Chef uniform improvement, help would be appreciated

[sara33]

Hello...
My name is Sara, a fashion design student in New Zealand and as part of my current project I am redesigning the typical chefs uniform. This is part of my research to find out what improvements chefs would like to have made to the uniform. You can be as radical or realistic as you want (detatchable oven timers, snap buttons). Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Admittedly I am the worst cook in the entire world, but a decent designer, some input would help greatly though.

Sara (18, NZ)

Thanks soo much to anyone who replies.

[Anneke]

Welcome Sara!

Well, there is this one thing about uniforms that really annoys me (finally an oulet to vent!) Whenever I reach to get something stored above shoulder level, my uniform shifts up and the apron comes up with it and I waste time just trying to pull my chef coat back down under my apron. Make sense? When I was a dancer, we always made our costumes with the sleeves detached under the arms so the costume would stay put when we raised our arms. Something like that would save me time. I think I'm more bothered by this than most because the chef coats that are provided wherever I've worked have always been way too big for me. So there's a lot of unwanted bulk to manage under my apron.

One more thing: When worn properly, sleeves get in the way. They sometimes dip into plated sauces. Rolling them up higher has been the solution so far, but then you lose the protection they provide against oils splatters etc.

Good luck with your project. (And you can send me your design when you're done! )

[chefmikesworld]

I am a thin guy...

In order for me to have the mobility that I need I have to wear a larger chef coat...is not so bad when I am donning an apron, but if I don't have an apron on I feel like I am wearing a flipping tent...

I like Anneke's idea about the detachable armpit area...this would increase mobility also.

Durable lightweight jackets for summer time would be good too...I love heavy jackets, but in the summer they get to be a bit much...the thinner jackets are never worth the money you pay for them, I always wind up trashing them, they are not good in protecting your body from the inevitable...

Just my two cents...
Cheffy

Here is a thought maybe someone could answer...
I have a cloth button jacket that has breast pockets on the inside...what in the h*** was this designer thinking???????????? Apparently they never put on the jacket they designed...LOL

[Greg]

Lots of chef coats have pockets on the sleeves. They're always on the left, but I'm left-handed; it's awkward at times.

[Headless Chicken]

STAIN PROOF! I swear that my whites are no longer white anymore...aahh well, tie die time

OK, maybe not too realistic. I like the breathability in cotton jackets but also like how polyester jackets don't rinkle. 65/45 solution has been pretty good so far but I'm sure theres ways on improving the comfort level with new materials or sewing methods.

[chefjason]

I agree with the stain proof or at least stain resistant. They have all those adds for new stain resistant clothing. I belive Dockers was the first I saw to come out with them. I have not tried them yet, but I did just buy a t-shirt that had a little sticker claiming for it to be stain resistant. I've only warn it once and didn't get anything on it so I don't know if it works or not, and I'm not going to try to stain it just to find out. Has anyone had any experience in wearing these clothes? Do they work? If they do I would definately buy stain resistant uniforms even if they are a couple bucks more expensive.

[Betty Park]

I totally agree that the chef jacket has to be changed. There is to much bulk when you are working in the heat.

Jackets should be shorter in length and lighter material, less material, shorter sleeves, and have a shape to them...darts should be included for style. Its a jacket we are proud to wear, not reluckent to wear because of its nature now.

Good Luck Sara with this project and please inform me when it comes about.

Betty

[gazzachef]

Hi Sara
I am based in NZ my self and have been playing with a couple of ideas to improve the chefs jacket, not only the style but also material.
You can contact me on gary@kookscatering.co.nz will be happy to talk to you about my ideas if you email me.
Cheers
Gary

[shroomgirl]

I wear denim coats, they seem not to stain as readily....but the denim buttons wear out quicker, making sure a spare set is sewn into the base would be great! I too have the sleeve issue.
Pant patterns, my favorite pants are elastic topped brown veg covered....they work so well for the farmer's market. I'd be nice to have mushroom patterns that are decent, I've only seen one pattern I've liked adn the pants were $100....forget it.

[chefalexander]

Some outlets (like HappyChef.com) have started offering a 'chefs polo' shirt--which is a light knit pullover, with a bib style front similar to the old western US cowboy shirts. Maybe something in this area would be great, but with the jacket style opening rather than a pullover. Short sleeves are a must, but maybe put the sleeve pocket more toward the front of the arm--easier to reach. Or maybe a Chef's Tee-shirt: a cotton blended pullover, w/ detailing and buttons to simulate the traditional jacket. In those hot summer months, light weight alternatives are important.

Love the topic--please keep us updated as you progress--you may have many customers waiting in line!!

[cyanide]

Originally Posted by Anneke

Well, there is this one thing about uniforms that really annoys me (finally an oulet to vent!) Whenever I reach to get something stored above shoulder level, my uniform shifts up and the apron comes up with it and I waste time just trying to pull my chef coat back down under my apron.

Oh ya, this gets my vote too!

I hate when that happens

[chefalexander]

Several have mentioned the jacket riding up from the apron--maybe a 'belt loop' design to run the apron strings through?