The Best Chef Pants for Men
Whether you're a pro on the front lines or a home kitchen artisan, having the proper clothing for all your spills and thrills is essential when cooking. While the quintessential hat has gone out of fashion, chef pants make for great apparel that's easy to clean and won't slow you down as you run from prep station to oven. Aside from being stylish, these precious pants boast impressive breathability. All in all, if you're tired of ruining proper clothes and need a go-to pair that can take a beating, our roundup of chef's pants has the fit you need. Our top recommendations may not turn you into a Michelin-rated chef overnight, but they will make the cooking process cleaner and more professional looking instantly.
Natural Uniforms Classic Chef Pants
Time to suit up
Keeping calm in the face of a mad dinner rush is no sweat with these classic chef pants by Natural Uniforms. This exceptional garment is roomy at the top and narrow down the leg, providing a degree of breathability without coming off too baggy. Each of the three styles can be purchased as a stand-alone, three-pack, or six-pack, making it accessible for professional chefs and home cooks. While you won’t be winning any fashion awards, the numerous sizing options and elastic drawstring take first place as far as comfort is concerned. Overall, Natural Uniforms allow you to effortlessly purge stains and prepare steaks without breaking a sweat or your bank account in the process.
Pros:
- Two-thirds poly cotton, one third twill construction
- Available in black, checkered, or pinstripe styles
- Fantastic quality for the price
Cons:
- The side pockets are quite small
KNG Cargo Chef Pant
Complete culinary compartments
If you’re concocting elaborate spreads that have countless ingredients and you’re on the clock, scrambling around for spices or utensils is the last thing you want to do. Fortunately, the cargo chef pant by KNG has plenty of space for accessories of all shapes and sizes. The left side and right back of these dependable pants boast two hefty pockets that pack a punch. If you need to transport a ton of produce, these compartments could fit several heads of garlic or a couple of jars of spices when your hands are too full. Besides side-seam pockets and a holster for your cell, KNG provides you with a more reliable fit that’s resistant to sweat, spills, and smell buildup throughout the commercial kitchen.
Pros:
- The pure polyester design boasts increased durability compared to cotton
- Five pockets and seven sizes ranging from XS to 5XL
Cons:
- The sizing chart runs large
Chef Designs RK Cook Pant
Sauté in style
The RK cook pants by Chef Designs consist of a versatile combination of materials that won’t crack under pressure during frantic happy hours or family barbeques. While synthetics are usually preferred for their affordability and tougher exterior, this pant flaunts a blend of natural cotton and polyester. We’re a huge fan of this decision because the cotton’s breathability and softness perfectly pair with the polyester’s ability to keep its shape after countless washes. While chef’s pants traditionally favor comfort and function over sophistication, this pair looks more like formal attire than a shoddy stain magnet. Nonetheless, Chef Designs won’t rip or ride up when your total focus is on food.
Pros:
- Standard waist and length sizing makes for a precise fit
- Machine-washable fabric that is resistant to shrinkage
- Belt loops included
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as chef pants with elastic bands
Best Manufuctures Traditional Chef Pant
Give the cook some color
Best Manufuctures’ traditional chef pant is for the overlords of the oven that don’t take themselves too seriously. To start, if you work closely with sauces or in greasy environments, be forewarned: removing stains will not be so simple. While we appreciate the 100% cotton construction for its unmatched luxurious feel for the price, deep discolorations may persist after several washes. If you don’t mind a couple of battle scars on your outfit, you’ve got a winner here. These pants won’t stick to your legs when you perspire and are generally less harsh on delicate skin. All in all, chefs that want to stand out without resorting to stuffy, professional garb will praise Best Manufuctures’ blanket-soft britches for many shifts to come.
Pros:
- Over twenty patterns to choose from, including artichoke, lemon, and donut prints
- The thick elastic waistband won’t dig into your hips when tied tightly
Cons:
- Will shrink with high heat machine dryers
Chef Works Men’s Cool Vent Chef Pants
Whether your workspace is limited in size or your barbeque is missing an overhang in the middle of a heatwave, there’s no such thing as too much air circulation when it comes to the cook’s clothes. Chef Works’ Cool Vent technology is the ultimate answer to overheating when you want full leg coverage indoors or out. The two most important features of these are their light weight and strategically spaced mesh openings throughout. These ingenious vents promote evaporation down the full length of the leg, and at less than five ounces, Chef Works won’t add to your already mounting workload, either.
Pros:
- Double-layered stitching lends to the pant’s superior durability
- Additional vents featured near the knees and buttocks
Cons:
- Size and color options are limited
Frequently Asked Questions
What other clothing is chef-specific?
Besides chef pants, your options for occupation-specific apparel are limited but still useful for keeping safe and clean. To keep your upper body looking fresh, you can never go wrong with a trusty apron. Aprons are incredibly cheap, and since they rest on the outside of your shirt, specific materials aren’t as important. Oven mitts are another addition absolutely essential for keeping you out of the emergency room. Lastly, if your kitchen floor is prone to spills, picking up nonslip shoes like Crocs will make every step secure no matter the surface.
How do I keep my chef’s pants in good condition?
Caring for your chef pants is directly dependent on the type of raw materials and their concentration. Cotton products may require deeper cleans, but if they aren’t pre-shrunk, this can be tricky. Both polyester and cotton can be washed using hot water but should be dried on a lower setting to prevent deterioration. Additionally, if you’re concerned about polyester fraying in the laundry, turn your apparel inside out for added protection.
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