Why do chefs wear fluffy hats?

In the 1800s the French began using the phrase toque blanche to refer to the white hat worn by chefs as part of their uniform. The color white was perceived as the most hygienic of colors, which helped to portray a sense of cleanliness in the kitchen. As well as the pleats, the height of the hat was also important.

What is a tall round white hat worn by chefs?

toque blanche
These days, a modern chef hat is tall to allow for the circulation of air above the head and also provides an outlet for heat. This type of hat is called a “toque blanche” (French for “white hat”). They are worn because the health department requires restaurant employees to wear a hat or hair restraint of some sort.

What does the height of a chefs hat mean?

Chef hats, also known as toques are so tall because it represents the wearers rank in the kitchen hierarchy. The taller the hat, the higher the rank. Executive and head chefs use the tallest hats. In addition, the hat prevents hair from getting into the food, which increases cleanliness and quality.

Why was the chefs hat invented?

Chef’s hat origins One origin story says that King Henry VIII beheaded a chef after finding a hair in his meal. The next chef was ordered to wear a hat while cooking, and thus began the use of hats to maintain hygiene.

Who wears a tall white hat?

But why do chefs wear them? Chef’s toques are tall, round, white, starched, and pleated, and have been worn by chefs since the early 1800s. Chefs have worn head coverings since long before that, and the modern toque most likely originated from stocking caps worn by French chefs in the early 1700s.

Where did toques come from?

Toques were popular from the 13th to the 16th century in Europe, especially France. The mode was revived in the 1930s. Now it is primarily known as the traditional headgear for professional cooks, except in Canada where the term toque is primarily used for knit caps.

Why do chefs wear white hats?

The reason chefs’ hats are traditionally white, like the rest of the chef’s uniform, is to indicate cleanliness in the kitchen. White is the easiest color for determining whether an object is dirty or clean, rather than dark colors which can mask stains.

What does a chef’s uniform look like?

A tall, white hat, double-breasted white jacket, and apron over black and white trousers – the chef’s uniform is iconic in the hospitality industry as well as the general public. Like police officers, doctors, and construction workers, the components of a chef’s uniform are immediately recognizable.

Why do chefs wear head coverings?

Chefs have worn head coverings since long before that, and the modern toque most likely originated from stocking caps worn by French chefs in the early 1700s. The color of the stocking cap (called a casque à mèche) signified the rank of the wearer.

Why do chefs have 100 pleats on their hats?

The idea is that the more experienced the chef, the more pleats on his hat. There was a time that a chef’s hat had 100 pleats which signified the 100 known ways of preparing eggs. Today, chef pleats reflect a chef’s level of experience. Sources: Chef Hat – History & Facts | Why Do Chefs Wear Those Silly Hats?