<P> The traditional chef's uniform (or chef's whites) includes a toque blanche ("white hat"), white double - breasted jacket, pants in a black - and - white houndstooth pattern, and apron . It is a common occupational uniform in the Western world . </P> <P> The toque is a chef's hat that dates back to the 16th century . Different heights may indicate rank within a kitchen, and they are designed to prevent hair from falling into the food when cooking . The 100 folds of the toque are said to represent the many different ways a chef knows to cook an egg . </P> <P> In more traditional restaurants, especially traditional French restaurants, the white chef's coat is standard and considered part of a traditional uniform and as a practical chef's garment . Most serious chefs wear white coats to signify the importance and high regard of their profession . The thick cotton cloth protects from the heat of stove and oven and protects from splattering of boiling liquids . The double breasted jacket is used to add protection to the wearer's chest and stomach area from burns from splashing liquids . This can also be reversed to hide stains . Knotted cloth buttons were used to survive frequent washing and contact with hot items . White is intended to signify cleanliness as well as repelling heat from the kitchen and is generally worn by highly visible head chefs . Senior kitchen staff are also identified by their black trousers . Increasingly, other colours, such as black are becoming popular as well . </P>

What the folds in a chefs hat mean
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