What Should I Wear as a Host?

[Hayward]

 

[Svenn]



Don't wear a jacket. It probably would be overkill. Japanese hosts aren't salarymen.

+1. Now is your opportunity to embrace all the SF taboos against 'looking like a waiter' since you are one, essentially. Foremost is wearing black. I'd get fitted black trousers and a black waistcoat, then maybe a solid black tie and white shirt. You'll instantly be recognized as the host and you'll have free range of motion in your arms since you aren't wearing a jacket. Inception had a lot of good waistcoat action going on if you want inspiration.

 

[Despos]

Don't wear black, you will look unimaginative and will give off a chain restaurant/service industry image.

If you wear only shirt and trouser get a good fit. A good fit will enhance your image as much as what you wear. Try not to have a uniform look. Jacket might be good but is a bigger investment for your situation. Have you discussed your question with the owner?

 

[dragon8]



Nice one mate.

You look like you're a student of martial arts.

 

[LostnConfused]

Wow guys, I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you so much, even the sarcastic posts were funny to read.

So to answer a few questions, most clients/customers that come in are upper middle class and are dressed in nice casual clothes during dinner and often business casual during lunch. I think since we're in Southern California, people are often dressed in more relaxed attire when going out to eat.

My manager told me to look good... no real details except to not wear jeans (though i think that wearing a nice button up with a blazer and dark fitted jeans would be okay).

I also work in San Diego so it's always warm here, so I'm trying to avoid layering (even though I love it) because I don't want to look like a sweaty pig.

And yes, I do martial arts and I am of mostly Asian descent

I'll post up pictures of some of the clothes I got soon!

 

[Despos]

Don't wear jeans, it's really not appropriate,even if you have a jacket. Your employer didn't offer any direction but was specific about not wearing jeans. That should tell you something. Avoid making a mistake.

 

[cptjeff]

Medium gray trousers, black leather shoes, white shirt, sleeves rolled up. Tie and vest wouldn't be a bad idea, not the same color as the trousers.

 

[LostnConfused]

Do you guys have any suggestions for fairly priced trousers? Or if I was searching in a department store what brand I should keep an eye out for (or does it not matter for pants?)?

 

[MikeDT]



You look like you're a student of martial arts.

That's good, when he's not hosting he can pretend he's the Karate Kid.

 

[LostnConfused]

Pretend?

 

[MikeDT]



Pretend? 

How proficient are you at karate or other martial arts? You don't have to double as bouncer as well as host do you?

 

[LostnConfused]

I'm decent, haha. I've never actually had to use any of my training in the restaurant. I guess that's one of the upsides of catering to rich people.

 

[JohnnyMarr]

I'd aim for some pointers from the inimitable Mr Chow

 

[LostnConfused]

sigh, if only ANY of us could come close to the style of Mr. Chow

Great Happiness Space was a great movie btw.

 

[md2010]



+1. Now is your opportunity to embrace all the SF taboos against 'looking like a waiter' since you are one, essentially. Foremost is wearing black. I'd get fitted black trousers and a black waistcoat, then maybe a solid black tie and white shirt. You'll instantly be recognized as the host and you'll have free range of motion in your arms since you aren't wearing a jacket. Inception had a lot of good waistcoat action going on if you want inspiration.

^^This. Just don't try to stand out. And spend as less as possible on you cloths. Becos your cloths will get dirty and you will wash my clothes everyday. I have worked at restaurant during my high school/uni days. Working in restaurant your cloths will smell like food.And don't think you can go out on your work cloths after work. This is what I used to do. Bring my work cloths in gym bag . Get dressed at work. After work shower. Wear my normal cloths and once home work cloths in the washer. Get shoes with rubber sole. Restaurant floors needs to be cleaned often and when you walk in kitchen you won't know what you may step in. Don't waste money in expensive shoes.