What Do Kitchen Porters Wear? A Practical Guide to Kitchen Porter Uniforms

What do kitchen porters wear

Ask anyone who’s done a shift behind the pass and they’ll tell you: what a kitchen porter wears isn’t about fashion, it’s about safety, hygiene and getting the job done without fuss. The right kit keeps you dry at the potwash, grippy on a wet floor, and presentable if you have to nip out front. As a provider of skilled kitchen porters across the UK, we’re often asked by clients and candidates alike what the standard uniform should be.

Here’s a practical guide to what kitchen porters wear, why it matters, and how we at Mr Kitchen Porter make sure everyone is properly kitted out.

The core uniform

While every site has its own twist, the essentials are fairly consistent across restaurant kitchens in the UK

• Tops: Lightweight, breathable polos or tunics, usually in dark colours to look smart and hide splashes. Short sleeves are common for ease and to avoid trailing cuffs; long sleeves can work if they’re close-fitting. Moisture-wicking fabrics help in hot dishwashing areas.

• Trousers: Durable, dark trousers with a comfortable, secure waist (drawstring or elasticated is safer than belts). Avoid baggy cuts that can catch on handles or shelving.

• Aprons: A heavy-duty waterproof bib apron for potwash is a must.

• Headwear: A hairnet keeps hair out of food and off clean plates. Longer hair should be tied back. Beard snoods are a sensible addition for facial hair. Even if you’re not cooking, you’re around open food and clean equipment, so head coverings are good practice.

• Footwear: Closed, non-slip, waterproof shoes are non-negotiable. Many kitchens prefer safety toes (steel or composite) because of heavy lifting and the risk of dropped pans. Enclosed heels are essential; avoid backless clogs and anything with ventilated uppers. Insoles and breathable socks make long shifts far more comfortable.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Kitchen porters switch tasks constantly, so PPE needs to be close to hand and suited to the risk. Under UK regulations, employers must provide suitable PPE at no cost where risks can’t be controlled in any other way.

• Waterproof protection: In addition to the main apron, elbow-length waterproof gauntlets keep sleeves dry at the sink. Waterproof sleeve protectors are brilliant for high-splash potwash areas.

• Chemical protection: When using detergents, descalers and sanitisers, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) protect skin, and safety goggles or a face shield prevent splashes to the eyes. This is especially important when decanting concentrate or dealing with blocked drains. Always follow COSHH guidance on your site.

Hygiene and presentation

Looking smart isn’t about vanity; it signals good hygiene and reassures chefs, inspectors and guests. A few simple rules go a long way.

• Clean uniform daily: Rule Numero Uno! Please don’t travel in your kitchen uniform, if you can avoid it. Change on site and store clothing in lockers. Fresh tops and aprons each shift.

• Laundering: Wash workwear at appropriate temperatures (60°C is typical for heavily soiled garments). Keep dirty and clean kit separate.

• Minimal accessories: No jewellery except a plain wedding band if the site allows it. No watches or wristbands. Keep nails short and clean; avoid nail varnish. Strong fragrances don’t belong in the kitchen.

• Hair control: Hair tied back and contained. Beard nets as required. Hats and hairnets should cover fringes and flyaways.

What not to wear

A few firm no’s make everyone safer.

• Open-toed shoes, backless clogs, fashion trainers without grip, or shoes with fabric uppers that soak through.

• Dangling jewellery, lanyards (unless they’re breakaway), scarves or loose sleeves.

• Headphones or earbuds on shift – they mask alarms, calls and hazards.

• Personal clothing that can’t be washed hot or that sheds fibres.

How Mr Kitchen Porter equips our team

At Mr Kitchen Porter, we brief our teams on hygiene and presentation expectations, from daily laundering to jewellery policies, and we keep an eye on the condition of PPE, replacing items promptly. The result is a porter who not only looks the part but can move safely and efficiently through every task on a busy shift.

Why it all matters

When someone asks, “What do kitchen porters wear?” the simple answer is: the right kit for a safe, clean, efficient kitchen. The longer answer is that a considered uniform policy reduces slips, trips and scalds; keeps chemicals and contaminants off skin and out of food; and helps a hard-working team feel comfortable and confident. In a profession where seconds and steps count, that’s not a luxury – it’s essential.

If you’d like dependable kitchen porters who arrive properly equipped and ready to graft, give Mr Kitchen Porter a call. We’ll keep your kitchen porter area running like clockwork – without you having to think twice about what anyone’s wearing.