A chef hat, also known as a toque, is a tall, pleated hat worn by chefs. It is typically made of white cotton or linen and has a round top and a wide brim. Chef hats are worn to keep hair out of food and to protect the head from heat and steam.
Chef hats have been worn for centuries, and their design has evolved over time. In the 16th century, chefs wore tall, conical hats made of felt or straw. In the 18th century, the hat became shorter and wider, and the brim was turned up. The modern chef hat was developed in the 19th century, and it has remained largely unchanged since then.