Culture

No Chile Pepper Pants Allowed: The New Chef Uniforms Are Actually… Cool

Even if you can't julienne carrots like the best chefs, you can look like 'em. Here's what the new chef uniforms look like (it's all about the bandana).
Image may contain Shoe Clothing Footwear Apparel Backpack and Bag
Alex Lau

You might not be able to julienne like a pro, but that doesn't mean you can't dress like one. Here, chefs tell us what they wear from head to toe (literally).

  • Image may contain Backpack and Bag
    Alex Lau
    1/8

    It's in the bag

    Would you head to work without putting the finishing touch on your outfit? Kitchen pro Paul Qui of Qui in Austin doesn't, either. Big enough to hold his knives and his laptop, this plaid-lined backpack is made from tanned leather that's built to last. Silas Backpack; willleathergoods.com

  • Image may contain Clothing Apparel Pants Denim Jeans Sleeve Long Sleeve Human and Person
    Uniqlo
    2/8

    Forget about the chef's coat

    Cotton is machine-washable (bring on the floru dusting) and crazy comfortable—which might explain why pastry chef Lisa Donovan of Nashville's Buttermilk ROad has worn holes in the elbows of her favorite shirt. Women's Denim Long Sleeve Shirt; uniqlo.com

  • Image may contain Wristwatch Clock Tower Building Architecture and Tower
    Swatch
    3/8

    You can't check your iPhone when you're cooking

    That's why Ravi Kapur of Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco depends on this sleek gold-and-white watch. It's sophisticated but not so fancy that it can't go near a flaming skillet. Full-Blooded Watch; swatch.com

  • Image may contain Clothing Apparel Pants Denim and Jeans
    Uniqlo
    4/8

    Today's chefs love chile peppers—but not on their pants

    Kitchens get scorching hot, so breathable fabric is a priority for Pam Yung of Brooklyn's Semilla. The light cotton in these navy trousers does the trick. Women Cotton Jogger Pants; uniqlo.com

  • Image may contain Clothing Footwear Apparel Shoe and Sneaker
    Prada
    5/8

    Clogs aren't (totally) king

    Clogs have long been the industry standard, but—let's face it—they can be clunky. Prada devotee Jean-Georges Vongreichten flips the script with these chic sneakers. Rubber soles provide traction for the kitchen, but everything else screams night off. Linea Rossa Leather Mid-Top; 212-334-8888

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    Alex Lau
    6/8

    Bandanas are the new toques

    And don't even get us started on hairnets.… Pastry chef Dana Cree of Chicago's Blackbird keeps her hair up with a classic red number from Best Made Co. For infinite (okay, four) suggestions on how to wear it, click here. Bandana; bestmadeco.com

  • Image may contain Tin Can Bottle and Spray Can
    Alex Lau
    7/8

    Hours over a stove don't exactly count as a facial

    The heat and grease of a restaurant demands some skin TLC. Angela Dimayuga of Mission Chinese Food swears by this rose toner for hydration and revitalization. Gypsy Rose Toner; poppyandsomeday.com

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    Alex Lau
    8/8

    It's time to start wearing an apron

    Apron fever took hold this year, with statement pieces in everything from tie-dye to denim. Tilit made these for the staff at NYC tasting-menu spot Contra, and now you can buy them. The waxed cotton stands up to spills and splashes but is lightweight enough to keep cool. Contra Apron; tilitchefgoods.com

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