress code.

Urban trends and street-inspired styles may not be your thing, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to struggle to create a recognisable image. The clothing you choose should reflect your business, and following trends can sometimes have a negative impact on how customers perceive you, so a crisp white shirt with black trousers may be the best option. Uniform Works offer a massive range of professional clothing that is perfect for bars, cafés and restaurants.

Find out how to achieve the perfect look for your staff with our complete guide to staff uniforms, from coloured chef’s jackets to stylish denim shirts.