toques

Toques are a class of head coverings whose usage ranges from culinary attire to everyday fashion. In English, the term often denotes the tall white chef's hat worn in professional kitchens, known as a toque blanche.

The culinary toque blanche is typically white and made from cotton, polyester, or a blend. It features a tall cylindrical crown and sometimes pleats. The white color is linked to cleanliness and professionalism. Height and number of pleats vary by establishment, and some kitchens use color-coding or different shapes to designate rank or role, though there is no universal standard.

History and symbolism: The precise origin is debated; the toque blanche became widely associated with haute cuisine in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly through French chefs such as Marie-Antoine Carême and Georges-Auguste Escoffier, who helped popularize the style. The claim that pleats represent the number of ways a chef can cook is a long-standing but disputed tradition.

Other uses and terminology: The word toque simply means hat in French and appears in various languages. In North American English, a knit winter cap is often called a tuque or toque, though spellings vary regionally. The term can also refer more generally to headwear in different cultural contexts.