Ian Mitchell, managing director of Tibard and Oliver Harvey looks at what’s required from chefswear and textile supply to support laundry providers, from product lifespan to flexibility and sustainability.

I n the laundry and linen supply sector, consistency is everything. Customers — from independent restaurants and large hotel groups to contract catering operations — rely on providers to deliver garments and textiles that perform, endure and represent their brand with professionalism. Behind every well-run kitchen is not just a skilled brigade, but a seamless system of supply and circulation. That system depends heavily on the quality, durability and reliability of the garments in use.

For laundry providers, the challenge is not simply supplying uniforms, but maintaining standards across repeated wear and wash cycles. This places increasing importance on how garments are designed, manufactured and supported throughout their lifecycle.

Quality without compromise

British manufacturing has long been associated with quality, and our UK factory reflects this heritage. The expertise of our machinists allows us to produce garments that meet high standards of craftsmanship.

This is particularly important in the laundry industry, where garments must withstand repeated industrial processes without compromising performance or appearance. Our chefswear is used by professionals at the highest level, including multi-site operators, Michelin-starred restaurants and leading global culinary organisations. The same standard is built into every garment we produce for circulation.

In addition, our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation ensures that our management processes are aligned with internationally recognised quality standards, supporting consistency in the products, service and support we deliver.

Oliver Harvey British-made chefswear is made in Manchester

Built for circulation, not just scale

A key factor when supplying the laundry sector lies in the lifecycle of the product. Laundry companies require garments designed for continuous circulation, where durability is not a luxury but a necessity.

Our chefswear and aprons use sustainable fabrics composed of 65 per cent recycled polyester and 35 per cent organic cotton, developed with this in mind. From reinforced seams to carefully selected fabrics that retain structure and colour after repeated industrial laundering, every detail is considered. This helps garments maintain a professional appearance over time, reducing replacement frequency and improving return on investment.

We also maintain extensive stock availability, supporting large, consistent orders that fit seamlessly into circulation models. Whether onboarding a new client or replenishing existing stock, reliability of supply is critical — and something we prioritise.

Designing our ladies’ range

Through our annual customer survey, we identified a gap in the market for ladies’ chefswear and recognised the need to respond. The development of our range was carried out in collaboration with female chefs across the industry, ensuring it was designed with them, rather than adapted for them.

Through workshops, wearer trials and roundtable feedback, it became clear that traditional options often failed to deliver on fit, comfort and practicality. A recurring observation was that many products were reworked versions of male or unisex designs. In response, we incorporated features such as Coolmax panels, single-breasted designs, zip fastenings and elasticated waistbands.

By working closely with women in professional kitchens, we created a collection that reflects practical needs, incorporating tailored shaping, improved functionality and enhanced comfort — resulting in garments designed for both performance and confidence.

Bespoke solutions for modern operations

While standardised garments form the backbone of many laundry operations, demand for customisation is growing. Restaurants and hospitality groups increasingly seek uniforms that reflect their brand identity. Our bespoke manufacturing capabilities allow this to be achieved without adding complexity. Whether through tailored garment designs, custom embroidery or heat-transfer branding, we support the delivery of personalised solutions to your clients. This can be delivered at both UK and offshore level, depending on volume, brand requirements and lead times. This flexibility enables added value while maintaining efficiency within the supply chain.

Sustainability that supports your business

Sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration — it is a key factor in procurement decisions across the hospitality sector. This is reflected in our use of organic cotton and recycled polyester fabrics. Increasingly, clients expect transparency and responsibility not only from you, but from your supply partners as well. Since 2022, we have implemented an Environmental Management System accredited to ISO 14001 standards, embedding environmental responsibility across our operations. Our carbon reduction plan, developed alongside an environmental strategy consultant, outlines our commitment to achieving net zero.

At our Manchester site, a solar energy project is underway that will generate nearly 60 per cent of our total energy consumption, reducing the environmental impact of our UK manufacturing operations. We also ensure that all textiles used in our production conform to OEKO-TEX standards, guaranteeing they are free from harmful substances. Packaging is FSC-certified, and we use recycled paper wherever possible for consignments. For laundry providers, these measures are more than credentials — they support your own sustainability commitments and strengthen your value proposition to customers who increasingly prioritise environmental impact.

Flexibility at scale

Laundry providers operate in a fast-moving environment where demand can shift quickly. New contracts, seasonal peaks and expansion plans all require a supplier that can adapt. Our UK manufacturing facility has a production capacity of up to 15,000 garments per week, enabling short lead times for both standard and bespoke orders. This supports responsiveness without overcommitting to excess stock or risking service delays. Equally, our offshore production capabilities provide a complementary solution for high-volume requirements. With established facilities in Eswatini, Turkey and Sri Lanka, we deliver large-scale orders while maintaining strict quality and ethical standards. All partner facilities are regularly audited and comply with SMETA requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability across the supply chain. For laundry companies, this dual approach — combining UK manufacturing with offshore scalability — provides a strategic advantage, balancing speed, cost and volume.

A supply chain you can trust

In a sector where timing is critical, delays are not just inconvenient — they are costly. Our supply chain is structured to minimise risk and maximise efficiency. With significant UK-based warehousing capacity, we hold stock across a comprehensive size range for rapid dispatch. Our logistics network supports express delivery and international shipping, helping ensure continuity of supply. Importantly, we also manage the complexities of global sourcing. From tariffs to shipping and landed costs, we handle the detail so you can focus on your core business: servicing customers and growing contracts.

Beyond chefswear: a complete textile offering

While chefswear and aprons form the core of our offering to the laundry sector, we also supply a range of supporting garments, including industrial and FR, food trade and accessories. These products are designed with the same focus on durability and performance, ensuring consistency across your portfolio. By sourcing multiple product categories from a single supplier, logistics can be simplified, procurement streamlined and quality standards maintained.

A partnership approach

As the hospitality industry evolves, the demands placed on laundry providers will continue to grow. By choosing a supply partner that understands these challenges and is equipped to meet them, businesses can remain resilient, competitive and future-ready. In a sector where performance is measured over time, the right garments make a tangible difference. With Oliver Harvey chefswear, together with our sister brand Tibard, every piece in circulation is designed to work as hard as you do.