What work clothes for the kitchen?

In the catering industry, work clothes have many uses. Their primary role is to ensure the safety of personnel. They also participate in maintaining a high level of cleanliness in their workplace. Professionals in this sector have many models of workwear and PPE to choose from to help them in their activities.

What clothing and PPE are required in the catering sector?

The professional outfit of a restaurateur is made up of several essential, but also complementary elements.

The chef's jacket for men and women

The kitchen jacket protects the professional's upper body . It is a line of defense against dirt, splashes, heat and burns of all kinds.

The kitchen jacket is generally light in color, but it is also found in darker shades such as black. Just like a traditional jacket, it has long sleeves, a small stand-up collar, and covers the chest, back, shoulders and arms. This workwear combines comfort and practicality. It unbuttons easily and offers great freedom of movement.

The professional kitchen apron

The kitchen apron is a very versatile piece of PPE. It is suitable for the use of the chef, but also for that of his helpers and other service managers. Like the jacket, it acts as a bulwark against dirt and the risks of the job. It slips over ordinary or professional clothing to reinforce protection.

It's easy to come across models that are waterproof, flame retardant, antistatic or have other ultra-practical properties. This protective equipment also makes the work of the worker easier. The kitchen apron is most often equipped with one or more pockets to keep tools and utensils close at hand.

The kitchen pants

The kitchen pants covers and protects the part lower body. It is associated with the jacket and the professional apron to considerably reduce the risk of accidents at work. It is usually made of breathable material such as cotton and Tencel. This work garment is loose, comfortable and easy to put on. It adapts just as well to the morphology of men as to that of women.

Work shoes

The safety shoes used in the field of collective catering must comply with European standard ISO 20345 S2 SRC. They must be perfectly waterproof, and equipped with water-repellent uppers and non-slip soles. Their role is to protect the professional's feet from injury and possible falling objects.

Safety shoes also reduce the risk of falls related to wet and slippery floors. Also, this work equipment must offer a high level of comfort to facilitate the daily life of the worker and so that he can perform his tasks in good conditions.

The chef's hat

The chef's hat is the element by which we recognize a chef. It allows the professional to distinguish himself, but also to ensure the hygiene of the products and his workspace. This PPE is mainly used to avoid the presence of hair in dishes and preparations. Kitchen helpers and service staff can replace it with other equally practical and effective headgear models.

What are the optional protective equipment in catering?

It is possible to complete the kitchen outfit with other PPE and accessories not imposed on the workplace. Among these so-called PPE, there are, for example, oven gloves. They prevent professionals from injuring themselves when handling hot utensils and products. Single-use glove models, like shoe covers, are used for hygienic reasons. They prevent the spread of germs and bacteria on ingredients and kitchen utensils. You will also find the neck strap, intended to improve the comfort of the user. There are also headdresses and headgear that can replace the toque, such as the kitchen bandana, the cap and the charlotte.

Why should you wear professional attire in the kitchen?

Wearing a specific kitchen outfit is of paramount importance for the protection of staff , but also of its consumers. It limits the risk of injuries and accidents by keeping the worker out of harm's way. This work garment also reduces the risk of contamination, ensures the wearer's good hygiene by protecting them against dirt of all kinds and improves food safety within the workplace. establishment.