Why Do Bakers Wear Funny Hats
History of The Chef Hat
Chefs as far back as the 16th century are said to have worn hats. One story is that the hat originated in the old kitchens of castles and fine restaurants of Europe; as there were no ventilation systems, the condensation and grease would accumulate thick and heavy on the ceilings. To protect the top of the head from falling grease, the chefs would have the housekeepers starch up old sections of sheets. The sections were then wrapped and formed into a tall cylinder shape with a pouch at the top. Cloths and rags were also placed inside to buffer the absorbed falling grease.
Another story has been said that when the royal cook in the employment of King Henry VIII started going bald, Henry found a hair in his soup. He had the cook beheaded and ordered the next chef to start wearing a hat to prevent the same thing happening again.
There are many stories around about the beginning of the chef hat, but whatever the beginning, the hat has become a firm staple within chef uniform.
The Changing Chef Hat
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. The wearing of a hat prevents hair from falling into food and prevents sweat from dripping down the face.
Chef uniforms have evolved over time. It is believed that the toques originated in the 18th century when professional cooks wore "casque a meche", (stocking caps) which were popular in France at that time. The colour of the casque a meche denoted the rank of the wearer. Bouche, the personal chef to French statesman, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord, was the first chef to insist that all cooks wear white hats for sanitary reasons.
This style evolved into the present day toque. It is believed that the French chefs Marie Antonie Careme and Auguste Escoffier were responsible for the design. The height of the hat (not the number of pleats) represents the rank of the chef in some professional kitchens.
Types of Hats
These days there are many types of chef hats available; chefs are able to integrate their personal style into their uniform.
Toque
The traditional toque is tall and stiff, while a more modern version of the hat is made in any number of colours and flops over to one side. Today, the pleats and height of the hat hold no bearing in the seniority of the chef, but it does serve to differentiate the chef. Many traditional culinary schools require the students wear the toque during training; these can be found made from disposable paper. The traditional (tall, stiff) toque is still white.
Beanies
The beanie allows for colour to be injected into a uniform. While traditionally these beanies are white, black or checked patterns, a variety of other colours are available to match a uniform. The beanie is either made of cloth or paper, fits close to the head and is fitted with a back tie or elastic. Some beanies have a mesh top that allows for air to escape, making the wearer less hot during his shift.
Skull Caps
Like the beanie, skull caps are available in a variety of colours. Skull caps have a rear elastic band that hugs your head comfortably or ties to secure the fit. They enable you to stay cool and comfortable all day in the kitchen.
Baseball Caps
Each kitchen has its own standards of attire. In a less traditional or more casual establishment baseball caps can be worn by chefs and cooks. Baseball caps will be purchased from chef supply companies, and like the beanie, are available in a multitude of different colours.
Bandanas
Bandanas can be used as a headscarf, hat, wristband, bandana, neck scarf and hairband for chefs. Bandanas can come in a variety of colours and can be useful worn as headwear for chefs as they absorb the sweat while a chef cooks.
Flat Caps and Drivers Caps
Create a street-inspired, urban style to your front and back of house uniforms with flat caps and driver's caps from Chef Works, perfect for creating a casual and stylish look. This style of headwear is ideal for cafes, diners, and bars, creating a modern look and relaxed atmosphere, without compromising on comfort or hygiene.
Source: https://www.nisbets.co.uk/buyingachefhat
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