What do chefs wear?

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The chef’s uniform is an iconic part of the hospitality industry. Its long history dates back to 1822 when French chef Marie-Antoine Carême drew the first sketch of two chefs standing in double-breasted jackets, aprons and tall, white hats. 

It is as instantly recognisable as police uniforms, medical scrubs and high-visibility workwear. However, many don’t know what separate garments make a complete chef's uniform. What do chefs wear? What shoes do chefs wear, and why do they wear white? 

Greenbergs will answer all these questions and more. 

Chefs Uniforms Explained

Chef's uniforms are vital for conveying a professional work environment. The food industry values health, safety and hygiene above all. Therefore, it’s essential for staff to wear a uniform that reflects this both aesthetically and functionally. 

However, they must be comfortable to wear in fast-paced environments. Cooking in a commercial kitchen often requires a lot of physical effort. 

Chefs are required to use heating equipment, such as hobs and ovens, which can cause high temperatures. Manufacturers construct chef's uniforms from lightweight, breathable and non-restrictive materials to keep hospitality workers cool.

Whilst lightweight, chef’s uniforms should also provide adequate protection against the dangers of a commercial kitchen. Spitting oil, boiling water, and hot food are just a few of the hazards chefs face on a daily basis.

So a chef's uniform must look professional, feel lightweight and protect the wearer. Now, let’s find out more about the individual components! 

  1. Hat (Skull Cap or Toque)

So, what do chefs wear on their heads? 

Chef headwear will consist of a tall toque hat or skull cap, with the latter most recognisable in popular culture. Toque hats have a rich history dating back to the 1800s and were used to signify a range of culinary achievements. 

In today’s culture, toque hats serve both decorative and functional purposes. Composed of nonwoven fabric that is breathable yet sturdy, a toque hat will keep a chef’s hair out of their face and away from the food. 

Skull caps are similar yet more modern and practical versions of the toque hat. Products like the Behrens HHCSC Chefs Skull Cap have a stiff band that fits around the forehead to absorb sweat and keep the hat secure. 

Although smaller than toque hats, they are spacious enough to contain long hair while keeping the ears exposed. 

  1. Jacket

What do chefs wear to keep their arms and torso safe? Garments like the Behrens HHCJLS Long Sleeve Unisex Chefs Jacket are a cotton and polyester blend, ideal for providing a lightweight yet protective feel. 

Double-breasted jackets protect the wearer from hazardous liquids and hot foods: but they also conceal stains the chef may acquire during the day. The lapels on double-breasted jackets are usually reversible, meaning the stained area can be hidden. 

The chefs jacket also comes with stud buttons: they are secure against breakage and minimise the risk of falling off into food dishes. Similarly, they are easy to fasten and unfasten in emergencies. 

  1. Apron / Tabard 

Chefs' aprons are not considered part of a traditional chef's uniform, but many staff in modern kitchens choose to wear them. 

While double-breasted chef’s jackets protect the upper half of your body, aprons also protect your lower half. Aprons like the Behrens HHBA Bib Apron cover the entire front of the torso and protect the legs up to the knees. 

Some aprons, like the Premier PR154 Bib Apron, come with pockets so that staff can carry pens, tickets or other essential tools they need to access easily.

  1. Trousers

On their lower halves, chefs wear trousers like the Behrens HHCT Unisex Chefs Trouser. The comfortable, elasticated waistband allows for breathability and ease of movement. However, they are made from a polyester-dominant cotton blend thick enough to protect the legs from hot food and liquids.

What shoes do chefs wear?

Now that we know what chefs wear on their bodies, how about their feet? 

Despite what you might think, appropriate footwear is one of the most crucial components of a chef’s uniform. They often work long shifts that require standing the entire time, and as we’ve already established, kitchens are fraught with potential hazards. 

Hot liquids are at equal risk of burning staff and coating the kitchen floor. Non-slip shoes are a must-have in any kitchen environment because they significantly reduce the risk of slips, falls and resultant injuries. 

However, it’s also crucial that these shoes feel comfortable and fit the wearer correctly. Moving around all day in ill-fitting shoes would be a painful experience, so finding a pair that feel good to walk in is paramount. 

Choose Greenbergs for your Chef's Uniforms! 

The catering industry is one of the most profitable sectors in the UK, measuring a whopping £1.4 billion in 2023 and rising! With more people than ever turning their love of cooking into a career, why not choose a high-quality uniform to do the job in? 

Choose Greenbergs for your Catering Uniforms, and we promise to deliver high-quality, durable garments.