Let’s be honest, hotel managers have about a million things to handle before lunch. Between ensuring five-star guest experiences, wrangling schedules, and keeping operations seamless, uniforms can sometimes feel like an afterthought. But here’s the reality: what your team wears isn’t just fabric: it’s your brand, your culture, and your guests’ first impression.

And nothing says “disorganized” like scrambling for uniforms at the last minute.

So, when should you start planning? It all depends on whether you want something fully custom, modified, or in-stock.

Custom vs. In-Stock: The Real Timeline Factor

The biggest driver of lead time isn’t whether you’re opening a new hotel or refreshing your team’s look. it’s whether you need custom uniforms or are going with an in-stock solution.

Custom or Modified Program: Plan 6-9 Months in Advance

Want a one-of-a-kind uniform program? Custom designs take time but for a truly signature look, it’s worth it.

Why plan early?

• Custom designs require collaboration, your uniforms should reflect your brand identity and align with your interior aesthetic.
• Samples, wear testing, and revisions all take time to perfect.
• Custom production and embroidery add to the timeline.
• New hotel openings? Uniform planning should start at least when interior renderings are finalized, so branding and design elements are cohesive from day one.

💡 The takeaway? If you want a tailored look, start planning 6-9 months ahead for a stress-free rollout.

In-Stock Program: Ready in Weeks, Not Months

Need a faster solution? Our extensive in-stock collection offers polished, professional uniforms that ship quickly—without sacrificing style or quality.

Why go in-stock?

• No long design phase, just pick your look and go.
• Sample review happens in days, not weeks for faster approvals.
• Orders ship in as little as 48 hours, slashing lead times dramatically.

💡 The takeaway? If you’re working on a tight timeline, stock uniforms are the fastest way to get a polished, professional team, without the wait.

👉 Need uniforms fast? Good news, you don’t have to sacrifice style for speed. Learn how a strategic stock program can get your team polished in days, not months.

The Clock Is Ticking: Why Advance Planning Matters

Even if you’re going in-stock, a little planning saves a lot of stress. The uniform process involves multiple steps, and waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary headaches.

Here’s what needs to happen:

✅ Merchandising & Design: Whether you’re launching a custom look or choosing an in-stock style, this step requires alignment with your brand.

✅ Samples & Wear Testing: Fit, comfort, and durability matter. Samples let your team test-drive styles before committing. (Because nothing kills morale like an uncomfortable uniform.)

✅ Order Processing: Large orders take time, and if you’re adding embroidery or modifications, expect longer lead times.

✅ Receiving & Distribution: Once the uniforms arrive, they need to be sorted, fitted, and delivered to staff. And yes, you’ll always have last-minute size swaps.

How Far in Advance Should You Order?

💡 6-9 months ahead: Best for custom or heavily modified uniforms—allows time for design, sampling, and production.
💡 3-6 months ahead: Ideal for in-stock with modifications (e.g., embroidery, alterations).
💡 ASAP: If you’re on a tight deadline, in-stock solutions can be delivered in as little as 48 hours.

Your Uniforms, Handled.

Whether you're launching a hotel, upgrading your team’s look, or racing against the clock, ICO makes uniform planning seamless. Our expert team is here to help you stay ahead of the game, or recover from last-minute uniform panic.

📩 Let’s talk

Need a quick turnaround? Thinking custom? Either way, we’ve got your back. Contact us today and let’s get started.

PS: Need uniforms yesterday? We specialize in turning “uh-oh” into “oh-wow.” Let’s make this easy. 🔥