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Hospitality outfit with logo: aprons, chef jackets and washing

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Team Shirtplus, Munich workshop
Updated
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7 minutes

Kitchen, service, bar: which apron suits which workplace, where the logo goes and why we usually recommend embroidery for hospitality clothing that is washed hot and often.

Kitchen, service, bar: who wears what?

A hospitality team works in very different situations. In the kitchen it gets hot and things splash, in service the first impression counts, and at the bar it is both. That is why the whole team rarely wears the same item. A consistent look comes from colour and logo, not from one single garment.

The most important item is almost always the apron. If you want aprons embroidered with your logo, you will find bib aprons, bistro aprons and waist aprons from Karlowsky, Premier Workwear, Sol's and Westford Mill in our shop. This is how you can split the clothing:

AreaClothingLogo position
KitchenChef jacket, bib apron or waist apron, bandanaChest of the chef jacket, bib of the apron
ServiceShirt, blouse or polo, bistro apronLeft chest, apron top right or left
Bar and counterBib apron, ideally with cross-back straps, shirt or poloCentre or left of the bib
Reception and hotelShirt or blouseLeft chest, discreet

Bib, bistro or waist apron?

The apron decides how much space you have for your logo and how well the body is protected. The bib apron reaches up to the chest and offers the largest area. The bistro apron is tied at the hip and is practical in service because it does not get in the way when walking and bending. A waist apron is the simple, straight form without a bib, often used in the kitchen.

Criterion Up to the chest Bib apron From the hip Bistro apron
ProtectionProtects upper body and legsMainly protects the legs
Logo areaLarge, logo clearly visible at chest heightSmaller, logo sits at hip height
Typical forKitchen, bar, café, counterService, restaurant, beer garden
VersionsWith buckle, with pocket, with cross-back strapsWith or without pocket, various lengths
ExamplesKarlowsky Basic bib apron, Premier Colours PW150Karlowsky Basic bistro apron, with or without pocket

According to the product data, many aprons in our range are made of polyester with cotton at 170 to 240 g/m². There is also pure cotton, for example the Karlowsky Urban Casual-Style and Urban X-Style bib aprons or the Westford Mill Craft Apron, which look a little more rustic.

Where does the logo go on the apron?

On a bib apron, the logo usually sits in the centre or on the left of the bib, at about chest height. Guests can see it there even across the counter. On a bistro apron, only the area between waistband and pocket remains, so top right or left.

Bib apron
Logo centred or left on the bib, can be slightly larger than on a shirt
Bistro apron
Logo top right or left below the waistband, above the pocket
Waist apron
Logo top centre or to the side, not where the hands rest

Watch out for pockets

Embroidering through a patch pocket would sew it shut. So we place the logo above or next to the pocket. On aprons with a large front pocket, the digital preview shows you where there is still space.

Hot washes: why embroi­dery?

Hospitality clothing is washed often, and usually hot. The product data shows how much the garments can take: most aprons and chef jackets are washable at 60 °C. Some Karlowsky models, such as the Santorini bib apron and the Lars and Larissa chef jackets, are even washable at 95 °C and suitable for industrial laundry.

Embroidery is made of thread and sewn into the fabric. It looks high-quality and lasts many washes. That is why we recommend it for items that are washed often and hot. The permitted temperature is always set by the garment's care label.

  • Embroidery for aprons and chef jackets

    Robust with frequent washing, the logo stays raised

  • Check the wash temperature first

    If you wash hot or use a laundry service, choose a model that is suitable for it

  • Very fine details in the logo

    Hairline strokes and tiny lettering cannot be embroidered cleanly, so we simplify them with you

Multicoloured embroidered round logo on green fabric

From the workshop

A colourful logo works in embroidery too

The photo shows a round logo in several thread colours on green fabric. A coloured fabric is no problem as long as the thread colours have enough contrast. That is exactly what we check before you decide on your apron colour.

Embroidered company clothing

Chef jackets and service shirts

Our chef jackets come from Karlowsky, in pure cotton or cotton with polyester. The logo usually sits on the chest. On double-breasted models it goes where the button placket leaves room, often on the right or left chest next to the buttons. A second, small logo or the name fits on the upper arm.

In service, many teams wear a shirt, blouse or polo. On thinner shirt fabrics the logo stays smaller than on the apron. What to bear in mind is explained in our guide embroidering shirts and blouses with your logo.

How to get a consistent team look

A restaurant looks coherent when all items go together, even if they are different. Decide on these points before you order:

  • Choose one base colour for aprons and one for tops that suit your venue
  • Set a fixed logo size for each type of garment and always place it in the same spot
  • Choose thread colours that are easy to read on all fabrics
  • Plan several aprons per person so one can always be in the wash
  • Note model, colour and logo so new staff get the same items later

Hospitality teams change often. On our reorder page you can simply order items with your logo again. If you are introducing company clothing for the first time, our checklist for introducing company clothing will help.

Your logo can also show up in the kitchen itself, for example on tea towels. What matters there is explained in our guide to printing tea towels with your logo.

How your order works with us

  1. Choose items

    You choose aprons, chef jackets or shirts in the shop and upload your logo.

  2. Advice and embroidery file

    We advise you on position and size free of charge. The embroidery file is included, with up to three thread colours.

  3. Print approval

    You receive a digital preview and approve it before production.

  4. Embroidered in Munich

    We embroider in our own workshop. Delivery usually takes approx. 7–10 working days.

Hospitality clothing with logo: FAQ

Any questions?

Send us your design and we'll get back to you with a recommendation.

Request a quote →
Does embroidery survive washing at 60 °C?

Embroidery is considered very robust in the wash. What matters is that the garment can handle the temperature. You will find the permitted temperature in the product data of every model.

Can I have aprons printed too?

Yes, we print as well. For aprons that are washed hot and often, however, we usually recommend embroidery. We advise you on what suits your logo and your laundry routine.

Which apron is best for service?

Usually the bistro apron. It is tied at the hip, does not get in the way when walking and often has a pocket for notepad and wallet.

Can kitchen and service wear different colours?

Yes. The important thing is that the logo stays the same. Then the team looks consistent despite the different colours.

Planning new clothing for your restaurant, café or hotel? Send us your enquiry with your logo and items, and we'll get back to you with a suggestion.

SHIRTPLUS

Team Shirtplus

Printing and embroidery in our own workshop in Munich. Created with AI support. Last updated: 19 Oct 2026.

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Questions about your project?

We advise you on the layout free of charge and tell you which method suits your logo.