What is professional chefswear?

In 1822, Marie-Antoine Carême (the world’s first celebrity chef) drew a rough sketch of what was once recognised as the standard chef's uniform. The picture depicted two men in double-breasted coats, white hats and aprons tied around their waists. 

Fast-forward 200 years, and we can see how the tall toque and white jackets of old have evolved into options better suited to today’s fast-paced kitchens. 

If you’re procuring uniforms for kitchen staff, be on the look-out for features like breathable fabric, press-studs or concealed zips that make jackets quicker to remove, and easy-care materials. 

Headwear should maximise airflow, and aprons need to offer adequate protection against inevitable spillages. But where can procurers find high-quality garments, and what brands are currently at the forefront of professional chefswear?

Join Red Oak as we dive deeper into the world of culinary workwear. 

1. Chef jacket/coat

One of the most recognisable parts of any professional kitchen uniform is the chef’s jacket. Double-breasted jackets were originally designed to solve a classic kitchen problem. 

If a chef stained the front of their jacket at the start of a tough shift, rather than removing the garment (or having a replacement), they could simply unbutton it, reverse the flaps, and button it the other way. 

In 2026, you often see short-sleeved tunics reminiscent of these earlier designs: products like the unisex Le Chef Short Sleeve Academy Tunic comes with a single stud cross over closure and the brand’s StayCool® underarm ventilation inserts. 

We also stock the Le Chef StayCool® Prep Jacket, which offers a black StayCool® panel on centre back.  

When you’re outfitting a hotel kitchen or fine-dining restaurant, always check the technical specifications so you can be sure your uniforms will stand up to the intense heat of a commercial kitchen. 

2. Chef trousers

It’s a well-known fact that chefs spend most of the day on their feet. Trousers need to be hard-wearing yet flexible, able to bend, stretch and move with the wearer. For this, we recommend pieces like Le Chef Prep Trousers.

Made from 200 GSM fabric containing 65% recycled polyester and 35% cotton, they feature a wide elasticated waistband, adjustable drawcord and slim-leg design with a slightly dropped crotch.

Perhaps most importantly, they incorporate a StayCool® gusset for additional comfort, alongside crease-resistant and bleach-resistant fabric for reliable everyday performance. 

3. Aprons

There are two main aprons styles in professional chefswear: bib and waist aprons.

If chefs will be working close to the pass or handling messy preparation, bib aprons that cover the chest and torso will provide the most coverage. Waist aprons suit lighter duties or roles that involve more movement, as they only cover the waist. 

For high-volume kitchens, procurers should look for adjustable neck straps, secure ties, useful pockets and fully machine-washable fabrics. 

At Red Oak, we stock the Le Chef Utility Bib Apron, which features a large metal eyelet, self-fabric waist ties and four practical pockets, including three large front pockets designed to accommodate a tablet. 

Branded aprons are especially useful in open kitchens, at catering events or in hospitality settings where chefs meet customers face-to-face. 

If this is something you’re interested in, we offer embroidery and printing on aprons, courtesy of our in-house design team. 

4. Hats, skull caps and hair coverings

Keeping hair securely contained is a fundamental food-hygiene requirement. In the UK, Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 requires food handlers to wear suitable protective clothing where necessary.

While the tall pleated toque is still used in fine dining (originally used to signify the chef's rank and mastery), most kitchens have moved toward more practical, low-profile alternatives. 

Headwear like the Premier Chef’s Skull Cap, made from 60% denim and 40% polyester, comes with a crease-resistant finish in a flat top style. 

Equally, the Le Chef Skull Cap (also in a flat-top design) uses the brand’s signature StayCool® fabric and an elasticated back for a secure fit.

5. Slip-resistant kitchen footwear

Chef's wear starts from the ground up. In commercial kitchens, you’ll find all manner of slip hazards: wet floors and spilled items are commonplace, so your staff will need footwear designed for these conditions. 

Professional chef shoes are designed with certified slip-resistant soles to grip wet or greasy tiles. They feature closed toes (often reinforced) to protect against blades, and are made from wipe-clean materials like treated leather or polyurethane. 

Choose professional chefswear with Red Oak Corporate Wear!

Equipping kitchen staff requires procurers to take a strategic approach to staff comfort and brand identity. 

That’s why we offer in-house embroidery and printing - Red Oak makes it easy to imbue your branding on high-quality chefswear from industry-leaders, like Le Chef, Premier, and SOL'S. 

To get started, explore our chef’s uniforms or contact the team to discuss your staff’s requirements.