A chef hat, also known as a toque, is a tall, pleated hat worn by professional chefs. Traditionally made of white fabric, it symbolizes the chef's expertise and status in the kitchen. The height of the hat can indicate the chef's rank, with taller hats often worn by head chefs or executive chefs. The design of the chef hat helps to keep hair away from food and maintain hygiene in the kitchen. Additionally, the pleats can represent the number of recipes a chef has mastered, making it both a practical and symbolic piece of culinary attire.