Best Chef Apparel Reviews

Last updated on Aug 15, 2025

From hats to chef coats, aprons to shoes, every piece of clothing a chef wears plays a crucial role in their performance in the kitchen. Whether you prefer a traditional fit or a more modern, relaxed style, the world of chef apparel offers a myriad of options to choose from. By experimenting with different fits, colors, materials, and sizes, you can find the perfect match for your culinary needs. We'll highlight the best chef apparel options available, based on industry research and feedback from our foodservice experts, to help you make informed purchases and outfit yourself and your staff with top-quality brands.


Shop All Chef Apparel

Check out our top choices for the best chef apparel options:

  1. Best Chef Hat: Mercer Culinary Millennia® Customizable Soft Chef Hats
  2. Best Chef Coat: Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60013 Unisex Customizable Short Sleeve Cook Jacket
  3. Best Chef Apron: Acopa Hazleton Customizable Heavy Weight Canvas Cross-Back Bib Apron
  4. Best Chef Pants: Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60050 Unisex Chef Pants
  5. Best Chef Shoes: Skechers Jake Arch Fit Soft Toe Non-Slip Athletic Shoe

Best Chef Hat

 Best Chef Hat

Mercer Culinary Millennia® customizable soft chef hats are made from a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton twill. Durable and light weight, the hat withstands long shifts while remaining comfortable. The Velcro® band is adjustable, so your staff can find the fit that best suits them. It is available in both black and white, offering versatility to match your kitchen's aesthetic. For those looking to add a personal touch, some versions are even customizable, allowing you to showcase your brand or individual flair.

Shop Mercer Culinary Millennia® Customizable Soft Chef Hats | $6.19

Read customer reviews for Mercer Culinary Millennia® Customizable Soft Chef Hats.

Runner Up: Choice Mesh Top Chef Skull Cap

Pros
  • Strong 65/35 polyester/cotton twill for durability and comfort
  • Gives kitchen staff a professional, clean-cut look
  • Adjustable Velcro® band for maximum comfort
  • Keeps hair covered for sanitary purposes
Cons
  • Less absorbent than other hats

Best Chef Coat

 Best Chef Coat

Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60013 unisex customizable short sleeve cook jackets strike the perfect balance between comfort and a polished appearance. In many kitchens, chefs prefer short sleeves for their freedom of movement, as well as the comfort they provide in fast-paced environments. To ensure a perfect fit for every member of your team, these coats feature a double-breasted design with wide, overlapping front flaps, secured with 8 buttons in two parallel columns to accommodate different body shapes while adding a professional look.

Shop Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60013 Unisex Customizable Short Sleeve Cook Jackets | $24.49

Read customer reviews for Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60013 Unisex Customizable Short Sleeve Cook Jackets.

Runner Up: Uncommon Chef South Beach 0415 Unisex Customizable Short Sleeve Chef Coat

Pros
  • Double-breasted design with fold back cuffs
  • Crisp black color will keep your staff looking professional
  • 65/35 poly-cotton blend is comfortable and easy to clean
  • 8 traditional buttons
Cons
  • Coat may get hot in high-temperature environments
  • Sleeves can be too large for some chefs

Best Chef Apron

 Best Chef Apron

Crafted from weathered canvas material, Acopa Hazleton customizable heavy weight canvas cross-back bib aprons are durable, practical, and exude a trendy vibe with their antique gold and brown faux leather details. The size of this apron is perfectly designed to shield clothes from accidental spills and splashes while still allowing for maximum mobility, and the cross-back bib style is a game-changer in terms of comfort and functionality. By distributing weight evenly across the shoulders and back, this apron reduces the neck strain that often accompanies wearing traditional aprons for extended periods.

Shop Acopa Hazleton Customizable Heavy Weight Canvas Cross-Back Bib Aprons | $15.99

Read customer reviews for Acopa Hazleton Customizable Heavy Weight Canvas Cross-Back Bib Aprons.

Runner Up: Choice Polyester Basic Bib Apron

Pros
  • Weathered canvas fabric is durable, functional, and trendy
  • Features antique gold and brown faux leather details for a stylish appearance
  • One size fits most with adjustable 66" cross-back straps for customizable fit
  • Includes 3 pockets and 2 towel loops for extra convenience
Cons
  • Grommets may come unattached after several washes
  • Apron may feel stiff

Best Chef Pants

 Best Chef Pants

Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60050 unisex chef pants offer a classic, relaxed fit. The 65/35 poly-cotton twill blend fabric resists wrinkles and holds up well to multiple washes, ensuring that your team always looks polished and professional. These unisex chef pants feature a zipper closure and an elastic waist with a drawstring, allowing for easy adjustments to ensure a perfect fit for all staff members. In addition to their comfort and durability, these chef pants come with two side seam pockets and one rear patch pocket for storing essential tools and personal items.

Shop Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60050 Unisex Chef Pants | $26.49

Read customer reviews for Mercer Culinary Millennia® M60050 Unisex Chef Pants.

Runner Up: Uncommon Chef 4001 Unisex Customizable Classic Chef Pants

Pros
  • Features two side seam pockets and one rear pocket
  • Includes belt loops
  • Zipper closure
  • Finished cuffs offer a polished look
Cons
  • May come loose if you move around frequently in the kitchen
  • Fabric can hold static

Best Chef Shoes

 Best Chef Shoes

Skechers Jake Arch Fit Black Soft Toe Non-Slip Athletic Shoes provide long-lasting stability and extensive comfort to keep you going throughout your busy workday. The soft fabric upper of these shoes, which covers the upper part of the foot, is coated with Skechers RepelWell liquid- and stain-repellent treatment, and their stretch-laced front design allows you to slip them on with hands-free ease. For comfort, the Arch Fit cushioned footbed offers unmatched support with a removable cushioning insole. In addition, the EVA foam cushion midsole provides shock absorption as you move during your workday, reducing strain on your feet and legs, while MaxTRAX oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles keep you secure on a variety of work surfaces.

Shop Skechers Jake Arch Fit Black Soft Toe Non-Slip Athletic Shoes | $99.99

Read customer reviews for Skechers Jake Arch Fit Black Soft Toe Non-Slip Athletic Shoes.

Runner Up: Genuine Grip® 7100 Men's Black Non Slip Shoe

Pros
  • Slip-resistant traction outsole offers optimal safety
  • Comfortable, flexible soft toe design
  • Arch Fit insole offers all-day arch support
  • Attractive and understated design
Cons
  • Sole may separate from shoe over time
  • Heel lining may tear after frequent use

How to Choose Chef Apparel

Beyond considering the needs of your menu and the environmental conditions in your kitchen, you must also prioritize comfort and fit when choosing chef apparel. To help you make an informed decision, we will outline some of the most important considerations when purchasing chef apparel.

Style

If you find yourself working in a more casual setting, such as a food truck or a laid-back restaurant, opting for relaxed chef clothing might be the way to go. Some chefs in these environments may prefer wearing a baseball cap instead of the traditional toque or beret, and casual non-slip shoes could be a practical choice for comfort and safety.

However, if your culinary career takes you to fine dining establishments or catering events, a more polished and traditional look is often expected. Proper headwear, such as a classic toque or beret, can add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. Additionally, investing in dressier shoes that are both stylish and comfortable is a smart choice for long hours on your feet.

Restaurant Type

When selecting chef apparel, your day-to-day tasks and job responsibilities, as well as the type of restaurant you work in, play a crucial role in determining the most suitable attire. For instance, a pastry chef and a chef in a steakhouse operate in distinct environments and prepare different types of cuisine, necessitating unique clothing choices. The length of your sleeves, the shoes you wear, and the headwear you choose will vary significantly based on the restaurant concept.


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Investing in high-quality chef apparel not only enhances the safety and comfort of your staff but also improves the overall efficiency and productivity in the kitchen. By using the information above, you can make informed purchasing decisions and set your staff up for success.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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