Uniform Innovation: What’s Next After Stretch and Breathability?

Daanyal Butt

March 05, 2025

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Uniform Innovation: What’s Next After Stretch and Breathability?

Where Did Innovation Go?

Hospitality uniforms have long been rooted in tradition, structured chef jackets, heavy fabrics, and little allowance for the demands of fast-paced service. The 2010s finally brought a shift: introducing breathable materials, stretch fabrics, and more tailored cuts. Comfort and functionality were no longer afterthoughts, and for a while, the industry felt like it was moving forward.

Clive Gross, Chief Creative Officer at Chef Works®, described it as the moment the modern chef coat went mainstream. Fit, comfort, and style becoming essential across all roles in the kitchen, from students to executive chefs. But since then, progress has stalled. Uniforms improved, but innovation slowed.

Other industries: healthcare, retail, sport; have continued to evolve, investing in smart fabrics, inclusive sizing, and modular designs. Hospitality, on the other hand, seems to have stopped at stretch and breathability. What was once a breakthrough has become a baseline.

Meanwhile, the reality of work has changed. Kitchens are hotter, shifts are longer, teams are more diverse, and guests - especially in open kitchens are more observant than ever. Staff want uniforms that work harder for them. They want something that helps them perform, not just something they can tolerate.

And yet, many uniforms still look, and feel the same.

“We’ve all got our own hacks to stay cool in the kitchen—vented jackets should be the norm by now, not the exception.”

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The Industry Speaks – Real Voices from the Floor

Across the UK, chefs, managers, and front-of-house staff are speaking up: the basics just aren’t cutting it anymore. Breathability and stretch were a start, but they don’t go far enough to meet the everyday pressures of modern hospitality.

Ellen Marie Bennett, founder of Hedley & Bennett, put it simply: “Chefs do not mess around with quality… They keep us honest.” The message is clear - performance matters. Whether it’s how the fabric handles heat, how well it fits, or how it holds up after dozens of washes, nothing slips past the people wearing it 14 hours a day.

In kitchens where temperatures can soar and shifts extend beyond 12 hours, minor design oversights become significant hindrances. Features like underarm vents, breathable panels, and shorter-length clothing are not luxuries but necessities. The integration of smart fabrics - offering benefits like antimicrobial properties and moisture-wicking capabilities - is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day requirement.

As the hospitality landscape evolves, so too must the uniforms that support its workforce. The demand is clear: uniforms that are not only functional but also reflective of the professionalism and dynamism inherent in the industry.

Breaking the Sweat Barrier: What's Missing from "Breathable"

While breathable fabrics and added stretch were big steps forward, anyone who’s spent time in a professional kitchen knows they’re not enough on their own. In peak service, temperatures soar well above comfort levels - especially around grills, ovens, and during summer shifts. In these moments, even “breathable” can feel suffocating.

That’s why more brands are turning their attention to targeted ventilation. Underarm vents, once rare, are becoming increasingly common in chef jackets and tops. Rather than relying on general airflow through the fabric, these features create high-ventilation zones in areas where heat builds up fastest.

British brands like Oliver Harvey have integrated Coolmax™ mesh under the arms of several chef jackets, specifically to combat overheating during long shifts. Similarly, Le Chef’s AIR range uses its StayCool Air Vent System for improved breathability under pressure. These aren’t gimmicks - they’re practical design upgrades that respond directly to how chefs move, sweat, and perform in real environments.

At BonChef, we’ve also embraced this direction, incorporating underarm vents into select pieces within our chefwear range. It’s a small detail with a big impact - reducing heat build-up and allowing for better airflow without compromising structure or silhouette.

This shift signals something bigger: breathability is no longer just about fabric - it’s about intelligent design. Strategic cooling zones, lightweight back panels, and shorter sleeves are all part of the next evolution in uniforms that are built to perform, not just to tick boxes.

Smart Design, Smarter Cuts – What the New Wave Looks Like

The evolution of hospitality uniforms is embracing smarter designs and cuts that prioritise both functionality and style. Traditional long-sleeved, double-breasted jackets are giving way to more contemporary options that cater to the dynamic needs of modern kitchens.

One of the clearest shifts is in silhouette. Long, double-breasted jackets are being traded in for short-sleeved alternatives, looser fits, and lighter fabrics. Brands like Segers are leading the charge with unisex short-sleeve chef shirts that offer flexibility without sacrificing professionalism. Thanks in part to pop culture: particularly the clean, practical aesthetic seen in The Bear - stripped-back, functional uniform styles are gaining wider acceptance across the industry. The show’s portrayal of chefs in casual, no-fuss clothing has resonated with hospitality teams, reinforcing the shift toward uniforms that prioritise comfort and practicality without compromising professionalism.

At BonChef, we’ve embraced this shift through a growing range of comfort-driven designs. Alongside our chef shorts and cool back jackets, we now offer snappy buttons for quicker changes and foldable arm designs - giving chefs an easy way to cool down mid-shift without compromising appearance. These are small adjustments with big impact, especially in fast-moving kitchens.

This isn’t just about comfort. It's about functionality, responsiveness, and providing teams with the tools to perform at their best - while still looking sharp in front of guests. The next generation of uniform design won’t rely on a single breakthrough. Instead, it’s these incremental, thoughtful changes that will define what smart uniform design really means.

The Role of Fabric Technology – From Stretch to Smart

The days when “innovation” meant nothing more than a touch of Lycra are long gone. Fabric technology in hospitality wear has advanced quietly but significantly, and it’s becoming a key differentiator in the search for uniforms that work smarter, not just harder.

We’ve already seen major brands move beyond basic blends. Many now use technical fibres to wick moisture, resist odours, and provide antimicrobial protection. This isn’t just about comfort: it’s about hygiene, durability, and long-term performance in physically demanding environments.

Take Coolmax®, for example, which has been used by brands like Oliver Harvey to improve airflow in targeted zones such as underarms and backs. Similarly, some newer lines are starting to use polyester blends made from recycled plastic bottles, combining performance with a growing demand for eco-conscious materials.

The movement toward “smart” fabrics is also beginning to include self-cooling fibres, crease-resistance, and lightweight weaves that hold their shape after long hours of wear. These are the kinds of advances seen in performance sportswear years ago—now being integrated into kitchens and service areas.

At BonChef, we’re closely following these fabric innovations - prioritising materials that strike the right balance between comfort, durability, and real-world practicality, because it’s not just about how a jacket feels when you first put it on; it’s about how it holds up after hours on the pass, during peak service, in the heat and the pressure. We believe performance shouldn’t fade by the twelve hour - your uniform should still be working as hard as you are.

While fabric might not be the flashiest part of hospitality wear, it’s where real performance begins. In the long run, it’s these smart, considered material choices that separate uniforms that simply look professional from those that act professional: day in, day out.

Form Meets Function – Why Visual Identity Still Matters

In hospitality, first impressions are formed in moments—and uniforms are often the first visual cue guests receive. A well-designed uniform doesn't just signify professionalism; it embodies the brand's identity, setting the tone for the guest experience.

Uniforms serve as a visual representation of a hotel's brand and culture. Elements like colour palettes, styles, and logos should align with the establishment's overall aesthetic, whether it's modern, classic, or casual. This alignment ensures that staff attire reinforces the brand's messaging and creates a cohesive experience for guests.

Moreover, the integration of fashion into hospitality uniforms has become a trend among luxury hotels. Collaborations with renowned designers not only enhance the visual appeal of staff attire but also reflect the hotel's commitment to style and quality. For instance, hotels like Raffles Doha and SO/Paris have partnered with fashion designers to create uniforms that are both functional and reflective of their unique cultural identities.

At BonChef, we understand the importance of visual identity. Our uniforms are designed to balance functionality with style, ensuring that staff not only perform their duties comfortably but also represent the brand's ethos effectively.

Looking Forward – A More Adaptive Future for Hospitality Wear

As hospitality continues to evolve, so too must the uniforms that support its workforce. The next generation of uniform design isn’t being driven by fashion, it’s being shaped by functionality, adaptability, and an understanding of who’s wearing them, and why.

Today’s teams are more diverse than ever. From different body types and mobility needs to gender expression and personal comfort levels, the old “one size fits all” mentality is finally being replaced. The most forward-thinking hospitality brands are starting to seek out uniforms that adapt to their people, rather than expecting people to adapt to the uniform.

Inclusivity in sizing, modular designs, and unisex fits are beginning to gain traction. But there’s still work to do. Feedback from chefs and managers across the UK shows a clear desire for uniforms that don’t just accommodate, but actively support individual performance, comfort, and confidence.

Practicality will also continue to lead the way. Expect to see more demand for:

Layered uniform systems that adjust to seasonal changes or varying kitchen zones
Hybrid pieces that can work both front- and back-of-house
Easier maintenance through durable, quick-drying, and stain-resistant fabrics
Built-in functionality, like snappy fastenings, rollable sleeves, and cooling panels

Sustainability, while not the only driver, will also shape the future. Uniforms made from recycled fibres or produced through low-impact methods are likely to become a standard part of the offering, particularly as procurement decisions increasingly factor in ESG targets.

In the end, hospitality wear is no longer just about meeting basic needs - it’s about empowering teams with uniforms that reflect the energy, complexity, and ambition of modern service.

Try It for Yourself – Smarter Uniforms for Modern Teams

If the past decade has taught us anything, it’s that hospitality wear can’t stay stuck in the past. The best uniforms today don’t just look the part—they earn their place in the kitchen, on the floor, and in the memory of every guest who walks through the door.

At BonChef, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned from chefs, managers, and hospitality teams and channeled it into a growing range of performance-led uniforms, because innovation doesn’t have to mean flashy. Sometimes, it just means listening, adapting—and delivering better gear for the people who make hospitality work.

Written by Daanyal Butt

Daanyal Butt is a hospitality uniform specialist with four years of industry experience. He has worked closely with chefs, restaurateurs, and procurement teams to develop performance-led uniform solutions that balance practicality and brand identity. Daanyal is passionate about innovation in hospitality wear and is currently focused on shaping the future of functional, design-driven uniforms at BonChef.

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