In professional kitchens the t-shirt has become a uniform item in its own right. In open kitchens, fast-food outlets, pizzerias and bakeries, staff often wear just a tee with an apron, while in classic restaurants the tee goes under the chef's jacket. Either way it faces extreme conditions: high temperature, steam, grease and very frequent washing.
What heat does to fabric
Next to hobs, ovens and fryers the air is far warmer than in an office. The body sweats constantly, and the tee has to:
- absorb sweat and release it as quickly as possible;
- not cling to the body;
- not become heavy and wet after the first few hours;
- dry reasonably fast between washes.
That makes weight the first criterion. A heavy tee of 220 to 250 g/m² looks solid but becomes uncomfortable in a hot kitchen. For tees worn under a jacket, 150 to 170 g/m² is usually the most comfortable range. For tees worn on their own with an apron, 170 to 190 g/m² balances opacity and coolness.
Cotton or a blend?
Cotton absorbs sweat well and is pleasant on the skin, which counts on long shifts. Polyester dries fast, holds its shape and resists fading better. For the kitchen, a cotton/polyester blend is often the most practical answer: cotton comfort on the skin and polyester durability.
One important safety point: synthetic fibres can melt in contact with flame or very hot surfaces. A kitchen uniform is not certified protective equipment, and the workplace risk assessment must be done with whoever is responsible for health and safety.
What we would use for a kitchen team
For tees worn under jackets or in open kitchens, we would suggest anthracite melange single jersey at 155 g, in combed cotton and polyester. At 155 g/m² it is light and cool next to the hob, the combed cotton feels good on the skin, and the anthracite melange hides grease spots and flour marks better than flat black or white.
Colour in the kitchen
In a kitchen, colour choice has practical reasons as well as aesthetic ones:
- White is traditional and signals hygiene, but stains show instantly and it needs hot washing.
- Black hides stains but fades and shows flour and sugar.
- Anthracite and grey melange are a good compromise: they hide both dark and light marks.
- Brand colours suit open kitchens, where staff are seen by customers.
Washing kitchen uniforms
Kitchen uniforms are washed daily and are loaded with grease. A few rules that extend their life:
- Pre-treat grease stains before washing, not after drying.
- Wash at the temperature on the care label; very high temperatures degrade colour and elastane faster.
- Do not mix uniforms with heavily soiled cloths and towels.
- Avoid over-drying, which stiffens cotton and increases shrinkage.
If the restaurant uses a laundry, give them the composition and the recommended programme.
How many tees per person
In a busy kitchen a tee rarely lasts a whole shift without a change. A practical figure is five to seven tees per person. For a team of 12 cooks and assistants with six tees each, plus a 10% reserve, you need about 80 pieces. Plan to replace them once or twice a year depending on intensity.
Making details that matter
- a round or V neck without bulky seams that irritate sweaty skin;
- a short sleeve that stays clear of the flame in normal movements;
- soft composition labels placed at the side seam, not at the nape;
- enough length to tuck under the apron without riding up when bending.
These details cost almost nothing at the pattern stage but make a real difference to how willingly the team wears the uniform every day.
How to get the fabric
The 155 g anthracite melange jersey is available from stock, by the roll, with no minimum. For other colours or weights, browse our single jersey range or ask for made-to-order production from 150 kg per colour in any of 220 colours. Your workshop can send us a quote request directly with the estimated number of tees.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric weight suits tees worn under a chef's jacket?
For tees worn under a jacket, 150 to 170 g/m² is usually most comfortable, because the jacket already adds a layer. A heavier tee becomes uncomfortable next to the hob and dries slowly between washes. For tees worn alone with an apron you can go up to 170 to 190 g/m².
Are polyester-blend tees dangerous in a kitchen?
Synthetic fibres can melt in contact with flame or very hot surfaces, so the risk assessment must be done with your health and safety adviser. High-risk areas call for certified protective clothing, not an everyday uniform tee.
How do we remove grease stains from kitchen tees?
Pre-treat stains straight after the shift with a degreasing detergent, let it work, then wash at the recommended temperature. Do not dry the tee until you have checked the stain has gone, because heat fixes grease into the fibre.
