A buying guide: Chef coats

The chef coat has a practical side. It is double breasted to help to insulate the wearer from the heat of the stove as well as allows the opportunity to hide any spills by buttoning it on the other way (to the right or left). The checked trousers help to hide spills, while the tall hat is meant to "distinguish the chef from the cook." Chef coats are available today and come in more than one distinct style.

Long sleeved chef coats

The long sleeved chef coats are some of the most traditional, especially those that are double breasted. The classic chef jackets have the two rows of buttons, often rubber. The coats can come with a back that is one piece (without a center seam). The coat can come in 100% cotton, as well as poly-blends. The chef's jacket does not have the full double breast of the classic chef coat and may have concealed "press stud buttons." The back could be panelled and the fabric content can vary. This coat can come in white or black colours. The chef's coat may feature a mandarin collar and have two rows of buttons without having the deep double breast of the classic coat. The fabric content can vary. These coats are available at Tibard, Denny's, British Chefs and 3663 Catering Equipment.

Short sleeve chef coat

The short sleeve chef coat can be double breasted and come in various fabric contents from 100% cotton to cotton blends. The studs can be concealed and the back can be panelled, the button fastenings can be detachable, the back panel can be curved and the front could be single breasted. The studs can be silver coloured, the collar madarin or regular and the buttons made of rubber. These coats can be available at Tibard, Oliver Henry, Deny's and more.

Coloured chef jackets

While the traditional colour for the chef's jacket is white, coloured chef jackets are available as well. One of the classic colours for chef jackets is black. These jackets can be long sleeved and short sleeved as well as can be tailored exactly like the classic chef's jacket or like the shallower double breasted jacket. The buttons can be detachable, concealed studs and rubber. Some companies allow you to choose different coloured buttons. These jackets are available at Tibard, British Chefs, Chef's Clothing and more.