A chef's hat, also known as a toque, is a tall, pleated hat traditionally worn by professional chefs. It is often white, symbolizing cleanliness and professionalism in the kitchen. The height of the hat can signify the chef's rank or level of experience, with taller hats typically worn by head chefs or executive chefs. The pleats in a chef's hat can represent the number of recipes or techniques a chef has mastered. Besides its symbolic meaning, the hat serves a practical purpose by keeping hair away from food and helping to maintain hygiene in the kitchen environment.