Catering Clothing: What You Need To Know

All too often, people think of safety shoes and clothing as something specific to work sites. However, it's just as important in the catering industry to ensure your staff are wearing the correct clothing to keep them safe, protected and hygienic. Whether you’re a catering business owner, a chef, or a food handler, here is all you need to know about the correct safety clothing for your workplace.

Comfort and safety in the kitchen

The correct catering clothing is a must for those working in busy kitchens. For starters, the kitchen environment is not always the most comfortable place to be; it is hot, stuffy and often crowded. Ensure your staff are well equipped for the job with light clothing that will keep the body temperature regulated and keep them comfortable throughout a busy shift.

Catering safety clothing

It is, as it is in any workplace, paramount to consider the safety of the people working in the kitchen. Look at what they’re currently wearing and ask yourself are they fully protected against any hot spills or burns? Always ensure that those working with hot ovens, for example, are equipped with a high quality, long sleeved chef’s jacket to protect their arms against hot surfaces.

Dennys Economy Long Sleeve Chefs Jacket

Conversely, for those working in and out of freezers, freezerwear is a fantastic investment to ensure your staff are safe and warm. A freezer jacket is great to have to hand, keeping staff warm and comfortable in sub-zero conditions.

Click Freezerwear Coldstar Cold-Store Freezer Jacket

Catering safety footwear

When it comes to health and safety is an catering environment, it is vital to ensure staff are kitted out with the correct footwear. The key thing to consider with catering safety shoes is grip; do the shoes have enough grip to keep staff stable and protected on potentially slippery surfaces? Comfort is also important here. Kitchen and waiting staff are likely to be spending long periods of time on their feet, so they need to be wearing footwear that will work to combat foot pain rather than cause it. With their slip resistant outsole, protective steel toe cap and padded design, the slip-on safety shoes from Portwest Workwear are a great option for those working in the food, catering or hospitality industries.

Portwest Slip-On Safety Shoe

Hygiene in and around the kitchen

Whether cooking, preparing, handling or serving food, staff should always be suitably covered up in an apron or tunic. Not only does this ensure their own clothes are protected from spills and stains, but also stops outside germs or bacteria being carried in, helping to ensure full cleanliness around food and drinks. A full bib apron is a great all-round option for keeping both clothing and food protected. Be sure to invest in a multi-pack to ensure you always have plenty of spare, clean options for your staff.

Click Workwear Chefs Bib Apron 10 Pack

For those handling food, a chef cap is also an absolute must to eliminate the risk of hair falling in the dishes. A full skull cap is the best option for keeping hair comfortably covered without obstructing the face.

Click Workwear Chefs Skull Cap

Presentation and brand image

Finally, aside from the important issues surrounding safety, comfort and hygiene, presentation is also a key factor to consider when looking at catering clothing. If your staff are customer facing it is important to create the right brand image - a professional look will put customers at ease and encourage future brand loyalty. For bar or waiting staff, choose matching black shirts and short bar aprons. Bargear Clothing have a number of professional options to suit a variety of jobs and styles.

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So, whether you’re on the lookout for clothing for your chef's, kitchen staff, waiters or bar staff, you’re sure to find the perfect option at MI Supplies. If you’re looking to browse further catering clothing options, explore the full collections from Denny's Clothing and Click Workwear.