Revision of Housekeeping Practicals- 2 UNIFORM DESIGNING

UNIFORM DESIGNING

Introduction of Uniform

Type of Fabrics:

• ·         Cotton
• ·         Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon etc.)
• ·         Rayon
• ·         Linen
• ·         Silk
• ·         Wool

Criteria to select uniform:

• ·         Weather conditions
• ·         Hotel Type
• ·         Work profile
• ·         Department
• ·         Fabric availability

Types of Attire

• ·         Formal
• ·         Semi Formal
• ·         Casual

Department wise Attire in Hotels

• ·         Food Production
• ·         F & B Service
• ·         Front Office
• ·         Housekeeping
• ·         Engineering
• ·         Security
• ·         Other Administration offices

Designing of Uniform

Uniforms are a large investment and the cost does not end with purchase. Maintenance and replacement also have to be considered. Various fabrics are used and chosen according to the budget and requirement of the department. Most popular choice for uniforms are terry cots which is a blend of both natural and synthetic cotton and is economical for stitching of uniforms. Drill, which is cotton, is used mostly for chef’s coat and aprons, as it is cool, durable, and easy to maintain.

POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE DESIGNING OF UNIFORMS

1. ·         Image And Reputation Of The Property
2. ·         Profile Of The Employees
3. ·         Purpose Of Work
4. ·         Comfortable In Wearing
5. ·         Appearance And Style
6. ·         Climatic Conditions Of The Place
7. ·         Budget
8. ·         Quality Of Fabric
9. ·         Ease Of Availability Of Material
10. ·         Staff Turnover

ADVANTAGES OF PROVIDING UNIFORMS

• ·         To The Company
• ·         Well Groomed appearance
• ·         Identify Hotel Staff
• ·         Differentiate Various Department
• ·         Work Comfort
• ·         Feeling Of Belonging
• ·         Spirit Of Team Work

TO THE STAFF

• ·         Protective
• ·         Prestige
• ·         Economical

Designing of uniforms

1)      Comfort:                                                      (size and stitching)

2)      Practicality:                                                 (usefulness of design features, pockets, etc.)

3)      Durability and ease of maintenance:           (type of fabric used)

Various fabrics are available according to their launder ability, comfort and ease of maintenance.

·         COTTON – 100% cotton items are advisable for hot, uncomfortable areas especially kitchens, since they ‘breathe’ and are cooler. Pure cotton is difficult to maintain so unions or blends of cotton and synthetics can be used.

·         WOOL – is a requirement in cooler temperatures (air conditioning) and is indicative of status. Blended or pure wool can be used for suiting. This needs dry-cleaning and is therefore expensive to maintain. These are frequently used only for management positions.

·         SILK – is another fabric commonly used for the female supervisory and management staff. It is commonly used for restaurant hostesses, front office staff and housekeeping supervisors.

·          RAYON – is another popular fabric especially when blended with other fibers.

·         NYLON – has good wash ability but develops static, tending to stick to the body in hot areas, as it allows no circulation of air.

·         TERRYCOT – most popular choice for uniforms as they have the advantages of both natural and synthetic fibers.

·         DRILL – drill cotton is the popular choice for chef coats and aprons as it is cool, durable and easy to maintain.

·         GABERDINE – popular suiting material, as they keep up appearances.

4)      Suitability:                                    (with regard to individual appearance)

5)      Appearance / Aesthetics:                       (colours, design, styles)

6)      Climate conditions of the place

7)      Image and identity of the property

8)      Budget and value for money

9)      Ease of availability of fabric

10)   Staff turnover.

GLOSSARY:

1.       Drill – hard wearing, smooth cotton fabric, which is used for shirts, trousers and uniforms.

2.       Gabardine – a strong fabric used for suits, dresses, sportswear and uniforms.