Why do chefs wear tall, pleated hats?
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Chefs wear the tall hat (the toque blanche) for hygienic, functional, and symbolic reasons. Reasons include hair protection, breathability and ventilation to reduce sweating, and recognition of the chef's role and experience, as height once symbolized rank.
Hygienic and functional reasons Protection:
The hat's high, pleated shape keeps hair away from food for hygiene. Ventilation: The high shape and starched fabric allow the head to breathe and reduce sweating, helping to keep you cool even near the fire.
Protection from fats:
Originally, it also served to protect against grease that could fall from the ceiling. Symbolic and traditional reasons
Rank and hierarchy:
In the past, the height of the hat indicated the chef's level of experience and position within the brigade.
Experience (the folds):
Traditionally, the 100 folds of the hat symbolized the 100 egg recipes a chef had to know to be considered skilled.
Professionalism and identity:
The hat is a symbol of professionalism and tradition, which contributes to the chef's visual identity.