What Kind Of Workwear Is Best For Chefs?
The value of workwear in hospitality
Uniforms in the hospitality industry are essential for leaving a lasting impression on customers, building a consistent brand identity, and complying with health and safety standards.
When a customer enters an establishment, one of the first things they will notice is the appearance of the team. They could have been initially drawn in by the unique menu options, the aesthetically pleasing decorations, or perhaps a catalogue of sparkling Trustpilot reviews.
However, now more than ever, the personal experience of the customer can be completely enhanced by the individuals serving them – who need to feel and look their best – and can even be one of the deciding factors for their return.
The bespoke uniforms worn by hospitality staff can be varied, and entirely dependent on the vision of the business, but the dress code must always be fit for purpose.
For example, at a cocktail bar, workers may wear a smart black shirt, a pocket apron, and trainers for relief from being on their feet all day. Whereas, hotel cleaning staff may be dressed in a black wicking T-shirt to allow for more movement, some straight-leg chinos, and a tabard over the top to protect them from any harmful products in their daily use.
Branded workwear, specifically, ensures that the company is being represented at all times and reinforces a strong sense of unity within any sector. Whether it be a small left breast embroidered logo or a large, vibrant back print of a new business slogan, corporate clothing is elevated by a touch of personalisation that enables it to stand out from the rest.
As workers collaborate to provide the best service for their customers, their unique uniform allows them to remain professional, comfortable, and recognisable as a workforce.
The important history of culinary workwear
Slightly behind the scenes of the operation (but by no means hidden from the action) we find ourselves immersed in the culinary world. Whilst the chefs are busy cooking up a storm, curating new menus, and innovating dishes for their guests to enjoy, their choice of workwear is crucial to the success of their job role.
Chefwear must thoroughly consider the protection of the employee and the customer – at all times. As food handling and consumer safety are potential hazards in any kitchen, measures must be implemented in the form of fabric to guarantee that the chef’s uniform is always contributing to their operational effectiveness and never putting anyone at risk.
When exploring which types of workwear are best for chefs, it makes sense to have a look into where the design blueprint originally stemmed from.
So, its roots: the image that we often associate with a chef’s uniform is the white overcoat, the tall hat, and chequered trousers. This was curated in France in the 1800s as a way of establishing hygiene standards, whilst still maintaining a powerful and distinctive appearance. The white colour was to demonstrate utmost cleanliness and a high level of respectability that needs to be maintained in the working environment.
Not only were these garments a practical solution to the responsibilities of a chef, but they were also able to represent the individual’s ranking in the kitchen, such as different coloured hats reflecting the different job titles of each chef. Further to their position in the galley, these uniform staples allowed the chefs to retain their own professional identity and be viewed as exclusive from their front of house staff.
As more emphasis is placed on a clean and secure environment, workwear must reflect these changing priorities.
Although the conventional ‘chef whites’ are still customary in working kitchens, there have been consistent updates and revisions to certify that they still meet the requirements of the modern cook: covered, fast-opening studs on the front of the jacket; durable and protective fabric foundations; more pockets for storage of utensils and apparatus; side underarm vents for when the temperature gets too hot (and they don’t want to get out the kitchen).
The best brands and standout products for your chef’s uniform
Taking all of these elements into account, here is MyWorkwear’s guide to the key garments that need to be in your Chefwear wardrobe!
So, let’s start with a multifunctional base layer – the RG619 Regatta Pro Wicking T-Shirt features antimicrobial properties that can prevent bacteria from invading the fibres of your clothing and resist dirt and oil stains. Its performance fabric moves moisture to the surface of the garment, ensuring that you are always left feeling fresh and cool on the job.
The next item you need is a durable and reliable chef’s jacket to carry you through your shift, and Premier is sure to have you covered. The PR661 Premier Unisex Long Sleeve Chef’s Jacket is available in sizes XS-4XL and comes in professional colours, black and white. It features plastic stud buttons that can be removed and replaced with other colours (found under PR652 Jacket Studs) to compliment your company’s branding and add individualism to your culinary workwear.
Then, for trousers, whether you like black or a traditional checkered style, you should check out the PR553 Essential Chef’s Trousers. As they are made of 65% polyester easy-care fabric, fashioned with an elasticated waist and only 195gsm thick, there is no doubt that this garment is made for long, busy days.
The PR658 Premier Chef’s Zandana is a staple for any chef’s workwear – to keep your hair back and your mind ready for any challenges that the kitchen may bring. The double ties at the back allow for a secure, hygienic fit, and by being able to be washed in up to 85 degrees, there is no high temperature that this quality hat cannot withstand.
For footwear, anti-slip shoes can be found in various shapes, sizes, and styles to protect the wearer, no matter how Slippy the surfaces may get. The anti-static DE200 Dennys Safety Trainers have a grey reflective stripe on the side to maintain low-light visibility and a steel toe cap to provide security for any kitchen hazard. All-day wear is made possible by the padded footbed and breathable mesh lining; with these trainers, you will be supported and comfortable throughout every shift.
Please contact us today!
Here at MyWorkwear, we are committed to providing and advising customers on all of their unique requirements for a wide range of hospitality environments. We acknowledge how important it is to be dressed correctly to be able to work to your highest standard.
James Worthington is Co-Owner and Co-Managing Director of MyWorkwear, having taken over the business from his father and founder of the company, Mike. James has decades of experience in the workwear industry, supporting businesses across the UK with their workwear requirements.
