How we Design Chef Jackets: Part 2
How we Design Chef Jackets: Part 2

The first in our “how we” series was an introduction to designing chef jackets and then a look at how price affects the way that we approach design. This second blog in the series will focus on the form and function of chef jackets and how we design around these two elements.

The first in our “how we” series was an introduction to designing chef jackets and then a look at how price affects the way that we approach design. This second blog in the series will focus on the form and function of chef jackets and how we design around these two elements.

Form

For many chefs it is the look of the chef jacket that determines how likely they are to buy it and one of the only real ways to appeal to everyone is to make sure that we have a full range of designs that means there is something for everyone! At its most basic level, the form of a chef jacket can mean everything from sleeve length to colour and cuff type to the number of buttons, it is therefore our designer’s task to make sure we have a good range of everything without having too many products which would make production a nightmare.

At Tibard we try to keep our ranges balanced by offering a short and long sleeve version of every product as this is one of the simplest ways in which to break down form and create designs that appeal to all. Short sleeved chef jackets are generally well suited to hot and busy kitchens as the exposed arms allow for more cooling however, some chefs prefer the added protection of the long sleeved chef jacket.

Another choice in form that chefs often have very strong opinions on is the colour of the jacket, traditional chef jackets were always white because it represented a cleanliness and had a bold, distinct look. White is also very good at repelling heat which can help reduce how hot chefs feel while at work. The downside of white, as any hands on chef will know, is that they are very easily stained and soiled which can mean constant changing or lots of aprons needed. This is why there is still a place in the kitchen for black chef jackets, especially in certain cuisines where ingredients are more likely to stain than others; for some chefs it is worth withstanding the extra heat in order to avoid getting through too many chef jackets during service.

This is why we always aim to design chef jackets that can be produced in both long and short sleeve variants and can easily be made with a black material if needed. The CJ0193 range of chef jackets is our best example of this difference in form, it is available in short sleeve, long sleeve, white, black and with or without studs.

Function

While price and form may be important considerations when designing chef jackets, the foremost attribute that every jacket we design and manufacture is a focus on function. After all, the functionality of the products that we make is why so many people choose to stay with us as providers of chef jackets and uniforms. In terms of function, we design jackets that provide different functions for different needs. For example, our excellent range of coolmax chef jackets all provide above standard functionality in helping to keep chef cool while in the kitchen. This high performance sports fabric is breathable and allows for the flow of air to reach core body areas all of which ensures that air circulates and keeps the user cool.

Other functional features that some of our products are designed with are things such as breast pockets and pen pockets which offer the ability to keep important tool of the job handy and in reach at all times. Furthermore, the function provided by double breasted jackets means that chefs can keep looking clean and smart after a busy service by simple reversing the fastening on the jackets front to hide all but the very worst stains.

Function can also extend to the very basics of design itself. This is show in our range of pull on jackets that have no fastenings at all which means that the jacket is quick to put on and can be washed intensively without the chance of lost buttons or studs over time.

Next week the “how we” series on chef jacket design will finish with a look at how we maintain a high quality throughout our line of chef jackets and conclude about how all 4 factors work together to present you with the best choice on the market.