PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Throughout the centuries both men and women have sported various forms of headdress but it was only in the late 14th and 15 centuries that hats started to be worn.
One of the first hats to be found was in a tomb painting at Thebes and shows a man wearing a coolie-style straw hat. Other early hats include the Pileus, the Phrygian cap, and the Pestasos cap.
As hats gradually grew in popularity during the 15th Century, different materials were being used. Silk, velvet, taffeta, leather, felt and beaver were all favoured.
There were several hat styles worn in the 16th century: Capotain was a tall felt hat decorated with jewels or feathers.
Coifs or Biggins was a close fitting, hat that covered the ears and the chin.
And the Nightcap was a linen cap with a turned up brim that was worn indoors.
During17th century England, full dress, including a hat, was required in the presence of the king. In Russia however, removal of one's hat in front of the emperor was appropriate etiquette and demonstrated respect.
During the 18th century, milliners took hat-making out of the home and established the millinery profession. Today, a ‘milliner’ defines a person with the profession of hat making. In the 18th century, a milliner was a stylist.
The bowler hat was most associated with the 19th & 20th century. A Bowler hat is traditionally a hard felt hat with a rounded crown and a curled brim.
