Chef's uniform

"Chef's hat" redirects here. For For the Australian restaurant rating system see Restaurant rating, see Chef's hat (disambiguation).

The traditional chef's uniform, including hat

The traditional chef's uniform (or chef's whites) includes a toque (traditional hat), white double-breasted jacket, and checkered pants. It is a common uniform in the Western world.

The double breasted jacket can be reversed to hide stains. Its thick cotton cloth protects from the heat of stove and oven and protects from splattering of boiling liquids. Traditionally knotted cloth buttons were used because they could stand up to the frequent washing and survive contact with hot items without melting. The black and white checked pattern frequent on trousers serves to conceal minor stains. The white color of other clothing articles is intended to signify cleanliness and are often worn by highly visible head chefs. Aprons are used to shield the rest of the wearer's garments from food splatters and stains. The toque is a chef's hat that dates back to the 16th century when hats were common in many trades. Different heights of hats sometimes indicate rank within a kitchen. The 100 folds of the toque are said to represent the many different ways a chef knows to cook an egg. Some modern chefs have put their own distinct spin on the traditional uniform utilizing colors, patterns and design changes. Chefs may express their personal style by wearing a decorated chef's coat, some of which have food inspired prints. In more traditional restaurants, however, especially traditional French restaurants, the white chef’s coat is standard and considered part of a traditional uniform and as a practical chef's garment. Most serious chefs wear white coats to signify the importance and high regard of their profession. Many chefs look down on the multi-colored chef jackets and wild patterns. Other chefs and cooks sometimes wear a white neckerchief/necktie; executive and more senior kitchen staff, eg Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef and Sous Chefs will wear a black necktie. This may also extend to Chef De Parti level. Senior kitchen staff are also identified by their black trousers. These embellishments of uniform also serve as an indicator between the bounds of salaried, and casual or part time staff.

History

Chefs clothing remains a standard in the food industry. The tradition of wearing this type of clothing dates back to the mid-19th century. Marie-Antoine Careme, a popular French chef, is credited with developing the current chef’s uniform. The tall hats had already been introduced, but he wanted to create a specific uniform to honor the chef. White was chosen for the chef's coat to signify cleanliness. Later, the French Master Chef Georges Auguste Escoffier encouraged his kitchen staff to wear suits outside of work to signify professionalism of chefs. Escoffier brought the traditional chef's coat to London, managing the restaurants at the Savoy Hotel and then at the Carlton Hotel. CHEFS ARE AWESOME