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Chefs, like many other professionals, don their uniforms just about every day of their working lives, complete with double-breasted coat, chef toque (hat) and baggy pants. Though these uniforms are ever-present in the kitchens around the world, they are generally put on without a lot of reflection. However, many readers may find that the source for the unique look and style just as fascinating as the clothing itself.
To begin, the chef coat was originally developed to be very functional. The double-breasted front, for example, was originally intended to provide essentially two fronts. When the exposed front became dirty, it then could be tucked under the other. This allowed for more usage without unnecessary cleaning of the chef jacket. The two layers of cotton also were thought of to help protect the chef's body from the high heats at, and around, the ovens and cook tops. Hot liquid was also screened by the multiple levels of cotton before it could come in contact with the skin. Even the knotted cloth buttons were produced for a reason-cloth will stand up to the constant washings and abuse plastic buttons often take from contact with pans, pots and other heavy equipment. From black pants to hounds-tooth prints, chef pants have always been designed to reduce the likelihood of stain-spotting. With a profession that requires such mobility; baggy pants are now the norm. And these in soft cotton.
The chef hat wasn't designed for fashion statement. Instead, the hat or toque was designed to prevent the chef's hair from falling into the food. Hairnets are ugly. Baseball caps may be considered unprofessional. Unless a chef is a "head-shaver", the toque simply works and looks great as well.
(The origin of the chef hat is somewhat controversial. One popular notion claims that in ancient England, a King found a hair in his food. He responded by cutting off the head from where the hair fell, and then demanded all of his kitchen staff to wear chef hats.)
In the last few years, many chefs have begun to take on more of an individualistic approach to their chef-wear. With wild prints and pink crocs, chefs across the country have abandoned the traditional attire of yesteryear.
I personally enjoy seeing a professional wearing the hats, pants and chef coats of his forefathers, honing his craft as thousands before him.
You may visit Jeff at http://www.thechefhat.com. There you will find a very nice collection of chef attire, including chef hats, chef coats, and various chef uniform clothing