Portwest Cotton Mesh Air Pro T-Shirt S/S

For chefs and kitchen teams who prefer the natural feel of cotton, the Portwest Cotton Mesh Air Pro T-Shirt (C195) delivers premium comfort with smart temperature management. The body is crafted from 100% ring spun cotton (195g) for a soft, breathable fit, while the MeshAir™ Pro back panel drives airflow exactly where hot kitchen environments demand it most.

Premium Ring Spun Cotton

There's a reason cotton remains the fabric of choice for comfort — and ring spun cotton takes it a step further. The 100% ring spun cotton construction produces a smoother, softer yarn than standard cotton, resulting in a t-shirt that feels noticeably better against the skin from the first wear. At 195g, it strikes the right balance between lightweight comfort for warm kitchens and enough substance to drape well and maintain a professional shape throughout service.

MeshAir™ Pro Back Panel for Kitchen Cooling

The MeshAir™ Pro mesh panel across the back is constructed from 100% polyester mesh, engineered to maximise airflow where heat builds up fastest. Standing over a grill, working the pass, or moving between stations — the mesh panel allows hot air and moisture to escape, keeping your core temperature down during the most intense periods of service. It's the same proven ventilation technology found across the Portwest MeshAir range.

Stylish Unisex Design

The C195 is cut in a modern unisex fit that works across the full kitchen team, from head chef to commis. The clean, minimal design makes it equally suited to corporate branding and custom finishes — whether that's embroidered logos, printed team names, or colour-coordinated uniforms for multi-site catering operations. It looks the part in open kitchens and customer-facing roles without sacrificing any of its performance in the heat.

Key Features at a Glance

• 100% ring spun cotton (195g) for premium softness and breathability
• MeshAir™ Pro back panel for enhanced airflow in hot environments
• Stylish unisex design suitable for the whole team
• Ideal for corporate wear with custom embroidery and branding
• Short sleeve for freedom of movement and comfort in warm kitchens
• Modern cut that works front of house and behind the scenes

Ideal For

The Portwest C195 is designed for chefs, sous chefs, kitchen assistants, catering staff, and front-of-house teams who want the natural comfort of cotton combined with effective heat management. It's well suited to restaurants, hotel kitchens, contract catering, food production, bakeries, cafés, and corporate hospitality environments. The unisex design and branding-ready construction also make it a strong option for uniform programmes across multi-site operations.

Specifications

Q: What is ring spun cotton and why does it matter? A: Ring spun cotton is produced by continuously twisting and thinning cotton fibres, creating a finer, smoother, and stronger yarn than conventional open-end cotton. The result is a fabric that feels softer against the skin and has a smoother surface — ideal for all-day comfort during long kitchen shifts.

Q: How does the C195 compare to the C211 Mesh Air Pro Polo? A: Both use the same MeshAir™ Pro back panel for ventilation. The key difference is the fabric and style: the C195 is a crew neck t-shirt in 100% ring spun cotton, while the C211 is a polo shirt in a polycotton pique blend. Choose the C195 if you prefer natural cotton comfort and a more relaxed t-shirt style, or the C211 if you want a collar and button placket for a smarter look.

Q: Can I add my company logo to this t-shirt? A: Yes. The C195 is designed to accommodate corporate branding including embroidery and custom finishes, making it a practical choice for uniform programmes, branded catering teams, and multi-site hospitality operations.

Q: Is this t-shirt unisex? A: Yes. The C195 features a modern unisex cut designed to fit comfortably across the full kitchen team. Check the sizing guide for detailed measurements to find the best fit.

Q: Is the mesh panel visible from the front? A: No. The MeshAir™ Pro mesh is positioned on the back panel only, so from the front the C195 presents a clean, classic cotton t-shirt appearance — ideal for open kitchens and customer-facing environments.

Q: Is 100% cotton better than polycotton for kitchen wear? A: It depends on personal preference. Cotton is naturally soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin, which many kitchen workers prefer in hot environments. Polycotton blends tend to offer greater shape retention and wrinkle resistance through repeated laundering. The C195 gives you the premium feel of cotton with the MeshAir™ panel handling the ventilation.