couvrechefs

Couvre-chef is a French noun meaning a head covering or headgear. In English-language discussions, the term designates the broad category of items worn to cover the head, distinct from garments worn on the body. The covering may serve practical, decorative, religious, or ceremonial purposes. The word is formed from couvre, “to cover,” and chef, “head,” and the standard English plural is couvre-chefs.

Across cultures and historical periods, couvre-chefs include a wide range of items such as caps, bonnets, hats, hoods, veils, turbans, and helmets. In medieval Europe, for example, head coverings ranged from coifs and veiled headdresses to various styles of hats; in other parts of the world, turbans, scarves, and religious head coverings are common. The term emphasizes function—covering the head—rather than a single style.

In fashion history and costume design, couvre-chefs are studied to convey social status, occupation, or period. Museums label headwear collections with the term, and designers may reference head coverings to achieve period accuracy or specific stylistic effects. In contemporary contexts, head coverings remain widespread for daily wear and religious practice, and the concept of the couvre-chef continues to encompass both traditional and modern forms of headwear.

See also: headgear; hat; veil; scarf; turban; coif.