A Little Historical Perspective on Headwear - Changing Styles Through History

Both the sexes equally like to wear hats. Though, it's not easy to trace their origin, it is known for certain that the development began from the clumsy yet simple close-fitting caps and the hood of antiquity.

A Short History of Headwear

The first so called hat (because of the brim) was feltpetasus worn by the Greeks. In the middle ages, decorative peaked caps became popular. But the medieval hood wasn't developed before the fourteenth century. In sixteenth century, Henry VIII caused the beret to be liked by all, decorated with jewels and feathers and made of velvet and silk. But the initial history was mainly about hats for men. Later women's hats took on a vibrant fashion life. Improving from a nun-like gable headdress to French hoods and Mary Stuart Caps. In the nineteenth century the most significant development in the hats was that straw were used for the making of bonnets and the Panamas. This was the time when the size of hats kept increasing until the advent of closed automobiles that encouraged the making of small sized hats that would not hit the ceiling or be swept away by the wind.

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Headwear for Woman

Traditionally, a woman was supposed to keep her head covered all the time with the help of some kerchiefs, veils or hoods. But, in the later part of the 16th century, hats for woman got inspired from the different hat styles for the man. The distinct style of hat for woman began evolving from the 17th century. From this time onward the style of hats also began symbolizing the social status of a woman. Some of the woman of the contemporary history, who happily flaunted their cravings for hats, includes the name: Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy.

One of the best attires for a woman is her collection of hats. They are a great way to complement other women's garments. Like all the other dress, hats also are seasonal in nature. In the winter, woman like wearing hats made of animal hair or heavy fur, which keeps her hair warm all the time. But in the summer, she likes to wear hats made of twisted grass and natural fibers and that's why such hats are called straw hats. Another option is to wear cotton hats. Some contemporary styles are: Straw Hats, Breton, Beanies, Military Hats, riding hats, Hoods, Swinger, Baker Boy Caps, Berets, Fur Hats, etc.

Hats for Man

Hats have become a style statement for the men all over the world. It is very common to see a man wearing different ones for different occasions, like beach parties, dinner, ordinary activities, dancing, etc. As far as the seasonality is concerned, it is the same for both sexes. A boys can also take the help of carefully chosen hats to create a mystery around him, which the girls like most. On the other hand, a man can also become Mr. Cool, again by selecting proper ones. Now several multi-national companies are in the millinery business, which is worth billions of dollars.