Purpose:
Chef hats are worn by culinary professionals to maintain hygiene in the kitchen by preventing hair from falling into food and to absorb sweat from the brow.
Design:
They are typically white and often feature pleats, which traditionally represented the number of ways a chef could prepare an egg or signified a chef's expertise.
Symbolism:
The height and style of the toque can also indicate rank or seniority within a professional kitchen.