In a professional kitchen, it’s about more than just cooking. Safety, comfort, and confidence form the foundation. We are often asked: “Does Le Nouveau Chef clothing have a flame-retardant finish?” In this article, we explain what that means, how we approach fire safety, and why our choices align with real-life kitchen practices.
What is a flame-retardant finish?
A flame-retardant finish is a chemical treatment that temporarily makes fabrics less likely to catch fire. In some sectors, such as firefighting or heavy industry, this is essential to protect workers.
How does the clothing industry view fire safety?
Within the clothing industry, we distinguish between:
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Flame-resistant clothing
Specifically developed for professions with extreme fire risk, such as firefighting. This clothing is made from heavy, technical fabrics designed to protect in emergency situations.
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Protective workwear for lighter applications
Think of hospitality and the food industry. Here, practical safety measures are prioritized, such as using appropriate materials and protective accessories like aprons.
Do we use a flame-retardant finish?
The answer is: no. At Le Nouveau Chef, we consciously choose not to use flame-retardant finishes. That decision is based on four considerations that align with our mission:
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Temporary effect: the protection diminishes after repeated washing.
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Wearing comfort: the breathability of the fabric decreases, affecting comfort.
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Environmental impact: the chemical treatment is harmful to both people and the environment.
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Our brand values: As a B Corp, we take our responsibility seriously. We invest in sustainable solutions that offer long-term value.
Our advice for safe workwear
At Le Nouveau Chef, we combine knowledge and experience to create clothing that suits professional kitchen environments. We choose materials like cotton, which are more heat-resistant and long-lasting. We also have a few tips that contribute to hygiene and safety, outlined below:
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Always wear an apron while working in the kitchen. It offers extra protection against heat.
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Our designs allow for quick removal of clothing in case of emergency. Snap buttons are faster and safer than garments pulled over the head.
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Follow the care instructions on the label to extend the lifespan of your workwear. Washing instructions can be found under ‘Care’ on our website, where you’ll also find more information on industrial washing.
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Our care labels include a “Keep away from fire” warning to fully inform the user.
How do we select materials?
We design our clothing with a focus on safety, comfort, and appearance. Every kitchen is different, so it’s important that you can choose what suits your environment. Four key factors guide this choice:
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Comfort during long shifts.
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Durability and resistance to intensive use.
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The washing process – domestic or industrial?
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The safety protocols of the restaurant or hotel.
All these aspects are taken into account when we design our garments. That’s why we use different fabric compositions, each with unique properties and benefits. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used fabrics and how they perform in terms of fire safety:
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100% Cotton
The best choice for kitchens with open flames. Cotton naturally has better flame-retardant properties than synthetic materials. The Falco chef jacket is a great example. -
Cotton/polyester woven fabrics
This blend offers a good balance between fire safety, durability, and ease of care. The fabric is strong, washable, and suitable for a range of kitchen environments. Our Lynn and Dave chef jackets are made from this combination. -
Combined fabric: woven front/sleeves & polo piqué back
A smart mix of functionality and comfort. For example, the Alain chef jacket features woven fabric at the front and on the sleeves for reasonable protection, while the polo piqué back offers stretch and ventilation. This composition is less suitable near open flames. -
Polo piqué on back and sleeves
Our Julien chef jacket is an example. This offers the highest comfort due to its soft, breathable structure. However, because of its knitted nature, this fabric is also the most flammable. We recommend this fabric only in kitchens without direct exposure to open flames.
Most of our chef jackets are made from a cotton and polyester blend. This choice is intentional and aligns perfectly with our philosophy: to design clothing that is both functional and stylish – empowering chefs to perform at their best. Cotton provides comfort, while polyester ensures longevity and helps garments retain their shape and color, even after frequent washing.
Want to know which fabric suits your workplace best? Visit our website or contact our team for personalized advice. We’re happy to help.
