Operational apparel helps a team look consistent and should be planned by role, shift, size, replacement need and repeatability. Customer merchandise is a retail product and should be planned around design, fit, price point, display and expected demand.

The two ranges can share an identity without using the same garment. A structured polo may suit front-of-house staff, while a heavyweight boxy tee may better suit a design-led customer collection.

A polo provides a collar and placket for a more structured customer-facing silhouette. Compact embroidery or print can identify the venue without requiring a large graphic.

A regular-fit T-shirt can suit casual service, events and back-of-house roles where the garment is appropriate to the working environment. Use a physical sample and the venue’s operational requirements rather than making a decision from product category alone.

Check brand contrast on the actual garment and define the logo’s physical dimensions and position. Garment colour also affects how visible everyday marks or stains may be, but no colour is universally right for every restaurant role.

When colour is brand-critical, approve ink, thread or garment colour against a physical reference under consistent lighting. Screen previews are not production standards.

Share the product-specific measurement chart and ask staff to compare it with a garment that fits. Track quantities by role and size and identify who owns additions or corrections before production.

Consider shift rotation, new joiners and replacements when setting the total, but avoid a universal buffer percentage. Retain the approved garment, artwork, dimensions and colour reference for repeat orders.

For customer merchandise, start with one or two products and a controlled colour palette. A T-shirt with venue-specific artwork and a one-size canvas tote can create a coherent range without fragmenting inventory across too many variants.

Track sales by product, size and colour. Use that evidence to reorder proven combinations rather than expanding the next range only from anecdotal requests.