Workwear for the kitchen is an essential component of protection, hygiene and corporate image for professional HoReCa employees — a suitable chef jacket, trousers, apron, hat and footwear protect chefs from kitchen risk factors and ensure a professional appearance. BHS offers a workwear range as part of its Kitchen Equipment portfolio across Europe — chef jackets, trousers, aprons, hats and specialist chef footwear for restaurants, cafés, catering companies and hotel kitchens.
The choice of chef clothing affects not only the establishment's aesthetics but also work safety — heat-resistant materials, slip-resistant shoe soles and a comfortable fit allow the chef to work effectively in intensive kitchen workload conditions. Explore Chef Jacket, aprons, hats and chef footwear for a complete kitchen clothing set.
Professional kitchen workwear ensures the chef's daily work environment is safe, comfortable and reflects the establishment's visual identity. High-quality chef clothing is made from materials that withstand frequent washing at high temperatures, retain their shape and colour for a long time, and protect against kitchen risk factors — heat, splashes and cutting tools.
Chef jacket
The chef jacket is the main element of chef clothing — it protects the body from heat, splashes and provides a professional appearance. Traditional double-breasted chef jackets with button fastening offer additional protection — a hot liquid splash is stopped by the second layer of fabric. Modern chef jackets are available in various styles — from classic white to grey, black and coloured options.
The jacket material must be heat-resistant and easy to wash — 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend is the most suitable. Regular washing at high temperatures (60–90°C) ensures hygiene in accordance with HACCP requirements. Explore the Chef Jacket range.
Chef trousers and apron
Chef trousers with a houndstooth pattern are a classic kitchen garment — the pattern conceals minor stains during intensive kitchen work. Modern chef trousers are also available in plain colours and various shades to match the restaurant's corporate identity. The trouser material must be comfortable, durable and easy to wash.
The apron is an additional protective measure that shields clothing from heat splashes and scratches. A thick cotton or linen apron is more durable, while a lightweight linen apron is popular in modern cafés and bistros. Explore Chef Trousers and aprons.
Chef hat and headwear
The chef hat is a mandatory workwear item in food preparation areas — it prevents hair from entering food, which is a key element of HACCP requirements. The traditional white chef hat (toque) indicates kitchen hierarchy — historically, taller hats were worn by head chefs. Modern alternatives include skull caps, attached caps and hairnets.
All kitchen staff directly handling food must wear headwear in accordance with HACCP requirements. Regular washing is mandatory to maintain work hygiene standards.
Chef footwear and safety
Chef footwear is safety equipment, not just an aesthetic element. Slip-resistant soles prevent the risk of falls on slippery kitchen floors. A closed toe area protects against falling objects. Water-resistant materials keep feet dry when working with liquids. Ergonomic shoe insoles reduce foot fatigue during prolonged standing.
Specialist chef footwear with anti-slip soles and protective toe caps meets work safety standards, which are mandatory in certain food production and processing companies. The BHS range includes chef footwear in various sizes and styles.
HACCP and workwear
Workwear is a direct tool for meeting HACCP requirements — its purpose is to prevent physical contamination from employees (hair, skin, clothing fibres) from entering food. Wearing clean workwear every work shift is a mandatory standard requirement. Workwear must be stored separately from everyday clothing to prevent cross-contamination.
The chef jacket and clothing must be clean and free of visible stains before each work shift. Companies are advised to provide multiple workwear sets for each employee to ensure daily washing possibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Should chef clothing be white? Traditionally, chef clothing is white, which emphasises cleanliness and hygiene, but modern restaurants often use darker clothing that shows fewer stains during intensive work. More important than colour is maintaining the cleanliness of the clothing every work shift.
How long do professional chef shoes last? High-quality chef shoes last 1–2 years with intensive use. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the shoes ensure a longer service life. Wear of the slip-resistant soles is the main reason for replacement, as it reduces safety effectiveness.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.