Chefs uniforms: the workwear chefs need

The hospitality industry has uniforms for most roles. Uniforms are usually created in the workplace. They combine sector regulations with business branding requirements.
Chef uniforms are as important as any garment when it comes to workwear for hospitality. To achieve their goal, chef uniforms must be up to a high standard. They aid in hygiene, safety, and comfort. It’s important that chefs understand what they should look for when choosing workwear. This article discusses why chefs should wear uniforms and what they should wear.

Why are chefs required to wear uniforms?
Uniforms for chefs, cooks, and food handlers must comply with workplace and government regulations.

1. Chef uniforms: Government regulations
Food Standards Agency states that anyone who prepares food to be served to others must ensure its safety. Chefs must wear clothing that is clean, protective, and suitable for food preparation to ensure food safety.

Clothing for food preparation

Clothing worn for food preparation should be appropriate by meeting three criteria: it must fit well, be made from high-quality material, and have no defects.

A well-fitting chef’s uniform is not baggy, nor does it have loose cuffs which could allow food to be contaminated by dripping. By covering the head, legs, and torso adequately with uniforms, you can reduce the chance of fluids or body hairs contaminating the food.

The uniform must be washable in high temperatures (upto 60oC), and it should also be protective.

Clothing without defects is a chef uniform that does not have any damage, like loose threads, which could lead to cross-contamination.

Clean clothes

To ensure that the area where food is prepared remains hygienic, chefs uniforms must always be kept clean. Chefs or workplaces are advised to wash their garments at 60oC minimum after each shift. All chefs should also have two uniforms.

Protective Clothing

Workwear for chefs should be protective. Chefs need to wear clothing that protects them from burning if hot liquids are spilled. Any footwear they wear should also be non-slip.

2. Workplace guidelines about chefs uniforms
The majority of establishments serving food have strict guidelines on uniforms for their chefs. These guidelines are set up to ensure that the clothing of their staff complies with government regulations. They also want to keep staff safe.

Even though some chefs are self-employed, they must still adhere to the government’s mandatory rules. They wear the same clothes as chefs who are employed. These garments were designed to meet the government’s requirements.

What are the garments that complete chef uniforms?
Chefs wear a tall chef’s cap, a jacket with a white pattern and trousers. Executive Chef Uniforms are available in a variety of colours including black and chequered patterns. Simple white chef uniforms remain the most popular, as they’re easy to clean and look good when in front of the house.

Chef jackets

The chef jacket is a staple of the typical uniform. These jackets are usually equipped with two-way buttons and a Mandarin collar that helps keep the wearer cooler. Chefs may prefer a chef jacket that has side panels made of a moisture-wicking fabric. This feature allows sweat to evaporate quickly in the hot kitchen.

Workwear offers both short-sleeved and long-sleeved chef jackets.

Chef trousers

Most chefs opt for elasticated trousers to complete their uniform. This elastic allows for more comfort and freedom of movement during busy, long shifts. Stick to classic styles in either solid colour or checkered pattern for the most professional appearance.

Chef cap

To prevent hairs from contaminating food, headwear is a vital part of a chef’s uniform. In recent years, the chef’s cap skull has replaced the taller chef’s hat. The shorter cap is more comfortable for chefs to wear because it’s lighter and retains less heat. You can choose from many different colours and patterns.

Beard Snood

Chefs who have beards must cover them with a beard scarf. The snood is similar to headwear in that it prevents hairs from getting into the food.

Waist apron

The waist apron is a recent addition to chef clothing. They are worn by chefs to protect their expensive jackets and trousers from spills on the work surface. Most useful aprons have front pockets where chefs can easily store pens, notepads and other items.

Safety Shoes

Non-slippery footwear is essential for chefs as spillages are inevitable in the kitchen. Safety clogs are preferred by chefs because they have thicker soles to protect from knife penetration. Clogs are also breathable, which keeps the feet cool. This is important for chefs who work all day.

What do chefs wear under their chef jacket/whites?
Most chefs wear only underwear underneath their chef jackets or whites due to the high temperatures in a kitchen. Some chefs prefer to wear base layering, but it is a matter of personal choice.

When did chefs first start wearing checked pants?
In 1822, the classic chef’s uniform was designed in Paris to be white in order to show the cook’s cleanliness. The chef can have a white uniform that represents cleanliness, but also a practical dark colour for spills.

What are the names of the hats worn by chefs?
Toque is the Arabic word used to describe a tall, white chef’s cap. In the Arab-speaking region, this term refers to a brimless hat. However, in the Western world, it is used for a tall white chef’s cap.