Barista Fashion Wear - What's Hot (or cool)?

by Jeffrey J Kingman

Jul 20, 2011


I've been to a number of coffee events the last few years and always pay attention to the details when I visit shops or trade events. I've noticed some trends in the barista apparel scene, ranging from spiffy old-school sweater vests and funky hats, to jeans and tees.

Does your coffee shop establish clothing guidelines as part of your company brand?

What regional trends in barista apparel are predominant?

Does what your baristas wear really make a difference in customer perception of your shop?

Do you make barista hiring decisions based on what a potential employee wears to interview?

This is an area I've not seen covered in tradeshows, like the restaurant industry addresses. Is it because there's a "counter-culture" attitude?

 

Image from The Sparkyman blog

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  • up

    Casey Loseth

    But that's also discrediting the Culinary Arts saying that they also are just a manipulations of Argicultural products which yes is exactly what they are. But you're taking a product and in many cases putting your own personal spin on it. So I'd say yes it can be an art.

    Roeland Vester said:

    I disagree completely. Coffee is not art. Coffee is an agricultural product. Manipulating the offspring of the coffee plant in such a way that the extract tastes mind-blowing is a craft.

    Furthermore, I take offense to your denouncing of "left-brainers" in the coffee industry. While I certainly have no illusions on how artists see engineers, making snide remarks on the internet doesn't help anyone.


    Val Casey said:

    Coffee=art. Artists have style. There's so much of an aesthetic to coffee that goes beyond the technical aspect, and left-brainers just don't get it. In my experience, anyway.

    Oct 8, 2011

  • up

    Casey Loseth

    This is part of Market society, It's impossible to get away from it with how we are today. It comes into the role of values where people pay the price they pay not because they actually understand it's value. It's percieved value, and yes it's a manipulating tool of capitalism where you can get more profit by making something appear to be worth more than it may be. That being said it is a good thing at the same time. If you have a great product then your staff and your cafe should reflect that. Yes I say that for the sake of profits. Being clean and friendly should be a given, so why not take it above that and offer an experience as well. It boosts sales and it can put you where your prices can be higher and be acceptable. Meet Homo-economicus

    Sarah Thompson said:

    I am stunned to read that folks are prejudging the quality of a food product based on the attire of an employee. Why isn't just being clean and friendly enough? It's not fair to prejudge the product until you have tasted it. Granny might have an ugly sweater, but she might make the best damn coffee you've ever had. As for the apple pie, my long haired hippie father made a much better pie than my elderly white haired Baptist grandma.

    Oct 8, 2011

  • up

    Marian Plajdicko

    i like to wear this when working..makes people smile :)

    http://www.threadless.com/product/2377/I_Was_Here

    Oct 9, 2011