Victorian bonnet

Bonnets are headgear tied under the chin with a ribbon or string. Usually, a bonnet is worn at the back of the head, and the forehead is exposed.

The bonnet was women’s standard headpiece during the 19th century. Originally bonnet was worn only at home, mostly by female servants and workers, to keep hair tidy and protected while doing everyday chores. Women were supposed to wear some head covering whenever in public – covering your head was a sign of modesty and humility. Some versions of the bonnet literally prevented women from looking left or right without first turning their heads. Bonnets offered privacy, but they were also part of the changing fashions.

Gradually bonnets also became part of high fashion, and their structures became more complicated. Bonnets became smaller when parasols became popular in the 1850-70s and hats were fashionable again. Since then, the bonnets have been associated with modesty and are worn mainly by religious groups like the Amish and Quakers.

Recently bonnets have become a micro trend thanks to the prairie dress craze and lolita fashion.