Building a Smart Menswear Wardrobe for your Team

hen it comes to bespoke uniform design, there are a lot of factors that play a part in creating something unique and practical. Often there is a large headcount where cost per head is something that is carefully considered by the client.

Here at Studio 104, we want to ensure you receive the maximum usage out of your garments and make them work hard to create a range of different looks. We can do this by suggesting elements of the uniform to switch out, add or style differently rather than developing entirely separate looks.

For instance, some staff might be required to work across different areas and carry out different duties from day to day or even change between day and night looks. Not only this but it might make sense to have a similar base look across the majority of positions in the business, which then might require some slight points of difference to distinguish job role and responsibility.

Because each client is so different, we can never be sure what’s suitable until the project lands, but what we can be sure of are the possibilities when it comes to menswear.

One of the things I love most about menswear is the attention to detail. Men tend to have less choice when it comes to clothing, which makes the details, fabrics, internals and accessories all the more important.

The huge selection of menswear accessories makes it a really viable way for our clients and men in general to mix up their looks with just a few tweaks.

For example, the addition of a silk tie and pocket square to a classic wool suit can create quite a formal look where once the jacket is removed, collar unbuttoned, and a pair of box cloth braces added, we then have a completely different relaxed, quite country feel.

A fantastic tip for seamless day to night looks is the white linen/cotton pocket square. The versatility of white cotton pocket square is unmatched and goes with just about everything. The texture of the cotton or linen will be the perfect contrast to a geometric print silk tie in the day and will look just as at home next to a velvet bow tie in the evenings. The key is to never match your tie and pocket square, they should contrast in texture and even clashing patterns will make sure you avoid appearing like a cliche groomsman.

Other accessories such as a silky scarf can instantly differentiate staff on an outdoor duty from say those on reception. Belts can also be a great way to offer a point of difference. Take the image below of a navy suit. Paired with a classic collar shirt and silk tie this would create a look more suitable to management whereas the grandad style shirt, braided belt and lack of pocket square creates a much more relaxed impression.

Here at Studio 104 we are able to offer client's many ways to work with us. This can range from a fully bespoke, highly creative uniform collection through to a pre-designed house uniform range (104 Collection) that can meet short lead times and keener budgets. We are particular specialists men's tailoring, having worked with some of the world's finest luxury hotels where the sophisticated male look is utmost importance. From heritage brands such as Gleneagles, The Savoy, Fortnum & Mason and Mandarin Oriental to the modern luxury brands such as NoMad, Nobu Ibiza Bay, The Fife Arms & The Newt in Somerset.

Written by Beth - Junior Designer

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