Cat in a Hat

 A Secret Santa gift turned out to be a Christmas cat hat and collar

As you can see by my cat expression he was not pleased to made to look foolish, cats are too cool for that.

The hat sort of managed to stay on for a few minutes, long enough for a few photos

Another attempt at a cat in hat photo.

 I did have to try it myself.

Christmas Novelty Hat

 This is a hat for Christmas only.

A basic beanie with a pompom on top

Patterned like a Santa costume.

Then for added jollity, a white fleece beard mask hung from the front.

I was given this as Christmas gift and will wear it, also will make my Facebook avatar for this December.

The beard is detachable held in place with a couple of press-studs and in my opinion looks better without it, although that is probably not the point of this hat.

Muffin Bonnet

 This very bright magenta coloured hat is constructed like a muffin cap with a lot of access fabric fixed to a headband.

There is so much extra fabric however that the headband is hidden, plus it all crinkly and uneven so I can't really call it a muffin cap.

It kinda looks like a turban, also like a women slouchy baggy beanie, but it is none of those either

Maybe I could call it a Muffin bonnet.

But really this hat goes in the as yet uncategorised pile.

Worn with some equally bright colours to make it not look too ridiculous

Leather Tricorn

This leather tricorn was a Christmas gift from friends Rich & Amy, but due to the crazy covid 2020, I've not had a chance to use it yet.

This is one of those quality hats, solid and robust that I try to avoid buying myself, any hat that cost me more £25 new or second hand I rarely buy, so this was a brilliant gift that I hope gets plenty of use.

Most 18th century tricorns were probably made of wool felt, but for the less gentlemanly person leather was a good substitute and would make a more practical hat, especially for a pirate.

This particular hat is quite heavy for fashion hat, the leather is thick, it would make a good safety hat or helmet which is no bad thing.

I can't wait to use this hat, role on next year and normality at some point.

Decorated Tricorn

 This tricorn is decorated quite modestly compared to some.

The badge has a medal like an appearance, so it feels like it could be used by some militia or perhaps an officer, not a tricorn for a pirate.

The badge was poorly attached and the ribbon not at all when I got it from a market, so had to sew it back together. 

Leather Kepi

 This black leather Kepi was donated.

Leather is not a material usually associated with Kepi's at least ones wanting to be historically accurate, this one, however, was purchased by Larper so the need to authentic was not as important as the look it provided.

Not a very British hat, although they were worn by male uniformed British Rail workers in 1960 to 70;s perhaps we envied French rail at the time. 

Kepi history and facts have been covered in my blog previously, so I won't add any more today other than what's above.

A robust functional leather version of a Kepi.

Cloth Cap

 I have a few flat caps, this is one of my favourites.

Not sure what makes it a favourite, maybe the brown colour works well with other clothing or maybe its just a comfortable hat.

I have posted so many flat caps before so not much new to say, an old cap that still fashionable in today's world.

Librarian's hat

This style of hat I like to call a Librarian's hat, since I see it worn by some sort medieval scholar or portrait painter, although it's not specific to anyone of that sort in reality.

Made of wool fabric sewn to form the shape.

Ideal for reenactor, theatre or larp use, will suit a multitude of characters

If looking for a hat of this style online look for a medieval wool crown hat

Red & brown nightcaps

I've already posted photos of one of this set of 8 nightcaps, the 2 in the photos below are the other jersey fabric's used in the set

Part of Ebenezer Scrooges wardrobe. 

Used to keep you head warm in the British Isle and other colder regions of Europe before central heating.

The long train of fabric forming the crown was used to wrap around the neck and act as a scarf.

Novelty Police Helmet

 Unlike the previous post, this is not a genuine police helmet.

A novelty helmet for a fancy dress made from that compressed paper mache felt substance that make the basic structure for a lot of novelty hats.

The size is also smaller than the real thing making it look almost comedic on my head.

This one does have a badge though.

Police Custodians Helmet

 The police Custodians helmets were first worn 1863 replacing the Top Hat worn before

Originally made of cork and balanced on the head they provided none or limited protection. It wasn't until the 1970's that a proper padding, safety style harness, chin straps and hard shells were gradually added.

This helmet is the crest style of custodians helmet, purchased without its badge on the front. Helmets with badges are sold for much more money as the badges are collectable.

One other note the custodian helmet is the helmet worn by male police officers

The photo below is from a reenactment of the Battle of Orgreave, a violent confrontation between picketer and police during the miner's strike.