When you picture a chef’s uniform in your mind’s eye, what do you imagine? Might it be:
- A tall, white toque blanche?
- Starched white coats?
- A neckerchief?
While those styles are certainly present in the culinary industry, they are anything but modern. In fact, the original chef’s uniform that we often think of dates way back to a design by Marie-Antoine Carême from 1822.
So yes, the stereotypical chef’s uniform is a classic. However, that is true in both a literal and figurative sense. It’s, in fact, rather frozen in time.
Today, as kitchens become more and more revealed to dining guests, things are changing. The styles worn in the back of house need to match the modern aesthetics of the front of house. To achieve this, many professional chefs and kitchen staff have turned to more modern stylings that blend function and fashion.
Join us as we dissect the modern chef uniform. We’re sure you and your staff will be inspired to try these chef styles.
The Components of a Modern Chef Uniform
Modern Chef Coats
Traditionally, chefs would wear a baggy white coat to help protect from spatter and spills. But modern chefs have traded loose-fitting coats for a more fitted look.
Tailored modern chef coats still allow the same level of protection as a traditional coat. However, fitted sleeves and chest allow for a more polished, stylish look on kitchen staff. Remember: the modern chef jacket is as much about making a chef look good as it is about function.
The modern female chef uniform may, like some women’s wear, feature a silhouette that is designed for the female body. Some kitchens, though, may employ a standard modern chef jacket for all staff, regardless of gender identity.
Moreover, modern chef coats are commonly found in colors beyond pure white. While white was great at showing stains, it lacked in the style department. Black, red, blue, and nearly every other color of the rainbow are now available. It’s simply up to the restaurant management to decide which aesthetic is best suited to their kitchen.
Modern chef coats are still commonly made from a fabric content of cotton or polyester. This material helps keep the chef cool while enduring the heat of the kitchen.
Modern Chef Hats and Headwear
The toque blanche is a classic with good reason. It helps distinguish the kitchen staff from the front-of-house staff. It also keeps hair from falling into the food, maintaining a critical component of food and food service safety.
But modern kitchen staff have turned to more contemporary styles for their headwear. This includes:
- Bandanas
- Skullcaps
- Baseball caps
- Beanies
- Hair nets
- And more
When surveying the modern kitchen, don’t be surprised if you see fewer toque blanches and more functional, almost sportlike headwear. These are just one of the many ways the modern kitchen is transforming its aesthetic from classical function into contemporary style.
Modern Chef Aprons
Traditionally, a chef’s apron blended into the design of the coat. The traditional white-on-white aesthetic abounded. But modern chefs have layered different colors and materials to create a more stylish look in the kitchen.
While white cotton is the traditional style, modern chef uniforms have incorporated aprons made from:
- Denim
- Canvas
- Chambray
- Linen
- Twill
- And more.
Aprons were traditionally full-length in the kitchen. But modern chef uniform design is amenable to full-length cuts, half-length styles, hip ties, and more.
Aprons were traditionally used simply to sop up spills. But modern aprons are adding to the form-plus-fashion movement, with pocketed designs that allow chefs, line cooks, and more to store tools as they work. With quick-access front panel pockets that come in one-pocket, two-pocket, and even three-pocket designs, many chefs can enjoy the convenience of a modern apron.
Moreover, colors abound, with many modern chef uniforms layering in contrast colors with the rest of their uniform. Truly, the apron has become a style centerpiece in kitchen apparel.
Modern Chef Uniforms Built to Last
Good style is only as good as its construction. After all, the kitchen is a high impact, high intensity environment. Stylish, modern chef uniform designs need to be built for both style and durability. And BlueCut has exactly that.
Whether you’re looking for aprons, work shirts, or modern chef coats, we have the styles you need. All are expertly crafted and all feature a distinct contemporary style that keeps kitchen staff looking sharp. Shop our chef essentials.