The Baker’s Regulation Dress Uniform

Professional chefs and bakers all over the world dress alike. Starting at the top with a toque or chef’s hat (a tall, often disposable, paper, pleated, or plain hat), the dress code remains standard no matter the type of kitchen. The complete uniform is always a double-breasted white jacket, a neckerchief tied neatly around the neck to absorb perspiration, a white apron tied to the front with a thick, absorbent towel for grasping hot pans tucked into the ties, and black-and-white houndstooth cotton or cotton-polyester blend pants or, for many bakers, sparkling white trousers. The one difference between a chef’s and a baker’s uniform is the shoes; a chef will wear highly polished black shoes while a baker’s will be white so that they don’t show a constant dusting of flour.