Collection: Full Chef Uniforms

It was traditional for lower-level cooks and apprentices to have white buttons on their uniform jackets, while the upper-level chefs wore black buttons. However, today, most kitchens have a more relaxed policy on buttons, and their colour demands are not specific unless the establishment has specified uniform colours and branding. Another interesting fact about the jacket buttons is the reason for the two rows of buttons: in case of an accidental spill, the chef can switch the sides of their jacket to conceal the stained side.

The Importance of a Chefs Uniform

Working in hospitality, it is essential to understand the importance of wearing your uniform. The uniform is vital to safety, hygiene, and health.

• Based on food hygiene laws, everyone who works with and prepares food is responsible for upholding the safety of food. The appropriate uniform is the first step towards ensuring food safety. A chef must wear the correct protective clothing, as it will help eliminate contaminants that regular clothing may carry. The uniform also needs to be lightweight but strong enough to protect against burns and splashes from hot liquids and oil.
• Personal comfort is not at all about soft, silky fabric on the skin. A kitchen is hot with all the ovens, hobs, and other heating elements. This type of heat is very uncomfortable, and the appropriate uniform is essential to ensure comfort. The uniform must be breathable to help with cooling and the absorbing of sweat to avoid chafing on the skin, and it must be the correct size for ease of movement in such a hot environment. It must also be fire resistant, stain resistant, and flexible and loose fitting to allow for ease of movement around the kitchen.
• Although the uniform is important to the safety of the food and personal comfort, it also carries importance in appearance. The uniform gives an appearance of professionalism. In some instances, the kitchen may be open and visible to customers, and a professionally dressed chef will make a strong impression, giving the customer more peace of mind on their food preparation.

In the hospitality industry, a uniform is particularly valuable to both staff and customers.

The Different Components of Chef Wear

There are many different components to a chef’s clothing, and each part of the uniform has a specific purpose. A typical uniform consists of a jacket, pants, hat, neckerchief, apron, and shoes.

• The jacket has multiple features that contribute to functionality, practicality, and safety. A double-breasted jacket provides an additional layer of protection from heat and any hot spills or hot oil splashes. Cotton, sometimes with a polyester blend, allows breathability.
• The shoes must be non-slip and have steel or reinforced toecaps. These attributes will reduce the risk of injury in case a heavy pot or equipment falls and limit the risk of slipping on spilled liquids on the floor.
• The hat, or a hairnet, for protecting the head can prevent hair from falling into the food or onto the food working surface.

Many chefs choose to also wear an apron, which offers an extra layer of protection against heat and spills.

About Global Chef

Global Chef has been an online supplier for the food, beverage, and hospitality industry for more than 30 years. We proudly offer three chef clothing brands designed by Chefs for Chefs, and we distribute some of the most dependable Australian brands in the market.

Order a reliable chefs uniform in Australia online today, or contact us for assistance.