Have you ever pondered why professional kitchens universally require the staff to wear chef uniforms and chef aprons? The answer to this conundrum has many reasons, the foremost of which being that as all uniforms do, chef uniforms provide a sense of uniformity to a professional kitchen while also creating a dignified atmosphere to an oftentimes hectic environment. Chef uniforms have quintessentially been enamored by many and it is a mandatory requirement for all chefs to don this attire, irrespective of hierarchy within the field.
There are many different types of chef uniforms now available across the world, but the classic white coat continues to be emblematic of the status and position of a professional chef. The tradition of wearing this type of uniform dates to the 19th century in which Carême, a popular French chef at the time, created and developed the current chef’s uniform. Chef hats or toques were already in use then, but Carême sought to designate a uniform to honour the position of a chef. Furthermore, the colour white was chosen for the chef’s coat to signify cleanliness and also to ensure a sterile environment around the food being prepared. It also reminds the chef to stay unsoiled and sanitary throughout the service.
In more traditional restaurants across the world, especially in traditional French restaurants, the white chef’s coat is standard uniform attire and is considered part of a traditional uniform which is also practical and efficient for the wearer. The chef’s uniform is stitched with thick cotton cloth and protects the chef from the heat of stoves and also protects the individual from splattering liquids. The double breasted jacket is used to add protection to the chef’s chest and stomach area from burns, which are common in professional, high-pressure kitchens. Furthermore, these chef uniforms can also efficiently be reversed to hide stains.
White is generally worn by head chefs, however, other colours such as black chef uniforms are increasingly becoming popular as well. The long, wide chef’s apron is further worn by the chef over the uniform and it serves various functions. Firstly, it is primarily worn for safety purposes as it will take the main impact, should a hot liquid spill over a pot as the chef is carrying it. It can also be quickly removed and changed during the course of a service. Chef aprons that are lengthy and cover most of the front side of the body are extremely useful in restaurants and commercial kitchens and are normally referred to as ‘bib aprons’ which can be available in adjustable neck straps due to their commercial usage as a uniform.
Traditionally, the purpose of the chef’s apron was also to protect the chef’s uniform from food stains, burn accidents and any liquids or ingredients that might spill during the course of cooking. The chef’s apron is also used to provide a convenient cloth with which to wipe messy hands or to dry washed hands and can be changed multiple times during the course of the cooking service, depending on the state of cleanliness of the garment. Sometimes, a chef’s apron as well as a chef’s uniform can contain pockets, allowing easy access to the chef during service. Such embellishments in different chef’s uniforms also serve as an indicator among the various positions of each chef in the professional kitchen.
When searching for chef uniforms online, look no further than Vini’s range of hospitality uniforms which provide a wide selection of different chef uniforms and chef’s aprons stitched with premium fabric and available with multiple customisations.
