The classic chef coat in white is one of the most iconic images that comes to mind when you think of a professional chef working in a commercial kitchen. Designed from crisp white fabric, this double-breasted styled coat has existed for a long time. Their popularity has increased with time. Today, it is common to find double-breasted chef coats with ten buttons and more. Have you ever wondered what makes these coats popular? When did they become a status symbol? Or how they can help chefs work efficiently in kitchens? If the answer to all these questions sounds yes, this post is for you. It traces the history of the double-breasted chef coat and its prominence in commercial kitchens.
History of a Chef Coat
The double-breasted chef coat we see today was designed and introduced by Marie-Antoine Carême in 1882. Marie-Antoine Carême is credited as the world’s first celebrity chef and his sketch titled “Le Maitre d’Hotel Francais,” has shown two chefs wearing double-breasted coats, white hats, and aprons tied around their waists standing near to each other in a commercial kitchen. These uniforms were introduced to public in 1870s when Angelica Uniform Corp started mass producing it, making it available for chefs everywhere. Although the chef coat designs have evolved over the years, they still resemble the original “Le Maitre d’Hotel Francais”. This coat also symbolizes expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the culinary tradition.
Benefits of a Double-Breasted Chef Coat
Over the years, the double-breasted chef coat has evolved into the hallmark of traditional chef attire. It offers the following benefits.
- Protection: This chef coat ensures protection from kitchen hazards caused by hot oil and boiling water splashes, and so on. The coat features overlapping front panels with an extra layer of fabric. This double layer also ensures better insulation, which helps chefs stay comfortable in hot conditions. Moreover, the coat’s pristine white color deflects heat.
- Durable: The chef coat is made from heavy, yet breathable material that can withstand the rigors of challenging environments. Most coats have knotted cotton buttons that can easily withstand frequent wash and dry cycles in commercial kitchens.
- Improved Hygiene: The double-breasted chef coat is known for its versatility. If, for any reason, the coat gets stained with oil or other splashes in the commercial kitchen, a chef can rebutton the coat on the other side. This will help them to retain their professional appearance. This versatility is advantageous in open commercial kitchens where the chefs present their food to diners.
- Professionalism: The double-breasted coat is revered as a symbol of professionalism. With its structured look, it commands respect and authority. It symbolizes a chef’s dedication to the highest standards of presentation and hygiene.
- Versatility: The chef jacket can be worn in various culinary settings, from fine dine restaurants to open kitchens to catering events and many more. The classic design of the chef jacket blends well with all types of dining environments. Adding to this, the commercial kitchens or the establishments can customize these coats with logos or graphics as the part of their branding efforts.
Hence, wearing a double-breasted chef coat offers several benefits, as discussed above. However, you can realize more benefits by sourcing these chef jackets from trusted brands such as ChefsCloset. We provide one of the extensive collections of double-breasted style chef coats in white and other colors to suit your branding and personal preferences. Our collections also feature unique 10 button chef coat and other chef apparel like chef pants, hats, and so on. Contact our team to discuss your requirements and get the custom chef apparel at cost-effective prices.