Chef apparel such as aprons, chef hats, and shoes is an integral part of any culinary professional’s life. The type of apparel they choose depends on several factors aside from just style and presentability. These include their kitchen environment, organization-based mandates such as color, logo, and so on, and the type of kitchen they work in. Types of kitchens include restaurant kitchens, pastry and bakery kitchens, catering and event kitchens, food truck kitchens, institutional kitchens, and so on. While the apparel of a chef working in a food truck may differ from those working in a fine dining restaurant of a 5-star hotel, chef aprons with pockets are observed almost everywhere. This post explores how the chef apparel and style may vary depending on the type of restaurant.
How Chef Apparel May Vary Based on the Type of Kitchen
Here are some patterns of culinary professionals observed over the years in terms of their chef apparel choices depending on the type of kitchens they work in. This may also vary with their rank or designation.
- Generally, chefs working in fine dining restaurants wear coat or jacket over their shirt, especially when serving or interacting with guests. When working in kitchens, they prefer full-size aprons.
- While white apparel is quite common, many restaurant chains or cafes now prefer a contemporary look for their staff. Such apparel may include bold colors, prints, and even personalized style statements.
- Nowadays, it is common for chefs to have presence on social media and television. Hence, presentability has a different meaning altogether. Such professionals prefer a smart casual look and ensure their style is reflected in what they wear.
- Pastry chefs specialize in baking and confectionery. They generally prefer white coats with short or half sleeves and the traditional white chef hat. Nowadays, you can find them wearing colored coats as well.
- Restaurant chefs work long hours in a hot kitchen environment, and hence prefer breathable and comfortable fabrics such as cotton or polycotton. Also, they may prefer long sleeves for their shirts or coats as they them against heat, injuries, and more.
- Chef shoes are common for all kitchens as they must be comfortable, slip-resistant, and durable to survive the bustling kitchen environment.
- Two things are common among the apparel used regardless of the kitchen type. The first is comfort and durability, and the second is the quality of fabric that can withstand frequent washing without fading or wear.
- Chefs working in small restaurants, food trucks, and so on may prefer contemporary and casual apparel that adds to their style. They commonly wear single-breasted, short-sleeved shirts that facilitate easy and quick movement. Also, you most of them wear bandanas and baseball caps instead of conventional chef hats. Their pants are also casual.
- Food truck chefs may even prefer casual T-shirts with their logos and lightweight pants for breathability and comfort. Also, they may prefer waist aprons rather than full-length ones.
- If a chef is working in an ethnic or specialty cuisine restaurant such as Mexican, Indian, Japanese, and more, their attire may reflect some ethnic such as a type of embroidery, kimono style coats, and so on.
Each kitchen type has its demands and requirements. If you are looking for good-quality chef hats, chef shoes, aprons, and so on, choose a supplier that offers you custom options and a wide variety of brands under one roof. ChefsCloset offers a huge variety of chef apparel suitable for any type of kitchen setup. You can customize them in terms of fabric, style, size, prints, logos, and more. The company offers specially designed chef apparel for women. You can contact their team via phone or email to discuss your chef apparel requirements.