Hedley & Bennett Review : Where Function Meets Fashion in the Kitchen
About Hedley & Bennett
Hedley & Bennett is a culinary apparel brand that offers a diverse range of products, including chef jackets, kitchen aprons, socks, and various accessories like knife bags and totes. The company specializes in high-quality, handcrafted items, providing chef’s gear at competitive industry prices for restaurant businesses, along with customization options.
Notable figures, including John Legend, have donned the brand’s products, which have also received praise from home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart. This review of Hedley & Bennett aims to assist readers in making an informed purchasing decision on their website.
Overview of Hedley & Bennett
Most kitchen attire tends to lack a sense of style. It’s challenging to maintain a sophisticated appearance when faced with stains, burns, and smudges from cooking hamburgers or baking bread. Additionally, typical kitchen aprons and work shirts are often made from rigid, non-breathable fabrics and lack visual appeal. Fortunately, Ellen Bennett, the founder of Hedley & Bennett, recognized that functional culinary clothing can be both comfortable and fashionable.
Having worked as a line cook in two prominent Los Angeles restaurants, Bennett envisioned transforming standard kitchen apparel into something more stylish. This inspiration led her to create her own designs, ultimately resulting in the establishment of Hedley & Bennett. Based in sunny California, her creations have gained international recognition.
It turns out that you can look great while grilling smoked meats and feel stylish while decorating macarons. I was particularly drawn to the variety of patterns and prints available in Hedley & Bennett aprons, which range from beautiful florals to bold camouflage. However, these items should not be considered impulse buys, as some products can exceed $100.
While aprons and chef jackets are the primary focus of their sales, this culinary brand also provides knife bags, children's kitchen apparel, face masks, tote bags, and even socks. This review will concentrate mainly on their aprons, chef coats, and knife bags.
Here is a brief overview of the Hedley & Bennett review, highlighting some advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- A wide selection of chef jackets and aprons available in various colors and styles
- Products can be returned, and repairs are offered within 30 days of purchase
- Provides Klarna Pay, enabling customers to make payments in installments
- Offers competitive pricing for restaurant businesses
- Most garments are crafted from breathable yet durable fabrics, reinforced with strong stitching
Disadvantages
- Higher price point compared to other culinary retailers
- Some negative feedback regarding customer service
The company provides a range of unisex items, including aprons, chef gear, and face masks. Their apparel is constructed from American canvas, Japanese selvage denim, and European linens. Aprons are organized into collections such as classic, modern, and BBQ & grilling. The work shirts vary in sleeve cut and material composition. This Hedley & Bennett review will cover all these aspects in detail.
Hedley & Bennett Aprons
The Cider House Classic Apron, crafted from a warm-toned caramel fabric, is an excellent choice for restaurants aiming to create an earthy ambiance. This apron by Hedley & Bennett is constructed from bull denim, ensuring both utility and durability in demanding work settings. It features adjustable milk white straps, pocket lining details, and brass hardware. Like all Hedley & Bennett aprons, it includes three pockets located on the sides and chest.
Priced at $85, the Cider House Classic Apron is available in two additional styles. The Ciderhouse Bistro Apron, which lacks a frontal chest covering, is offered at $65. Meanwhile, the Ciderhouse Cafe Bistro Apron, a shorter variant of the Bistro model, is priced at $60.
For those looking to infuse a vibrant touch into their kitchen, the Mint Modern Apron presents a lively blue-green mint hue complemented by slate grey straps for an elegant contrast. Made from American brushed canvas, this apron includes pockets, triangle accents, brass hardware, and durable stitching.
This Hedley & Bennett apron retails for $88 and is also available in a children's version, the Sweet Pea Kids Apron, priced at $39, allowing you and your little one to enjoy cooking together.
The Alder Modern Apron, featuring a camouflage print with grey strap accents, embodies the spirit of a barbecue enthusiast. Part of the BBQ and Grilling Collection, this apron draws inspiration from Alder wood, commonly used for smoking fish and meats. It is designed with durability stitching, a fused bottom hem, and is resistant to tough stains.
Constructed from lightweight and breathable twill material, the Alder Modern Apron ensures comfort while grilling. It effectively repels charcoal streaks and grease marks, and is resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles. You can acquire this stylish camo chef apron for $85.
Hedley & Bennett Work Shirts
Most work attire tends to lack both style and comfort. The Gray Stretch Chambray Short Sleeve Work Shirt offers an excellent combination of both. Crafted by Hedley & Bennett, this shirt features a stretchy chambray fabric that ensures breathability and ease of movement. The cropped sleeves are particularly suited for those working in hot kitchen environments. Additionally, a brass snap is incorporated at the back collar to secure aprons effectively.
Who can resist a hidden pocket? The Gray Stretch Chambray Short Sleeve Work Shirt includes a discreet loop stitched inside the pocket, perfect for keeping pens secure. This elegant yet practical shirt is priced at $75.
Hedley & Bennett Knife Bag
Alton Brown from Food Network expressed his admiration for the Mise 2.0 Black Knife Bag, stating, “I hate this bag because I didn’t think of it first.” This bag serves as an essential tool for professional chefs. Hedley & Bennett enhanced their previous knife bag by collaborating with various bag designers in Los Angeles to create this updated version.
The Mise 2.0 features a sleek and functional design crafted from soft American leather. It includes a zippered pouch and military-grade nylon webbing to ensure the safe storage of knives. The bag can accommodate up to six sheathed knives and tools, with the capacity to securely hold a knife measuring up to 300 mm in length.
For professional chefs, the upkeep of knives is crucial. A robust and reliable knife bag is vital for those who work on the go, and the Mise 2.0 Black Knife Bag meets this requirement perfectly. This essential kitchen accessory from Hedley & Bennett is available for $240.
Hedley & Bennett Review: What Do Customers Think?
Hedley and Bennett takes pride in achieving a remarkable 92% of their Yotpo reviews rated at five stars, along with an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 70.
While the reviews featured on the Hedley & Bennett website are predominantly positive, some customers on platforms like Yelp and Amazon have reported issues with certain products. According to Womply, a few buyers experienced shipping delays when ordering aprons, with some noting inadequate customer service during these instances.
In reviews concerning Hedley & Bennett aprons, Amazon customers praise the craftsmanship and durability of the products. However, a recurring theme in the feedback is the high price point, with some aprons and chef jackets reaching up to $100.
Is Hedley & Bennett Worth It?
Investing in high-quality tools can significantly enhance your culinary experience, whether you are a passionate home cook, an aspiring chef, or a seasoned professional. For experienced chefs, items like the Mise 2.0 Black Knife Bag are indispensable. Upgrading your work attire with stylish aprons and chef jackets can elevate your kitchen presence; Hedley & Bennett offers designs that blend simplicity with fashion, effectively challenging the notion that kitchen wear must be dull.
However, if you spend limited time in the kitchen or are working within a tight budget, Hedley & Bennett may not be the ideal choice for you. Their products tend to be pricier than standard kitchen aprons, so unless you are prepared to invest and will benefit from the quality, it might be wiser to allocate your funds elsewhere. Conversely, Hedley & Bennett apparel makes for an excellent gift for a culinary enthusiast or for someone serious about pursuing a career in the restaurant industry.
Where to Buy Hedley and Bennett
This review of Hedley & Bennett identified several locations where customers can acquire their products:
- Directly from Hedley & Bennett's official website
- Amazon
- Traeger
- Whole Foods
- Sur La Table
- Bristol Farms
- Walmart (online)
Additionally, Hedley & Bennett provides a comprehensive list of other online retailers on their website.