Boelter Resources

Essential chef wear to outfit your food service operation

Written by Boelter | July 15, 2020

The culinary experts on your team need to look and feel professional at all times. The apparel that is worn in the kitchen, should reflect the high quality and unique style of your operation. Many manufacturers consider every detail of restaurant staff's day to day routines to create excellent and durable options. From the back of the house to the front of the house, it's important to keep everyone looking and feeling their best. Chef wear and restaurant apparel come in a variety of different fabrics and colors that are designed to maintain form and function through long hours, hot kitchens, and busy shifts.

Be sure to choose a line of food service apparel that is easy to maintain, fits all shapes and sizes, provides an expert look, and keeps workers clean, safe, and cool. 

What do you need to equip your staff? Check out our list of all the essential chefs wear you'll need:

Aprons - This piece of clothing serves many uses throughout your facility. Servers may wear a certain style of apron. Chefs and Cooks may wear another apron to help protect them while they are preparing food. Your bartending staff may also want or need aprons depending on everything their duties include. There is no shortage when it comes to the variety of apron options to choose from. Bib aprons, waist aprons, tuxedo or neoprene, each of these aprons comes in many sizes, colors, styles, and fabrics.  Aprons help to keep staff neat and clean, and help convey the personality of your operation.

Chef Coats - A staple in any professional kitchen, the chef coat comes in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and styles. For men and women, coats or jackets, executive or basic, there are many different Chef coats available. Chef's want to look professional while they please guests with their skill both in the back and front of the house. Chef coats can also be customized easily if that is desired.

Chefs Hat -  Contrary to the name itself, this hat is not just for chefs. Everyone in your restaurant kitchen should be wearing some type of head wear to be safe and sanitary. Chef hats are designed to meet the needs of those who wear them. Standard chef hats, baseball caps, scarves, berets, and beanies all all options for your establishment. Choose some that are comfortable to wear and fit with the theme and vibe of your establishment.

Chef Pants - Chef pants are the key to comfort while working in the kitchen. Unlike kitchen head wear, pants are not one-size-fits-all. Kitchens can get very hot and it's important to ensure your staff has an assortment of shapes, sizes, styles and fabrics to choose from. This is especially true if you live in a place where the weather changes frequently. The most popular type of chef pants are poly/cotton blends that will provide both a good fit with a high level of comfort.

Cook Shirts - Cook shirts are designed to look as good at the end of a long shift as they did at the beginning. The most popular kind - a poly/cotton blend breathes well but does not shrink, and does not stain. Similar to other kitchen apparel these shirts come in many colors and styles including button down and snap front. All shirts can easily transition from the back of the house to the front.

Hairnets & Restraints - In the food service business, it is important to maintain both the quality of the food and your reputation as a business. Hairnets are a necessity within a busy kitchen to protect unwanted particles and hair from sneaking into meals, drinks or any edible item being served. Be sure to check that these products meet health code standards when purchasing.

Want an experts advice on the best food service apparel brands to consider? Get in touch with us to speak with one of our industry specialists today!