Hats & Caps |
Hats were made popular by kings, queens and courtiers. Flamboyant hats decorated with feathers from exotic birds were considered as luxury items and status symbols. |
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Hats were not just limited to the affluent circles of society. The masses also wore hats, which were simple and used to protect the head from the sun, winter cold, and other injuries.
To say that wearing of hats is an entirely western concept would be wrong. Headgear was common in other parts of the world and in some cultures; people were required to wear headgear.
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The turban has always been worn in the Northwestern parts of India and during the independence movement; the nationalists wore the Nehruvian cap to express their solidarity with the Indian Congress.
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The fashion of hats declined after the World War II, as during those hard times people feared for their lives and not their possessions. Women began to take on the work, traditionally done by men and hats were replaced by headscarves and bandanas.
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But in western society, the style of hats continued to evolve. The flashy hats took a backseat and gave way to bonnets, straw hats and bowler hats. |
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The Americans made the cowboy hat popular in their movies. Queen Elizabeth II sported different styles of hats and made them popular once again. But the use of hats is now limited to special occasions, such as a wedding.
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