How much thought do you need to put into choosing the chef’s clothing for your restaurant or cafe? Surprisingly, quite a lot. Picking the correct attire is vital for maintaining a professional image with customers, keeping your kitchen staff safe and comfortable, and ensuring good levels of food hygiene.
So, how do you decide what uniform you should go for? Keep the following factors in mind when making your purchases, and you’re sure to get it right.
Color
White may be the traditional color of choice when it comes to chef clothing, but there’s no reason why you need to feel constrained by this. It does help to keep people cool when cooking in a hot environment, but it also shows up stains and spills very clearly. As such, you might want to think about opting for black or grey to create a more contemporary image or brighten the place up with shades of green or blue. Choosing a color that matches your restaurant’s logo or signage can also be an effective way to extend your branding and make your staff instantly recognizable.
Material
You must choose clothing for your chefs that is crafted from a suitable material. To be more specific, the fabric needs to be durable enough to withstand a lot of daily use in a high-pressure kitchen environment, but also lightweight and breathable enough that your staff are comfortable when on shift. Being resistant to heat and stains is also key. Try to avoid fabrics which tear easily or are too heavy, and whatever you go for, make sure that you get the perfect fit for every single chef. After all, accidents are bound to happen if people are tripping over their pant legs or constantly having to roll their sleeves up.
Style
The way clothing looks is an important factor to think about as you’re deciding what your staff members wear when working in your restaurant. Not only will your chefs be happier and more productive if they feel good in their uniform, but it will also give a positive impression to your customers too. You can get separate chef clothing for men and women to ensure a flattering fit and opt for a style that suits the vibes of your brand (e.g., a cheerful family diner or an edgy modern restaurant). Ideally, you want a perfect blend of fashion and function, so don’t forget to make sure you choose a design with practical features such as pockets.
Budget
A budget does have to come into your deliberations. However, don’t be tempted to go for a uniform purely because it’s cheap. Cutting corners like this could result in injury, a poor image with customers, or the need to replace clothing frequently. Instead, try to find a uniform that offers both quality and affordability, because this will keep your chefs protected and look professional – plus last longer. Not to mention, your staff will be happier with your choice. In some cases, you can enjoy a discount by buying in bulk, so that’s always an option if you run a chain of restaurants or have a lot of people working for you.