The Fascinating History of Hats Through the Centuries
The hat is a garment with a crown and brim that covers the head. It is a unisex piece, used by both men and women, as a defense against the cold or the sun, and also as an ornament; In some cases it may indicate social differences and, in this case, it varies according to dignity and for ritual reasons.
In ancient times, they covered their heads with a type of headdress that cannot properly be considered a hat; For example, the ancient Egyptians wore a leather or cloth cap on their heads; The pharaoh normally covered his wig with a wide striped scarf, but in official ceremonies he wore a white tiara or a red cap. In Mesopotamia, leather turbans or caps were used; For their part, the Israelite priests wore a tall, white, conical hat.
During the Middle Ages, women decorated their hair with intertwined ribbons, feathers or flowers; However, they preferred the tall bicorn hat with veils that hung from the top and reached to the shoulders. The medieval male costume included a wide hood that fell over the back, in 1300 it was replaced by a type of narrow cap on the forehead and provided with a train that hung to the right or left, depending on the social class or the party to which the person belonged. I wore it.
The true hat was born in the 14th century and became very popular throughout Europe, although its shapes varied from one country to another. The Renaissance costume found its most sumptuous complement in the hat; The preferred materials were velvet or cloth, decorated with feathers, ribbons and precious stones. Meanwhile, the people continued to wear hoods and later adopted a round hat.
In the 17th century, when the wig fashion prevailed, the hat became very wide and was decorated with lace and feathers for both men and women. During almost the entire 18th century, the tricorn predominated, a hat with the brim folded around the head, forming three points. The French Revolution revived the fashion for simple hats, similar to caps or mortarboards and decorated with cockades.
In the 19th century, the women's hat served an ostentatious fashion and was clearly differentiated from the much more sober men's hat. Materials such as straw, cloth, velvet, satin and felt were used; Sometimes they were made very simple, but usually they were decorated with feathers, ribbons, and at the beginning of the 20th century they were completed with a veil that fell over the face.
Curious Questions about the History of Hats
What was the origin of hats in ancient times?
In ancient times, hats had their origins in leather or cloth caps, tiaras and conical caps used by various cultures.
What characterized hats in the Middle Ages?
In the Middle Ages, hats were notable for the use of bicorns with veils for women and narrow caps with tails for men.
When did the true hat as we know it today emerge?
The hat as we know it today emerged in the 14th century and became popular throughout Europe.
What materials and decorations were used in Renaissance hats?
Renaissance hats were made of velvet or cloth and decorated with feathers, ribbons, and precious stones.
How did hat fashion change during the French Revolution?
The French Revolution marked the revival of simple hats adorned with cockades.
What was the difference between women's and men's hats in the 19th century?
In the 19th century, women's hats were more ostentatious and clearly differentiated from men's hats, which were more sober.
Discover the fascinating history of hats and their evolution over the centuries. Explore our collection of hats from various eras and styles!
