Hats against Bonnets – Peterson’s 1865

My friend, Sue L., found a must share passage regarding the wear of hats in a July, 1865 Peterson’s Magazine. On page 74 in the Editor’s Table….

Hats against Bonnets.–The attempt to make hats unfashionable has not succeeded. There are, indeed, more bonnets worn: but many ladies still prefer hats: in fact look better in them. The hats are so various that it would be difficult to indicate which form is preferred. Some ladies wear hats more like the high-crowned black hats worn by men: the crown is not quite so high, and the brim is broader–these are the only differences; we have engraved one of these hats. Very little trimming is added; a flower is usually placed at the side, and appears to fasten a scarf, which is twisted round the top of the brim and falls on the shoulders. These hats are made of either black or white sewed-straw, and the color of the veil corresponds with that of the hat. The toquet, with brim turned up at the sides, and forming a point both at the back and front, is very becoming to the generality of faces; a long feather is won round these toquets, and forms the sole ornament to them. The jardinière hats are also worn. These have round brims, which are turned down and bound with velvet, to which is added either a gauze or lace veil. These hats are worn alike by young girls and their mothers, and especially by those who are not sufficiently youthful to adopt any of the faster forms.