Hail to the chef! More than 110,000 Americans work as chefs and head cooks throughout the country.
Each chef has a unique story and style in the culinary arts. But many of them share one thing in common: chef attire.
Their clothes allow them to look stylish and protect them from harm in the kitchen. When you are running a restaurant, you need to think about the clothes your chefs wear carefully.
Why are chef jackets so important? What kinds of aprons or pants should chefs wear? Should you get your chefs those big white hats?
Answer these questions and you can find the perfect clothes for your culinary needs. Here is your quick guide.
Chef Jackets
Ask a restaurant chef about kitchen attire, and they’ll tell you about chef jackets. Chef jackets are traditionally white, indicating the pristine image of the kitchen.
You can select other colors of jackets, especially if you want to distinguish employees from each other. Black jackets can conceal stains, so you may want to give them to sous chefs. You can give grey ones to waiters and navy blue ones to your front-of-the-house staffers.
The most common type of jacket is double-breasted and has long sleeves. This gives the chef protection from spills and falling objects. Though you can select a different type, you should consider how the jacket protects your chefs from harm.
Some jackets are made of cotton, which makes them breathable. If you live in a hot or humid area, you should buy cotton clothes. But a blend of fabrics can work as well, especially if temperatures in your area change rapidly.
You have many different options for jackets, so take time to examine your choices. Take a look at these chef jackets and compare them to other ones. Don’t just buy the cheapest ones, as they may be made with low-quality materials.
Chef Aprons
Aprons go over jackets, and they add an extra layer of protection for the chef. A half apron goes around the waist, protecting the legs. If you want full-body protection, you can get your chefs full aprons.
Most aprons are white, matching traditional chef jackets. You may be able to find other colors, but white ones tend to be best because they are easy to clean. You can spot stains and use a stain remover to clean them off.
Whatever type of apron you select, you should find ones that have pockets in them. This lets your chefs keep towels and pens on their person.
Make sure your chefs can tie their aprons around their bodies. Loose aprons can get caught in equipment or catch on fire.
Pants
Chef pants are not as important as chef jackets and aprons. Many restaurants are comfortable with allowing chefs to select their own pants, as long as they look formal.
But you may want to buy pants with a comfortable and breathable fabric like cotton. You can get pants with an elastic waistband, which will give your chefs freedom of movement.
You don’t have to get clothes with fancy designs. Simple black pants work fine, as do checkered pants.
Shoes
Shoes are one of the more underrated chef attire options. They give protection against slips and falls, and they allow chefs to stand up during their long shifts.
Many chefs have their own shoes, and you can allow your employees to bring them to work. Yet you should inspect them, making sure that they support their heels and soles.
All chefs should wear shoes with closed toes to prevent grease from landing on their toes. They can wear steel-toed shoes, but they should make sure that they can move around in them.
To prevent slips, you can install anti-slip mats in your kitchen and dining area. You can find rubber mats that grip your floor at low expense, though you should test the mats out before you secure them to the ground.
Side Towels
Side towels allow chefs to clean up minor spills and grab hot objects. They can also wipe their brows with their towels so sweat doesn’t fall into their food.
Towels should hang from the chef’s jacket or apron. A chef can tuck a rag into the jacket belt or hang it out of their pocket. They can place it on their shoulder, though they should be mindful that the towel can fall off.
Towels can have any color or design you want. White ones may be hard to see if chefs are wearing white jackets, so you can give your employees blue ones instead.
Toques
Toques are large white hats that resemble crowns. When people think about chefs, they often think of toques.
They can seem a little silly, so you’re not required to have them in your kitchen. But they are useful for preventing hair and sweat from falling into people’s food. Feel free to give one to your head chef as a gift for hiring them.
You can also give your chefs hairnets, especially to your employees with long hair. They should be made with elastic so your employees can adjust them easily.
The Essentials of Chef Attire
Finding the right chef attire means finding a few different things. Jackets, aprons, and pants are required clothes, but you have options in terms of colors and designs. Find sturdy and breathable fabrics like cotton.
Shoes should give your chefs flexibility while supporting all parts of their feet, including the toes. Give side towels to everyone so they can wipe up messes. You may give a toque to your head chef, and you should give hair nets to your employees.
Buying chef clothes is one part of running a restaurant. Read more restaurant management guides by following our coverage.
