Chef wear (or chefwear) is the unspoken—and sometimes spoken— uniform of the commercial kitchen. As a chef working in a restaurant, you're expected to present yourself in the proper attire. But make no mistake, a chef's uniform is unlike one found in a cubicle and desk setting. Chef wear like chef coats, chef pants, and shoes are all designed for a specific purpose—to help you cook in (sometimes) unbearably hot settings, enable you to be quick and agile during a busy service, and most of all, to make you look like a professional.
Lucky for you, we carry hundreds of styles of chef pants, hats, coats, aprons and more to suit a variety of restaurant concepts. Whether you opt for a traditional white uniform, or you want something more urban and modern, we have a variety of fashion-forward (and functional) chef wear options for you.
Chef Coats
The chef coat is the quintessential marker of a professional chef. The original white, double-breasted jacket was designed for function first, aesthetics second. The thick cotton would protect the chef from the splattering of boiling liquids, and the heat from oven, stoves and other restaurant equipment. Thing is, while that thick cotton does well to guard against burns, it traditionally had terrible ventilation. Luckily today's manufacturers like Chef Works are all about functionality; underarm vents, breathable fabrics and zippered options ensure that your chef coat will help you perform at your best, even in the hottest kitchen. And don't forget those pockets! Many chef coats feature multiple pockets, including an accessible pocket on the arm which is ideal for storing your thermometer nearby.
The white color of the traditional chef's coat was meant to signify cleanliness and made it easy to visibly identify the head chef in the kitchen; that double-breasted jacket isn't just for show—reverse it on the fly to hide stains. In today's commercial kitchen, however, head chefs wear an array of colors, usually to match the style and culture of their restaurant—from black and muted grays, to denim and even bright colors like lime green, there's no right or wrong chef coat.
Brands like Chef Works specialize in branding your chef coat a step further with custom embroidery options. Embroidery is a great way to include your name, logo or other branding anywhere on your chef's coat to make it truly your own. With multiple thread color, font script and placement options, your chef coat becomes an extension of your brand and makes you quickly recognizable when catering functions or participating in large food and drink events.
Chef Pants
Comfort and functionality is key when it comes to chef pants. Look for pants made of breathable fabrics to keep you comfortable even in the hottest kitchen. Many chef pants also come with multiple pockets, including a cell phone pocket, so you can keep all of your odds and ends close by and easily accessible. From fitted options to baggy alternatives made with elastic waistbands and drawstrings, find pants that stay secure and in place during a busy service.
Commercial Apron Styles
Aprons are like the accessories to your chef wear. From classic to contemporary options, there's an apron for every culinary professional. Commercial aprons have come a long way from their traditional white or black options—manufacturers like Chef Works have played with new concepts like a wet denim look or one with a "waxed finish." And it's not just updates to the material either. Aprons that utilize grommets or single rings and buckles are considered at the forefront of fashion.
