There’s a scene in the 2007 film “Ratatouille” that likely indelible when it comes to “professional kitchen attire.” In it, a rat named Remy hides under the toque blanche of an aspiring chef and controls his movements like a puppeteer.
Yes, there are still plenty of kitchens in which the toque blanche is still used. But the food service industry has come a long way from its bleach white beginnings. And in truth, you are just as likely to find stylish uniform options in the kitchen as you are starched whites.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the latest trends in food industry clothing for your kitchen to consider.
High Style
Who says a chef’s food needs to be more attractive than their wardrobe? Not modern restaurants, it would seem. Today’s contemporary-inspired kitchens prioritize looking good alongside being both comfortable and functional.
Every piece including the shirt, pants and apron is considered in these environments. This includes headwear and shoes as well.
When taken as a whole, the aesthetic for many of these modern restaurants is something of a cohesive look. And for fine diners, aesthetics are almost as important as taste.
Inclusive Design
Our culture today reminds us that there is no single “standard” body. Food industry clothing has thankfully caught wise to this awareness.
Many modern kitchens have rolled out inclusive and personal uniform designs. This rethink on restaurant clothing allows for a variety of body types, mobility needs, and more. The resulting inclusivity is sure to mean that new flavors and expressions can find their place in the sun.
Pared Down Minimalism
If you have been captivated by the television show “The Bear,” you’ve likely awed at the kitchen attire for the Ever crew. There is something just so iconic and yet simple about a navy blue apron against a simple white T-shirt, isn’t there?
Amazingly, this Emmy-nominated look isn’t limited to the small screen, though. Tons of restaurants the world over have let their kitchen and wait staff serve as a stunning minimalist backdrop for their fine cuisine. The restaurant clothing can serve as both statement and understatement alike, it would seem.
A Focus on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The reality of a culinary environment is it’s a high contact space between diner and preparation staff. Preventing cross contamination should be on the mind of a chef as they lovingly plate their art.
As such, many modern restaurants are folding personal PPE for food preparation into their chef uniforms. Everything from gloves to face masks are considered as offering an extra layer of protection for guests.
But protective clothing in the food industry doesn’t need to be a bulk buy. Each element can be folded into the overall style of the kitchen’s uniform. Leave blue latex gloves and standard white facemasks for medical practitioners. With considered PPE for restaurant staff clothing, even protection can be stylish.
Workman-like Wear
At the end of the day, a professional kitchen is a place of action. It’s a space centered around fire and knives, around frenzied kinetic energy and danger. A cheap piece of white synthetic simply isn’t going to cut it in an environment like this.
Today, many kitchens are opting for higher quality fabrics, higher quality construction, and higher quality fits. All of this together makes for a staff that can rely on its uniform, rather than fight against it. And isn’t this what restaurant staff clothing is intended for?
High Quality Food Industry Protective Clothing
To outfit your team in high-quality, eye-catching uniforms, consider kitchen essentials from BlueCut.
Our aprons, work shirts, and chef’s coats are as premium as they are stylish. They offer durable construction designed to withstand the limits of the professional kitchen. And they are available in many contemporary colors and textures to keep your staff looking and feeling good.
There’s a reason our protective clothing in the food industry is so beloved. Whether you need short sleeve or long sleeve shirts, durable aprons, stylish chef’s coats, or more, we have it in spades.
Browse our food industry protective clothing to elevate your kitchen staff’s aesthetic. Shop our chef essentials today!