The Bear: Just as Good in the Kitchen as in Style!
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In addition to being recognized as one of the most acclaimed and awarded series in recent years, The Bear proves to be a trendsetter! From revamping classics, discovering jackets that fly off the shelves, to even creating a collaboration with J Crew… Let’s explore how the looks from the series contribute to its success!
- 1. How do the costumes in The Bear support the storytelling?
- 2. Why does everyone want to dress like the characters in The Bear?
- 3. Carmy: a tormented chef who revives classics and timeless pieces
- 4. Sydney: professional with a vintage touch
- 5. Richie: the transformation from Lacoste tracksuit to a two-piece suit
- 6. Marcus: king of pastries and streetwear in The Bear
- 7. The Faks: trendsetters for The Bear season 3
- 8. Tina: discovering a woman behind her apron in season 3 of The Bear
- 9. Nathalie: asserting herself between elegance and comfort
How do the costumes in The Bear support the storytelling?
Like the costumes from the film Challengers, those in The Bear help bring credibility to this series set in the restaurant industry. However, beyond just providing the perfect chef’s outfit (notably with the Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip from season 3, approved by the community), the pieces worn by the characters support the storytelling, enhance its dramatic turns, and accompany the evolution of the characters.
For instance, Carmy introduces new work outfits on two occasions to professionalize the restaurant. These outfit changes mark the beginning of new chapters for the team and highlight the conflicts present within the brigade (like Richie refusing the apron and sticking with the old The Beef of Chicagoland t-shirts in season 1 and part of season 2).
Why does everyone want to dress like the characters in The Bear?
Unlike the costumes from Emily in Paris (which embrace the fashion angle of the series and play on extravagance), the wardrobe of The Bear’s characters is meant to be timeless and casual, which helps create human characters that feel relatable and to whom we can identify. It is at this point that the series captivates.
We discover styles unique to each character, generally combining vintage pieces with new designer items. And while the series’ looks do not aim to follow current trends, they attract all eyes and become, unknowingly, the new it-pieces that everyone is clamoring for. Whether it’s the green Paloma Wool puffer jacket or Sydney’s patterned Carleen indoor jacket, Richie’s bright blue Lacoste Heritage tracksuit bottoms, or the plaid NN07 jacket worn by Carmy, these pieces were out of stock following the airing of The Bear.
Carmy: a tormented chef who revives classics and timeless pieces
The costume designer Courtney Wheeler crafted Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) outfits with the idea of reflecting his personality and his search for rigor. She notably emphasized in an interview that she refined his wardrobe over the seasons to keep only a few pieces (notably his white Merz B Schwanen 215 t-shirt and Cahartt WIP pants) to accentuate his desire to focus on essentials.
Carmy’s outfits consist of pieces in white, gray, blue, brown, or green tones with perfect cuts, in line with his respect for craftsmanship. Over the seasons, we’ve observed gray or blue J Crew cable-knit sweaters, embroidered fine sweaters, Thom Browne pants, Dickies 874 or APC, white Nike Cortez, Birkenstock, and black Heritage Blacksmith from Red Wing Shoes. After the popular Gael 8267 jacket from NN07, season 3 of The Bear showcased new pieces, including a vintage Barbour model, a Ralph Lauren, and a sleeveless Filson model, which will quickly create fans.
Sydney: professional with a vintage touch
Sydney’s style (Ayo Edebiri) is a mix of vintage pieces, along with some current items, both affordable and high-end. These combinations form a controlled retro style, rich in colors and patterns, and stand out from the other characters. The costume designer explained that she wanted to create bolder looks for the young woman, so that they would be a way for her to express herself in a kitchen where she is rarely, if ever, heard.
Over the seasons, we see pieces from past collections, such as a patterned Ralph Lauren sweater, a Chicago Bull t-shirt, a Haiks jacket, and Cahartt overalls. Alongside Ganni boots, Nike Air Max, Dickies pants, Bode t-shirt, Comme des Garçons sailor jacket, and Aluni socks. The bandana emerges as her signature piece, both practical and adding a personal touch to her work outfits.
One significant piece is the buttoned Thom Browne shirt that Carmy gives her in season 2, marking his respect and trust in his sous-chef.
Richie: the transformation from Lacoste tracksuit to a two-piece suit
Among the characters in The Bear, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) has one of the most interesting arcs to follow. His evolution over the seasons is significant and is reflected more than others in the choice of his outfits and how he wears them.
We transition from discovering a conflicting, unstable, and lost character to a man with a new vocation, applying rules rigorously and accepting his vulnerability and emotions. This journey is reflected in the beginning of the series with careless outfits made up of tracksuit bottoms paired with Adidas original 84 High shoes and a The Beef t-shirt – shapeless jacket, as an act of rebellion against the apron imposed by Carmy.
Richie’s shift at Ever marks the psychological transition of the character, which is reflected in his outfits. Thus, as he announces in the “Forks” episode of season 2, the suit is now his new work uniform. His Boss two-piece emphasizes his awareness and responsibility within The Bear restaurant.
Marcus: king of pastries and streetwear in The Bear
Marcus’s fashion style (Lionel Boyce) aligns with his gentle and discreet personality. His wardrobe consists of streetwear pieces and basics, offering trendy yet versatile outfits.
Notably, we find a large collection of sneakers (Nike Air Max Jordan Infrared 6, New Balance 998, 990v1…) paired with graphic tees (Off-White, Aimé Léon Dore) or more classic models, like the SGT001 blue from the Japanese brand The Strike Gold, worn during his apprenticeship in Copenhagen and which Carmy also owns. This has become an it-piece despite its approximate cost of $90. Hoodies, J Crew cable-knit sweaters, or plaid jackets complement the pastry chef’s looks, finishing off with his beanie or baseball cap.
The Faks: trendsetters for The Bear season 3
Throughout the episodes, Neil Fak and his siblings have become one of the comic elements of The Bear. These weekend handymen present themselves as people out of sync, in their own world. However, we observe a beautiful evolution of Neil, particularly in season 3. His work blue (featuring pieces from Rosa Rugosa, the brand of his actor Matty Matheson and Irish chef) is replaced by button-up shirts – ties and two-piece suits. This new look emphasizes Neil’s integration into the restaurant, under Richie’s wing, who in turn passes on to him the keys to being presentable. This includes ironing his suit, which becomes an obsession for Neil, who was previously accustomed to careless outfits.
Moreover, the popularity of the Faks has led to a collaboration with J Crew on the occasion of the season 3 release. Four pieces were designed, including a jacket emblazoned with “Matter of Fak Supply,” which sold out immediately upon release.
Tina: discovering a woman behind her apron in season 3 of The Bear
Tina’s outfits (Liza Colón-Zayas) highlight her various personality traits and emotions. In the first season, her strong character is notably illustrated by her determination to keep her Mrs. Always Right apron and not adopt Carmy’s.
However, the character reveals a tender and warm heart, full of joy and doubts. This is reflected in the materials and colors present in her outfits. Particularly in the Napkins episode of season 3, which serves as a flashback of her hiring at The Beef restaurant. Her colorful outfits either fade or regain vibrancy depending on the stages she goes through (dismissal, hope and motivation to find a job, yet another refusal, encounter with Richie and Mikey leading to her hiring at The Beef).
Nathalie: asserting herself between elegance and comfort
Nathalie’s role (Abby Elliott) expands over the episodes of The Bear and the evolution of the restaurant. Her costumes emphasize her assumption of responsibility, incorporating feminine suits or dressed gowns. However, these pieces establishing respect also leave room for more comfortable outfits. Her wardrobe includes both wool cardigans (Anthropologie), cashmere tops, plaid coats or puffer jackets, loafers, as well as wrap dresses.
Photos: Pinterest
