Elizabethan Men’s hats
In the Elizabethan era, hats were a crucial part of the wardrobe for women as well as men. For me, however, it was more for practical purposes. Although with time, they became a fashion statement as well.
The lizabethan era came to be known as the Peacock age owing to the fashions that was in rage at that time. The Elizabethan hats for men transcended the practical uses and became more fancy and decorative.
The bands of the hats were made of rich silk and the brim of the hat was often turned up and attached to the head using a gem or brooch. The nobility would wear flashy concoctions which would dictate the fashion trend.
Elizabethan Era Clothing
In the Elizabethan era, clothing was governed by the Sumptuary Laws of England. Everyone was supposed to dress up according to its provisions. However, like always, the higher classes could get away with almost anything, including their choice of clothing.
An astonishing fact was that all people above six years of age were ordered to wear woollen caps on Sunday and other holidays to augment the trade in wool in England. This was not meant for the higher classes.
What Men Wore in the Elizabethan Era
Silk, wool, taffeta and velvet were generally used to make hats in Elizabethan times. The men who were old also wore a coif to swathe their head beneath the hat. The coif was also called biggin. The length of a hat determined the social standing of a man. The longer it was, the more noteworthy the man was. Hence, the commoners used caps made of wok that were flat.
A toque was also a flat cap. The commoners also wore a muffin hat, not unlike a chef’s hat. The affluent wore hats made of rich materials like velvet, silk and sarcenet and more. The hats were as colourful as a woman’s hat. And the Elizabethan men could all but keep up with the transient fashions.
Elizabethan Era hats for Men
Feathers were a rage in Elizabethan England. People from all strata of the society adorned their hats with feather, either normal or opulently flashy. In fact, it became so popular that everyone, from peasant to prince and even children would wear feathers in their caps.
The Elizabethan men from higher class wore richly adorned hats. They were decorated with pearls, gems and jewels, brooch, ribbon or a badge. The bad of the hat was decorated thus. The material of the band itself was very expensive.
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