Restaurant Uniform Key Terms

Learn some key terms for restaurant uniform choices

For any dining establishment of any size, restaurant uniforms are crucial. From the most informal fast-food joints to formal upscale kitchens, managers use uniform choices for branding, whether it's with a prominent logo or by using a classy style to promote a non-chain restaurant. There are a lot of other considerations for outfitting a restaurant with the uniforms it needs. Those looking to make buying choices can get more informed about some of the key terms for server and chef wear before jumping into a purchase.

 

Waiter or server aprons

Aprons are a common choice for servers in any restaurant. Waiter aprons are specialized aprons that provide pockets for all of the gear servers carry around. Apron styles complement a full uniform.
Try: Find out more about waiter aprons and other server uniform options at What Waiters Wear.

Server jackets

Some of the most upscale restaurants use server jackets to enhance the overall image of a dining area. Server jackets are uniform jackets that servers wear to promote a restaurant's image. Many of them come in white for a "clean" look, and include decorative buttons.
Try: Get details on common varieties of server jackets and some great visuals at Crooked Brook.

Cummerbunds

A cummerbund is a band of material around the waist. These are common in some types of restaurants.
Try: Find out more about the history of the cummerbund for culinary work at WiseGeek.

Chef's jacket

The chef's jacket is the piece of outerwear that chefs routinely wear while they are cooking. It has a lot of interesting features, such a reversible layer, a protective padding element and much more for aiding a cook when he or she is under the gun in a busy kitchen.
Try: Find out a lot about the history and design of the chef's jacket at Chefolio.

Bistro style apron

The bistro style apron is an apron that wraps around the waist, with the remainder falling below the waist. These are very handy for restaurant use.
Try: Find out more about the bistro style apron and other types at this Bold and Sassy Chef Aprons page.

FDA food code

The FDA food code is a federal set of requirements that affects restaurant uniform accessory choices such as the use of gloves.
Try: Read a lot more about the FDA food code and how it applies to gloves and other parts of the restaurant uniform at this interesting piece from Slate.

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