a milliner at work

How The Term “Milliner” First Originated

Like many of our favourite terms, the word “Milliner” carries within itself fascinating etymology, reflecting the history of the hat making profession throughout the years. The term originated from the word “Milaner,” or “Milener,” referring to a person who was a native of or residing in the Italian city of …

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man taking off bowler hat

Why Did People Stop Wearing Bowler Hats?

The 70s witnessed the sad and now nostalgic end of the bowler hat era. The iconic style was being left behind, and hat lovers suffered as they saw new trends emerge in its place. The real question we should be asking ourselves, however, is, in fact, not “why did people …

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A boonie hat

The History Behind Boonie Hats

Although the boonie hat might not be considered the most attractive hat, it has a rich history of functionality that has made it perfect for military and outdoor use. If you’re not associated with the military, you may not necessarily recognize the name, but you’ve almost certainly seen this hat. …

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image of women wearing a bonnet from 1883

The History of Bonnets: 5 Intriguing Facts

Bonnets have been used since the Middle Ages but fell out of fashion at the end of the 1920s. They were used both as a fashion statement, symbol, and tool.  They normally consisted of a puffy material that was secured around the head and a brim extending over the face. …

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American infantry in revolutionary war reenactment

The Iconic Hat of the Revolutionary War

You don’t have to be a history enthusiast to recall war portraits where well-dressed soldiers sported their black cocked hats. The long road of the Revolutionary War resulted in many remarkable moments; the tricorne hat is perhaps one of the most visually memorable. Let’s take a look at some of …

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Civil war recreation wearing traditional costumes

The Many Hats of The American Civil War

The hats worn during the period of the American Civil War, a conflict spanning from 1861 to 1865, play into a complex historical web of headgear. Despite the many discrepancies found in variations of the same hat, for example, photographs and historic accounts are able to give us a good …

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st-peters-basilica-vatican-city-the-administrative-centre-of-the-roman-catholic-church-and-a-country_t20_9J4o36

The Pope’s Headwear Explained

As with many of the aspects regarding the Catholic Church, there is a rich history behind papal headwear. Often full of meaning and intention, “hats” worn by popes have become famous religious articles that many of us are familiar with today.  The hats most associated with the pope are the …

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