CINCINNATI—Launched earlier this year, the Cintas 2019 Design Collective is all about flexibility. From luxury properties to service-focused hotels, Cintas provides outfits for all areas and positions.
“From custom-designed suiting created for a specific hotel to safety apparel, we offer it all. We also work with our clients to determine the best way for us to service them, whether it’s selling to them directly, or renting the garments,” said Kristin Sharp, director of design and merchandising, Cintas.
While it’s a challenge for Cintas to continuously refresh wardrobe options while still keeping programs easy to manage for operators, the company finds ways to evolve.
“It’s a balancing act of delivering innovation, quality and contemporary fashion silhouettes for the best price,” Sharp said.
Offering flexible options means supporting a fast-paced lifestyle, with employees demanding uniforms that are easily transferred from time of day and location.
“In years past, most clients have wanted a well-defined apparel program for their associates,” Sharp said. “In today’s world, employees want to wear clothes they would wear outside of work. We’re now providing flexible wardrobe collections that give employees the ability to choose their preferences within a collection. This allows an element of consistency to be woven throughout each employee’s garments, but gives them the flexibility to make it their own.”
According to Sharp, hospitality apparel is taking on a more polished look, with garments reflecting retail fashion trends and pieces that employees would purchase personally.
On this front, Cintas has recently collaborated with brands such as Chef Works, Under Armour, Express and Carhartt, giving employees options from brands they know and love.
“We’re able to build collections that incorporate our Design Collective apparel but also include some of these retail brands where needed,” Sharp said. “The end result is a collection that hotel employees can truly feel good about which, of course, impacts their engagement.”
—Abby Elyssa