During WWII, hats were frowned upon as an indulgence in the UK, and many woman (not daring to go in public uncovered), found that necessity was indeed the mother of invention. These British women fashioned turbans out of headscarves, which not only protected their hair while working, but also added that little pizzazz needed during an era of drudgery.
Sister, if you couldn’t get a man to notice you with this thing on your noggin, it was time to abandon hope.
Ever wonder how it is that every full-service Mexican restaurant has ample sombreros to place upon each birthday patron’s head? Now you know.
Mexico City 1911, Underwood & Underwood
These milliners are ankle deep in straw hats of different weaves. Do you own one, tucked into the back of your closet? No? Have you ever been the lucky sap beneath the hat at a Mexican restaurant? I have. At the place we patronize each Sunday after church, they chant a generic name to the birthday boy or girl. “Happy BIRTH-day, Panchito, Happy Birthday to you!” And then Panchito gets complimentary fried ice cream.
In the early 1900s, Dutch schoolchildren covered their hair with bonnets, presumably to keep errant hairs from falling in their Lunchables and Capri Suns come lunchtime. Nobody likes finding hairs in her food, right? Free from the burden of maintaining stylish locks, they could focus on their studies, rather than their appearance. See how carefree and joyful they look?
The Way We Lived-Reader’s Digest
These peaked and winged caps often brought out the mischievous nature of the wearer, especially in combination with the bib known as the kraplap (in case crap falls in your lap?).
As the century progressed, sassy youngsters tilted their hats back to showcase a good bang day (which this girl clearly was not having, but she’s selling it, so props).
In modern times, tradition has not faded, as evidenced by this ruddy-cheeked girl from Volendam, North Holland in the Netherlands. It’s so high, it could conceal a rooster’s comb.
Not your cup of tea? Well, I wouldn’t let the Dutch know, as they are the tallest people on the planet, and could probably pummel you. On average, its women stand 5.6 feet tall, and its men over six feet. Add the bonnet, and they’re giants.