Chef Workwear and Kitchen PPE: What Chefs and Cooks Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a chef needs a breathable double-breasted chef jacket (it protects against splashes and reverses to hide spills), chef pants, an apron, enclosed slip-resistant shoes or safety clogs, cut-resistant gloves for knife and mandoline work, and food-safe disposable gloves. Kitchen hands add chemical-resistant gloves for dishwashing chemicals.
The kitchen kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Chef jacket | Breathable cotton or poly-cotton, double-breasted, long sleeves for burn protection or short for hot kitchens. | Hospitality apparel, e.g. DNC traditional chef jacket, long sleeve, short sleeve |
| Chef pants | Loose fit with an elastic or drawstring waist; check or black hides stains. | DNC drawstring chef pants |
| Apron | Bib apron for prep and service; heavy-duty for wash-up. | Aprons, e.g. DNC popover apron |
| Footwear | Enclosed, slip-resistant (SR) sole; a safety toe protects against dropped pots and trolleys. | Portwest FW82 slip-on safety clog (SR) |
| Cut-resistant gloves | Food-grade, cut level E or F for knife, slicer and mandoline work. | PIP Kut Gard food glove Cut E |
| Disposable gloves | Food-safe nitrile for ready-to-eat food handling. | Force360 SafeTouch food and medical nitrile |
| Chemical gloves | Long-cuff nitrile or PVC for dishwashing and cleaning chemicals. | Pro Choice BN60 nitrile |
Kitchen hazards
Slips on wet and greasy floors, cuts and burns are the most common kitchen injuries. Slip-resistant footwear is the single biggest PPE improvement for most kitchens. Long sleeves protect against oil splatter and steam. See Safe Work Australia on food services and slips, trips and falls.
Frequently asked questions
Why are chef jackets double-breasted?
The two layers of fabric add protection from heat and splashes, and the jacket can be re-buttoned the other way to hide a stain before going out to the pass or dining room.
What shoes should chefs wear?
Enclosed shoes or clogs with a slip-resistant sole. Safety toecaps add protection against dropped knives, pots and trolley wheels.
Do chefs need cut-resistant gloves?
For high-risk tasks such as using mandolines, slicers, oyster shucking and boning, yes. A food-safe disposable glove goes over the top.
Outfitting a team
Restaurant, café or catering business? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and workplace rules decide what is mandatory.