Although a rewarding job, dog grooming can be hard on your body and clothes. You might find yourself covered in fur, soaked from head to toe, and exhausted at the end of the day. Using some of the available specialty apparel is one of the best ways to reduce a bit of the mess and stress that naturally go along with the job. What are the groomer clothing essentials, and how can you choose the perfect workwear and protective equipment pieces?

Must-Have Dog Grooming Apparel

Dog grooming encompasses much more than just brushing a dog’s coat and ensuring they look presentable. It’s an essential aspect of a dog’s well-being, and the services a dog groomer provides can help ensure that they live happy and healthy lives. First impressions count, and you want to earn your clients’ trust as soon as they enter the building. That’s why you must have a practical and stylish uniform for your company to stand out as a professional.

Choose a hair-resistant, functional style with added benefits like a high neckline, long sleeves, zips, and contrasting piping to strike the right balance. When deciding on the perfect grooming workwear for your business, you can choose an entire outfit or just a few necessities. Here are apparel essentials for every groomer’s needs.

Aprons

A waterproof apron keeps things dry and comfortable and is a must as it prevents working in damp clothing, a common grooming risk that can cause chafing and rashes. Choose an apron with pockets for holding small grooming items like scissors and combs. The convenience may cost a little bit more, but it’s worth it.

Jackets

A good grooming jacket can prevent snags and loose hair from getting caught in the groomer’s clothes. When you need to take a break between clients or leave the store for a short while, you can quickly take it off and put it back on when you’re ready to resume work.

Smocks

Smocks are a comfortable option for grooming wear as an alternative to a jacket. While you’re getting ready, the loose fit conceals your underwear and makes moving simple.

Groomer Sleeves

A set of dog grooming sleeves is handy for every groomer. They’re typically elasticised at both ends to ensure a secure fit at the wrist and above the elbow. Sleeves can prevent accidental scratches when an animal struggles in the water and keep your arms from getting wet.

Pants

Cleaning up during the day is much simpler if you have a good pair of waterproof grooming pants. Some of the best pants for dog grooming are breathable and cosy for standing around all day.

Leggings made from 92% poly and 8% spandex aren’t as likely to get covered in hair as other leggings, which makes them a good pant option for groomers. They provide comfort, support, and style (I mean, they come in various animal prints) while guarding against pet hair. Such leggings have a flattering fit thanks to their supportive waistband and thoughtfully placed overlocking stitching. Some of them even have pockets to store your phone.

What PPE Do Dog Groomers Wear?

Due to the constant need for the highest standards of hygiene around dogs, professionals in the dog grooming industry have been accustomed to PPE being a daily requirement long before the coronavirus pandemic started. What exactly should you use in your dog grooming salon to keep pets, owners, and staff as safe as possible?

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Face masks are essential protection for dog grooming because some dog grooming products are dangerous for humans when inhaled through the mouth and nose. Make sure you position it correctly, whether it’s a surgical or disposable mask.

Eye Protection

Dog shampoos, flea and tick remedies can cause eye irritation in people. A pair of safety glasses should be worn at all times by dog groomers to prevent any particles from getting into their eyes.

Skin protection

When handling dogs in the salon, you should always wear surgical gloves to protect your skin from any chemicals. Full-length sleeves, pants, and fully-covered shoes are essential for covering your skin and preventing bites and scratches.

What to Look for When Picking Grooming Clothing?

It can be challenging to find the ideal style, design, and fabric that complements the décor of your salon or even your personality, particularly when you need functional workwear.

Here are a few things to consider when picking out workwear for dog groomers.

Material

Your job will be significantly easier if you choose the correct fabric. The ideal dog grooming workwear attire should be sturdy, hair-resistant so that hair simply slides off, and waterproof in cases where washing dogs is involved. The main benefit of dressing in specialised grooming clothes is that you won’t spend the entire day covered in hair.

Fit

A confident day is possible by wearing the proper fitting work attire. It does not pay to be uncomfortable because you wear it all day. We always advise going up a size for more flexibility, regardless of size.

Durability

You should also consider factors other than hair resistance when investing in the appropriate clothing. That can imply various things, such as arm protection, covered zips, elasticised sleeves, and high collars. Although the best advice is to have a backup uniform, not just any would do – choose something that’s easy to care for because frequent washing can damage the fabric.