A chef hat, also known as a toque, is a tall, pleated hat worn by chefs. It is typically made of white cotton or linen and has a round top and a wide brim. Chef hats are worn to keep hair out of the food, to protect the head from heat, and to denote the wearer’s rank in the kitchen.
The chef hat has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, chefs began wearing tall, white hats to distinguish themselves from other kitchen staff. The height of the hat indicated the chef’s rank, with taller hats being worn by more experienced chefs. Today, chef hats are still worn by chefs around the world, although the height of the hat is no longer indicative of the chef’s rank.
