Private Households: The Dress Code vs Uniform Dilemna

any private households hiring new staff are unsure about whether they should adopt a uniform policy in their homes. There are pros and cons to implementing a uniform for domestic staff but whether households opt for a formal uniform or a more relaxed approach, all guidelines should always be clearly laid out for new hires, ideally in the contract or summary of expectations, or, at minimum, in a direct and clear conversation at the start of employment. In many homes, staff members are the first point of contact with guests, and it is crucial that they always maintain a professional image.

This article has been produced with kind contribution from British American Household Staffing (BAHS)

BAHS suggest some common dress-code guidelines below.

Dress Code vs Uniform 

BAHS always recommend that families include either written uniform details or dresscode guidelines in the handbook or contract for new staff. A dress code is typically less strict than a uniform and often allows an employee to wear their own clothes – for example, the household might ask an employee to dress all in black, or to wear a white or black polo with chino pants. In those instances, the employee is given guidelines but is ultimately able to choose the specific brand etc. for themselves.

Scrubs are a common choice for baby nurses, nannies, and housekeepers; in some instances, the employee will provide their own and in others, it is appropriate for the principal to provide the scrubs. Whenever an employer asks employees to wear a specific uniform or garment, those costs should be covered by the employer. Uniforms range from a simple combination of a polo with the family’s monogram or crest (provided by the employer) with chinos, to completely custom uniforms that matches the feel and style of the home. Typically, clients will stipulate one uniform or dress code for regular working days and another for special events.

Remember, when selecting a uniform for household staff, it is important to make sure the staff will not only appear professional but feel comfortable and safe and will be able to carry out all aspects of their job.

Common Dress Code Guidelines

Below highlightssome of the most requested dress code guidelines from BAHS clients:

Staff should be always dressed professionally and neatly. This includes wearing clean, ironed clothing suitable for the task at hand and avoiding low-cut attire or anything revealing. High heels and open toed shoes are generally not acceptable. 

Staff may wear simple jewellery that doesn’t not hinder job performance, such as a singlepair of stud earrings. 

No perfume or heavy fragrances. 

No heavy makeup.

Nails should be trimmed and free from nail polish (or allow for neutral coloured polish only).

When swimming with the employer or family members, one-piece bathing suits or swimshorts should be worn. 

Households might wish to include mask and other PPO requirements when writing a dresscode.

Wardrobe Options:

Scrubs-Style

Scrubs are a great choice for nannies, baby nurses and housekeepers alike; they’re comfortable, durable, and easy to wash. Simple scrubs come in a variety of colours,and variants. For children with particularly sensitive skin, it is not uncommon for families to keep scrubs in the home that are washed in a specific detergent that will not irritate the child; in this situation, the staff would report towork, change into scrubs, and change again before leaving.

Collared Shirts & Dress Pants

BAHS recommends polos with the option of customising with the household monogram, logo, orfamily crest, Depending on the employee’s position and the season, these can bepaired with khaki or navy active chino pants for men or slim ankle pants for women. For a step above polos and chinos, BAHS suggests crisp long sleeve oxford shirts for men and women.

Traditional

For those looking for a more traditional, formal look for a housekeeper, consider a scrub dress or black scrubs and a heavy duty apron. For housekeepers and chefs alike, go for a versatile apron. Butlers and chauffeurs tend to be the most formally dressed members of staff in a home; both butlers and chauffeurs typically wear a suit and tie each day – although some families choose a more casual tone for their dress, particularly when there are no guests in the home.

Bespoke 

“For estates with a large staff seeking a fully customizable, high-end option, we recommend Studio 104. In addition to designing uniforms for top brands, including Sotheby’s, Fortnum & Mason, NoMad, and Mandarin Oriental, the luxury company designs for private homes...Studio 104 offers two types of products: Bespoke (9-month lead time) and a pre-designed collection (3-month lead time). We love the company for its rich attention to detail, modern yet timelesslooks, and quality materials.”

Source: BAHS.com - Domestic Staffing: Dress Code vs Uniform - Aug, 2022

Studio 104 create bespoke and custom uniform for many Priviate Estates, Households, Royalty, HNWI's, and UHNWI's globally.  Click here to see images of the Studio 104 bespoke wardrobe produced for Chatsworth House.

The 104 Collection is accessible to purchase directly from Studio 104. To view the range, receive the latest lookbook and discover the customisations available, please contact the team on enquiries@studio-104.com.

Follow us - www.instagram.com/studio104london/

This article has been produced with kind contribution from British American Household Staffing (BAHS)

‍