subject: Selecting Chef Uniforms For Your Restaurant Business [print this page] Anyone who has seen a professional chef knows they wear a very distinctive uniform. The traditional uniform of a chef is that of a white chef coat, hat, chef pants and apron. However, today chefs can be found in a variety of colors. The traditional hat, coat, pants and apron are still very popular and provide more than just attire. While each establishment has their own dress code, most of the uniform standards are based on cleanliness, safety and professional attire.
Chef uniforms were designed for being functional in the kitchen as well as providing a safety factor. The traditional double breasted or double paneled chef jacket is a staple and is made specifically to protect the cook from excessive heat. The double layer helps them as they reach over a hot stove, and the long sleeves give protection to their forearms. The chef coats are made with French knot buttons which allow them to be easily undone in case of a fire or grease spill. The chef pants are designed to be very loose fitting, and also were created to be removed quickly should an accident occur. The apron is just an extra layer for the chef that protects against heat and spills or splatters. The shoes that are worn by most chefs are nonslip and traditionally clogs are worn because they can be removed quickly as well should an accident demand it. The uniform is designed to be ideal for the job.
In addition to chef uniforms being functional for their jobs, they also are designed to ensure cleanliness. During food preparation it is important for chefs to be sanitary. The hat or hairnet for a chef is for obvious sanitary precautions. Many establishments provide laundering services for their staff members to help the cleanliness of the overall staff. You will find that chefs who cook in an open area or in front of their customers might wear special chef uniforms, so that they have a very clean and pressed look. Chefs normally are required to adhere to a specific hygiene code as well, but with each employer the rules might differ.
Chef uniforms might resemble loose pajamas to some, but they are considered professional attire and are very classic for the occupation. Some European chefs have hats of different heights to designate rank in the kitchen. You will also find that many restaurants or corporations have custom tailored uniforms that represent the logo or specific image they want represented.
Traditionally chef uniforms are very specific and respected by those in the profession. While chef pants or chef coats might seem large and comfy, they do serve other purposes and just happen to allow the chef to enjoy comfort in their job as much as they enjoy cooking.
