Drawn Bonnet, 1840-1849

This is an excellent example of an 1840's drawn bonnet, which was likely worn for formal afternoon events.

Bonnet, about 1850

Bonnet, about 1840

The quilting of this bonnet tells us that it was likely worn seasonally in the fall and winter.

Capote Bonnet, 1820-1830

A capote- literally, French for hood-began to be worn in 1790s.It is characterized by a stiffened fabric brim framing the face, a soft gathered or pouch-line crown, and ribbon ties extending from the crown.The American prairie sunbonnet is a descendant of the capote.

Bonnet, 1848-1857

During the 1850s, popular women's hairstyles were exaggerated at the front, puffed out at the sides, with hair pulled back low on the neck; and hat shapes changed to accommodate this. This is an example of such a hat. It is smaller and the crown does not extend as far out as hats popular in the previous decade. It does however, have a bavolet- the flap of fabric at the base of the crown which covers the nape of the neck- which also began to disappear around this time.

Drawn Bonnet, 1840-1848