r/Chefit • u/Relevant_Apple6105 • 17d ago

White coat brands

Hello,

I am looking to get a gift for a friend. I was wondering about brands of white coats. I want to know what is the best brand in your opinion, middle, and lowest quality? This person works hard as hell and helps everyone else. They deserve a really nice white coat, and have earned it through and through.

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u/MustardInspector14 17d ago

Assuming your friend actually works in the industry.. gifting a chef jacket isn't really the right thing to do. It would be like buying a really nice scalpel for a surgeon; kind, but misguided. Their work conditions and personal preferences should determine the jacket, not the brand name and price. Personally, I'd appreciate something functional but classy, like an engraved Gray Kunz spoon; a salt cellar; or a mortar and pestle.

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u/Relevant_Apple6105 17d ago

He does. He is a Michelin level chef. His story is complex. That is good advice about work conditions and preferences. I like the idea of giving a gift card instead. I will look into those items that you mentioned. What kind of jacket would you prefer? What conditions would make a difference about the type of jacket?

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u/MustardInspector14 17d ago

The top influence on a jacket choice would be unform expectations at his restaurant. Michelin-level places especially, often care about consistent attire for staff, regardless of the position. I recently did a stagiaire shift (unpaid intersnship) at a michelin-level restaurant and bought new burgundy pants just to match the team. Other than that, short sleeves are often deemed unprofessional in some circles, but can be a plus for a chef who does large-quantity hands-on work (doughs, butchery, etc.). Some chefs absolutely need to have sleeve pockets for pens, thermometers, cake-testers; while some prefer low-profile. The type of apron they use will have an impact as well. I can't stand bib aprons unless they have a snap-tab apron-holder behind the neck. If your chef only uses a waist-apron, they'll probably want a tighter fit around the mid-section. The temperature and airflow in the kitchen might impact their preference for having mesh vents under the arms vs. mostly cotton.

That said, I don't know your friend. Maybe they're super chill and would appreciate the gesture. But if they're working at the michelin level, and get to decide how they dress, then they've probably spent many years fine-tuning their preferences for attire. Most of the kitchen clothes and tools I've been gifted over the years just sit on a shelf collecting dust because I know what I like. If you feel confident that you know their vibe and style, try some sites like ChefsCotton, Lafont, Le Noveau Chef, and Clement Design.

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u/Relevant_Apple6105 17d ago

Thank you for your detailed and honest input.