Top 5 Restaurant Uniform Trends for 2024: What You Need to Know

There’s nothing wrong with the classic “white coat and toque” look for chefs or “black vest and bowtie” combo for servers, but modern restaurants can choose from a whole world of colorful, creative restaurant uniforms. The best restaurant uniforms are the ones that mix form and function. The clothes you buy should be easy-to-wear and durable, but they should also reinforce your establishment’s brand identity. Some of this year’s trends are new and some are decades old, but they all can help elevate your team and delight your customers. This guide will help you pick out just the right uniforms to keep your staff at their best.

5 restaurant uniform trends to watch

To discover the hottest restaurant uniform trends this year, you just need to look at what people are buying. Some items—white coats, black coats and checkered pants, for example—never go out of style. Other selections are a bit more creative. Modern cooks and servers like flattering fits and vivid colors. Above all else, the clothing has to be simple, comfortable and easy to remove in case of an emergency.

1. Streamlined shoes

The trends are similar for both men’s and women’s restaurant work shoes this year. The most popular shoes for cooks are simple slip-on clogs, usually in black. While restaurant footwear is mostly about safety, plain black shoes go with just about any outfit, making them a versatile choice for uniforms.

Close-toed shoes are a must, but there are other qualities to look for as well. Shoes that are made from durable materials, such as leather or its synthetic substitutes, can resist water and stains. Laces can be a tripping hazard in a busy kitchen, so it may be best to avoid them entirely. You should also make sure that the shoes have non-slip soles, as kitchens are often wet—and full of things that you wouldn’t want to fall into.

2. Breathable, durable fabrics

If there’s one constant in a restaurant, it’s that your staff is going to get hot. Kitchens are full of ovens, burners and steamers and servers might walk five miles or more during a busy shift. Lightweight fabric that absorbs sweat and lets air in can help your staff feel a bit more comfortable. Generally speaking, you’ll want chef coats and restaurant uniform shirts that are made from cotton, polyester or a blend of the two. Cotton is highly breathable but wrinkles easily, while polyester resists wrinkles but doesn’t allow as much airflow, so blends tend to combine the best of both fabrics. When possible, also look for clothing that can resist cuts and burns, as both cooks and servers need to deal with a variety of sharp, hot things.

3. Bold colors

The image of a chef in a pristine white coat and hat is instantly recognizable, but it’s also hundreds of years old. Today, restaurant owners don’t have to deck out their staff in plain black-and-white clothing. In fact some of the most popular coats, shirts, vests and pants available come in bright reds, cool grays, subtle pinks, striking blues and elegant purples.  You can also get clothing with more elaborate patterns, such as flowers, food or cookware. Expanding your restaurant’s color palette can be a good choice for a more modern and vibrant feel.

4. Customized branding

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to restaurant dress codes. Letting everyone choose their own outfits is simple and convenient, but the results can look chaotic. Coordinating by color or theme is also a good choice, but you might need to devise a complex set of rules to get everyone on the same page.

Alternatively, you can create branded clothing for your restaurant. For casual eateries, t-shirts with your restaurant’s name, logo and a catchy slogan are a solid choice. (As a bonus, you can also sell extras to satisfied customers.) If you run a more formal establishment, you can still get collared shirts or blouses with custom embroidery on the breast or sleeve.

5. Formal server outfits

In terms of restaurant server uniforms, this year’s clothing trends are smart, chic and slightly formal. Button-down shirts and blouses are currently in style, as are vests and ties—for both men and women. From solid colors with long sleeves to patterns with short sleeves and everything in-between, servers seem to be dressing up a bit more than before. Just remember that “formal” shouldn’t mean “old-fashioned.” A server’s uniform should still reflect the patrons your restaurant aims to attract. Waiters and waitresses also need to move around constantly, so stiff, starched shirts and pants are probably best left in the past.

Create stylish restaurant uniforms with Walmart Business

To put together a fitting restaurant uniform for your staff, you should look for a supplier that offers a wide variety of professional workwear at affordable prices. Walmart Business sells a variety of restaurant clothing options, from chef coats to button-down shirts to non-slip shoes. Sign up for a free Walmart Business account to buy goods in bulk and view your complete order history for both in-store and online purchases. You can also share your account among multiple restaurant managers and each save your preferred payment options—convenient for chains and franchises.

If you already have an account, then upgrade to Walmart Business+ for additional benefits. You’ll get free shipping from Business.Walmart.com,¹ as well as free delivery from local Walmart stores on orders of $35 or more.² You can also earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more.³ During the course of a year, you could save your restaurant more than $500 overall.⁴

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply. 

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).