Cavalier hat facts for kids
A cavalier hat was a popular type of hat worn in the 1600s. It had a wide brim, which is the part that sticks out around the bottom. These hats were often made from soft felt material. They usually had a fancy decoration: a large feather from an ostrich. People often wore them with one side of the brim turned up or pinned to the hat's top, then decorated with more feathers.
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What is a Cavalier Hat?
A cavalier hat is a style of hat that was very fashionable in the 17th century, which is the 1600s. It was known for its wide brim. The hats were usually made from felt, a soft fabric created by pressing wool or other fibers together. A common decoration was a large, showy feather, often from an ostrich.
How Were Cavalier Hats Worn?
These hats were often worn in a special way. Sometimes, one side of the wide brim would be "cocked up," meaning it was turned upwards. Other times, a part of the brim was pinned to the side of the hat's crown, which is the top part. This style was a bit like a "slouch hat." After being shaped, the hat was then decorated with one or more feathers, making it look very grand.
Why is it Called a Cavalier Hat?
The cavalier hat gets its name from a group of people called the Cavaliers. These were supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War. This war happened in England in the mid-1600s. The Cavaliers were known for their fancy and often over-the-top clothing, and the cavalier hat was a key part of their look.
Where Were Cavalier Hats Popular?
Even though they are named after English Cavaliers, these hats were a common fashion across all of Europe during the 17th century. They were worn by many different people, not just soldiers or supporters of the king. The cavalier hat remained a popular style for many years. Eventually, it was replaced by a new fashion trend: the tricorne hat. The tricorne hat had its brim folded up in three places, forming a triangle shape.
See also
- List of hats and headgear
