Women's Hats
A greater variety of hats, bonnets, and hairpieces appeared in the 1860s.
Hats were typically small during the 1860s. A small hat was often perched on the front of the head. Small oval hats with cords to hold them in place were popular toward the end of the decade.
1860s Small Hat: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa, Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900, 1995
Bonnets were still worn. Early 1860s bonnets were high and spoon-shaped. After 1864, the bonnet became smaller and was placed on the back of the head with wide ribbon strings. Notice the spoon-shaped bonnet in the image on the left and the small bonnet placed far back on the head in the image on the right.
1860s Bonnets: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa
Low-crowned hats with brims were popular by 1868, often lavishly decorated, as seen in the image below.
1868 Lavishly Decoarted Hat: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa
