How Worktones founder Huw Bennett turned a happy accident into one of the country’s most recognisable names in hospitality uniforms.

What started as a favour for a friend working on a new hotel opening has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable names in hospitality uniforms. Through Worktones, Huw Bennett has built a business around sharp workwear – helping restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels bring their business to life from the floor up.

Here’s Bennett on how it all came together, and why great workwear is about much more than just looking the part.

How did you get your start, Huw?
Worktones was a wonderful, happy accident. I had a friend working on a new hotel opening, and they had been searching for uniforms without any luck. After a conversation, we worked on a really easy, classic look that worked functionally for the staff and aesthetically for the hotel. I saw an opportunity there and set about finding more work, which fortunately came my way.

What do you think it is about your workwear that has gained traction in Australia?
It’s simple and uncomplicated, and for the most part, the garments do the talking. We’ve always been intentional with our design, fabrications and finishes, and this seems to resonate with our hospitality audience.

Has your background in fashion, and experience running your first label, Vanishing Elephant, shaped what the Worktones product is today?
Most definitely. This is an art, and it’s constantly being refined. My previous work influences what we do daily in terms of our processes and values, working with makers who can help us build a great product responsibly.

For hospitality businesses in 2026, a great uniform can have a big impact on the experience. Why do you think that is?
It’s not exclusive to 2026, but for sure, as the market gets ever noisier, there is a sharper focus on how to build out the total experience. When you enter a venue, generally one of your first impressions is the staff, and when they look and feel good, this not only empowers them but also enriches the overall experience. We see a uniform as a holistic part of this experience – it complements the interiors, textiles and food, and is another touchpoint to express the personality of that venue.

When you’re talking about the uniforms connecting with the overall vibe and aesthetic of a business, how do you dial that in?
This is central to our process. We’re interested in the brand identity, visual assets, brand guidelines and commercial positioning from the get-go. Better still, we want to visit, talk and understand the philosophy of the space. For most, a new venue is their life’s work, so our uniform has some heavy lifting to do.

Is there any other special sauce to what you do?
Possibly, but perhaps it’s less said and more done with actions. We like to keep the client closely involved and collaborating throughout the process to make sure all their needs and wants are considered. For all venues, big or small, we want their brand to shine. We create products we’re proud of, but we aren’t the main player at the end of the day – the venue is, and that needs to shine.

Any regrets?
Ha! Never, just ways to learn and look forward.

What about the big lessons learned?
We don’t have enough pages for this one. I often reflect on the simple ones, like treating others how you want to be treated. It’s easy to sometimes lose sight of the fact that we’re lucky to do what we do, so we place a lot of focus on respect and understanding.

What’s been the key to scaling up successfully for you?
We move slowly, our growth is considered and we really try to understand what the road ahead looks like before we take it. That said, we’re not risk-averse, so it’s a balance between caution and haste. To date, we’ve been blessed with great staff, terrific makers and a healthy dose of good fortune.

Best-case scenario, how do you want people to think about what you do?
To keep it simple, we want to be known for making great products, being honest and open about everything that entails, and being a part of the good times along the way.

Get in touch with Huw Bennett and the team at Worktones via worktones.com. Follow along for more at @worktones.