If you are working on opening a restaurant, or are simply a dedicated amateur chef a good chef’s apron is required, as first worn by French chefs. To learn more about chef aprons read our guide for more facts and information…
Chef uniforms were first developed by French chefs in the late 1800’s. The famous chef’s hat (called a toque blanc) was already in use as most professions included hats in their uniforms. But the famous French chef’s uniforms as we know them today have only been around for the past 120 years or so.
Purposes of Chef’s Uniforms
These are not just intended to make the chef look good. The uniforms are white because they are intended to signify cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, each component of the uniforms worn by chefs is meant to protect them while cooking in a busy and hot kitchen. The typical chef’s uniform consists of the hat, the double-breasted jacket, the checkered trousers, a neckerchief, even a hand towel, and also an apron.
Chef’s Apron
The chef’s jacket is intended to protect the wearer from the extreme heats coming from the stoves. They are made of a thick cotton. They also protect from splatters from hot liquids such as water, oil, and of course the famous French sauces. The apron worn with the jacket or without serves the same purpose. It can also be used to hold hot pots and pans. Chef’s aprons are very simple and are tied around the neck and the waist and only protect the front torso of the chef.
The chef’s uniform is very important and is sometimes used to signify the importance or rank of a chef. The more important chefs in the kitchen are more likely to wear the more formal looking jackets, especially if they have to be very visible to the restaurant diners. However, the lower rank chefs and cooks can get away with only wearing an apron.
Like the jackets, the chef’s aprons are made from good quality cotton, and not plastics or synthetic materials. The cotton is more durable and so can last repeated uses and washes.
Benefits of Chef’s Aprons
These are often preferred by chefs as they are less restrictive than the jackets, which can also be heavy. Because aprons do not have sleeves the cook is better able to move around and their arms have more freedom of movement. They also include small pockets on the front to store small items that may be regularly needed.
Also, because of the way in which they are tied (behind the back and hung over the neck) they are more convenient because they fit people of all sizes. So, special sizes do not need to be ordered.
These chef’s aprons are not only worn by chefs and cooks though. They are also worn by servers and waiters in order to protect their uniforms. Indeed, these aprons have become a large part of a restaurant or hotel’s uniform.
Chef’s aprons were first made famous and popular by French chefs, but now they are worn by culinary professionals all over the world because of their practicality.
