How can we make spa uniforms more inclusive?

When you spend at least 40 hours a week doing a physical job in the same outfit, how can we make it more adaptable to suit everyone’s individual needs?

Spa uniforms have come to represent luxury, professionalism, hygiene, safety and trust. They’re also our armour; protecting against various messy treatments and spills. While each new day can bring unexpected events and interactions, the uniform is a given. We put it on and get to work.

Yet there’s not been much discussion about its pitfalls. Having changed very little in the past decade, there’s a need for more open conversation about how spa uniforms can be adapted to be more inclusive and provide better comfort and protection.

One size does not fit all

In every spa operation we have worked with, the issue remains the same: spa uniforms do not cater well for different shapes and sizes.

Tunics often gape at the neckline when a therapist bends over, sleeves are too long or too short, and almost every therapist has to tuck their uniform into elasticated trousers to avoid it flapping about on the guest’s back.

Then there’s the synthetic material, which can make working in hot conditions extremely unpleasant — especially when you’re continually covered in body oil.

Just as every client is different, every spa worker is too. We must initiate more open dialogue with our spa teams about their unique needs to ensure they’re being respected.

Fusing individuality with uniformity

While uniforms are an essential part of a spa’s concept and brand, they must also cater to age, size, gender, ethnicity, religion and culture when necessary.

Some brands are already addressing the issue of sizing through offering plus-size lines with 2-3% elastane for greater comfort. Cooler materials and different cuts of trousers, skirt lengths or shirts can also be adapted to fit spa workers' requirements.

“All spa styles need to be comfortable to work in. Spa therapists do physical work, and need to be able to make all the movements required for their practice without being restricted by their uniforms,” says Debbie Leon, director of sustainable spa uniform supplier, Fashionizer Spa. They are one of the brands at the forefront of creating uniforms that are not only sustainable, but also stylish and adaptable.

“Our range of spa garments is made from 5 different fabrics in 10 different colours and over 30 different styles. We also create bespoke solutions for spas when asked, such as Six Senses or Saray Spa by Marriott,” says Debbie.

Other important considerations are gender and cultural identity when designing uniforms. For example, providing unisex uniforms and recognising that an individual might require a more modest outfit or branded accessories such as a hijab help to ensure your team’s needs are heard.

Adapting uniforms to your workers’ needs will ultimately result in a more engaged and confident spa team that can represent your brand while also expressing themselves.

The budget dilemma

At a time when the hospitality industry is having to evolve and innovate their businesses in order to survive and succeed during a global pandemic, uniforms become bottom of the pile in terms of budget decisions.

There are ways around this, however, and re-prioritising uniform design can help massively with other major issues such as recruitment and staff retention [link to previous blog post on staffing].

It can also help to attract more clients through showcasing a team that’s representative of a global audience, aligning uniform design with your spa’s values.

How do you feel about spa uniforms? Do you agree that it’s time for an upgrade, or do you think there are more cons than pros to doing this?

Email lauren@thespacollaborative.com with your thoughts — we’d love to hear from you!