Hats were once common for both men and women, but have become more specialized. The word “bonnet” originally referred to any headgear for men, but in the 18th century, it became a large hat worn only by noblemen. In the 19th century, “cap” became the term for a woman’s head covering. Hats were worn for different occasions and there was a distinction between upper and lower class hats. Nowadays, hats are mainly worn by babies and in the military.
Once a common type of headwear for both men and women, hats have become more appropriate just for babies. Over time, hats have drastically changed in shape, and the meaning of the word itself has become much more specialized.
Originally, “bonnet” was the name given to any type of headgear for men. In the 18th century, he outlined a huge hat worn only by noblemen. This type of hat was very lacy and frilly, and may have been made of ermine or velvet. Near the end of the 18th century, hats took on a more specific shape, usually with a brim that protruded from the forehead and continued down the sides of the face.
In 19th century England, the word “cap” eventually took on the meaning of a woman’s head covering, which was worn outdoors in public places to cover the hair. The shape of the hat continued to be more specific and the peak or brim larger, sometimes so large that it actually restricted all peripheral vision for the wearer. Women would wear different hats for summer, which were usually made of straw, and winter, which were made of a heavier fabric. Easter was the time designated as the first day to wear the summer hat, hence the “Easter Hat Parade.”
There was a definite distinction between the hats of upper class women and those of the lower class. “Lamas hats”, for example, were worn by rural women, and featured a shallower brim and a drape that hung from the back of the hat to cover the upper part of the shoulders. “Push caps” were more fashionable and were often worn by upper-class women. They featured a large, wide rim and were adorned with ribbons, ruffles, or flowers.
As times changed and it became appropriate for women to display their hair in public, hats died out as a mainstay for women’s outerwear. In contemporary times, hats are generally only worn by babies. The baby hat is usually made of a soft, knit material that ties just below the chin. Covers baby’s hair and ears to keep baby warm in cold weather. However, in the military, men’s hats are sometimes referred to as a bonnet, such as glengarry caps, which are boat-shaped military caps.
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