An apron and a chef coat are priced very differently, because a chef coat has sleeves, a collar, a closure and a fitted size run while an apron is a flat, one-size piece with straps. Within each style, the chef coat cost per piece, and the apron cost too, is moved by fabric, details, quantity per colour and branding. We quote every style by fabric, quantity and branding, so here is what changes the figure and how to keep control of it.
Style is the biggest factor
Our hospitality range has five styles, and each one is a different amount of work.
| Style | What drives its price |
|---|---|
| Bib apron | Fabric area, neck strap and waist ties, pockets, logo |
| Waist apron | Smaller fabric area, waist ties, pockets, logo |
| Chef coat | Sleeves, collar, front panels, closure, size run XS–3XL |
| Kitchen trousers | Elastic or drawstring waist, pockets, size run XS–3XL |
| Housekeeping tunic | Body length, closure, pockets, size run XS–3XL |
A waist apron is the simplest piece in the range. A chef coat is the most involved, and a chef coat with long sleeves uses more fabric than one with short sleeves.
Aprons come in one adjustable size, so there is no size run to plan. Chef coats, kitchen trousers and tunics come in XS–3XL, and sizes can be mixed within each style.
Fabric and colour
We cut this range in poly-cotton twill or cotton drill.
- Poly-cotton twill is smooth, creases less and keeps its colour well, which suits busy kitchens with frequent washing.
- Cotton drill is a sturdy, thicker weave with a natural feel, which suits workwear-style aprons and chef coats.
The two differ in fibre, weight and finish, and the quotation reflects that. A heavier fabric on a large bib apron makes more difference than on a small waist apron.
Colour comes from the fabric options: white, black and solid colours. A shade outside those options has to be checked separately, so send a reference if you have a specific brand colour in mind.
Details that add up
Small choices multiply across an order of hundreds of aprons or coats.
On aprons
- Pockets: a single front pocket, a divided pocket for pens and pads, or none.
- Neck strap: fixed or adjustable.
- Ties: length and width of the waist ties.
- Pocket position: centred, to one side, or split for a waiting team.
On chef coats and tunics
- Closure: buttons or press studs.
- Sleeve length: long or short.
- Pockets: a sleeve pen pocket, a chest pocket or none.
- Colour: a white coat and a black coat are quoted as separate colours within the style.
On kitchen trousers
- Waist: elastic or drawstring. Kitchen trousers usually have one or the other.
- Pockets: side pockets, a back pocket or a leg pocket.
We confirm all of these at quotation and show them on your sample.
Quantity and colours
The minimum is 50 pieces per style. Aprons, chef coats and trousers are separate styles, each with its own minimum. Above the minimum, a larger quantity per style and colour usually brings the per-piece price down, because setup is shared across more pieces.
Spreading the same quantity over more colours does the opposite. A café group wanting aprons in five colours for five outlets will pay more per apron than one ordering the same total in two colours. The colour split is confirmed at quotation.
Branding
| Branding | What changes the price |
|---|---|
| Embroidery on chef coat chest | Logo size, stitch detail, number of thread colours |
| Embroidery on apron bib | Same factors; bib logos are often a little larger |
| Screen print across apron front | Print size and number of colours |
| A second logo position | Each extra position is a separate setup, for example a sleeve mark |
| Neck label and wash-care label | Woven or printed, size, content |
| Hang tag | Card, printing, attachment |
Embroidery gives a raised, lasting finish and suits small logos. Screen print suits larger logos and flat artwork across an apron front. Send your artwork and we suggest the method and size that suit it.
Packing, shipping and price control
Packing and shipping
Bulk packing by style, size and colour is the simplest. Individual polybags, folding to a set size, barcode stickers and inserts all add steps. A uniform brand selling online may want each piece bagged; a hotel group may want coats packed by outlet. Say which in your enquiry.
We take enquiries from buyers worldwide. Shipping method, terms and documents are confirmed in the quotation.
Ways to manage the price
- Choose the styles your staff actually wear, not the whole range.
- Keep apron colours to the ones you need.
- Decide pockets and closures before the sample.
- Keep logos to one position per garment where you can.
- Ask for a quotation on two quantities to see how volume changes the per-piece price.
Our post on bib aprons, waist aprons, chef coats and tunics helps decide which styles you need. The full range is on our white label chef coats and aprons page. Send us your styles, fabric, colours, quantities and artwork for a quotation.