| Chef’s Uniform | | | | hide stains and the head chef will normal be |
| It is said that the Chef’s Traditional Uniform | | | | distinguished by wearing plain black trousers. |
| as we see it today, was the inspiration of the | | | | Chef trousers are also known as baggies. Originally |
| great 16th century chef Marie-Antoine Careme. | | | | designed for men, these days chef trousers |
| Know as the greatest chef of his time, | | | | come in both male and female styles. |
| Marie-Antoine disliked the grey uniforms of his | | | | Chef Hat |
| staff and changed them to white to reflect | | | | Originating from the 13th Century, the Chef hat is |
| cleanliness within his kitchen. | | | | also known as “torque blanche”. Torque |
| Today the traditional chef’s uniform consists | | | | means round in Arabic and “torque |
| of a double breasted jacket, trousers, hat, apron, | | | | blanche” means white hat in French. The hat |
| necktie and clogs. The chef’s uniform is one | | | | distinguishes ranks within the kitchen. The head |
| of the few professions other than the military | | | | chef wears the tallest hat. Executive chefs can |
| where you can recognise the rank of the person | | | | have hats as tall as 12”!!! On a practical note |
| by their uniform, especially from the hat! | | | | many of today’s hats incorporate a sweat |
| Chef Jackets | | | | band within the hat. |
| The chef’s jacket is usually double breasted | | | | Chef Apron |
| and can be buttoned up either way, this is very | | | | The Chef’s Apron is made of thick cotton, |
| useful as a busy chef will have unavoidable stains | | | | aprons are usually white to match the jacket. |
| on their jacket and then can simply button it up | | | | The thick cotton protects against the danger of |
| the other way at the end of the evening and go | | | | heat in the kitchen. A Tea towel is often hung |
| and meet their public. Chef’s jackets are | | | | over the apron ties and used to constantly mop |
| also made of thick cotton which is especially | | | | and wipe in the kitchen, this can then be discarded |
| designed to act as a barrier against hot liquids and | | | | when soiled and a fresh towel put in its place. |
| can be washed at high temperatures to remove | | | | Chef Necktie |
| stains. | | | | Neckties come in an array of colours, are usually |
| Chef Trousers | | | | in a checkerboard fabric to match the trousers |
| Traditionally in blue or black gingham check, these | | | | and are useful for soaking up sweat as a kitchen |
| days the check pattern on chef trousers come in | | | | is such a hot place! |
| an array of colours. The pattern is designed to | | | | |