Caps and Hats: Why We Wear Them?

Since time immemorial our ancestors had been wearing headgears. Apart from the caps and hats' purpose of protection, it was also a status symbol of different ranks of the early society where they can be easily spotted through the lavish headgears they are wearing.

  

       Phrygian Cap                                                           Victorian Hat  
 

Source: victorianamagazine.com

Source: emilyway.com

The first hats were depicted in a painting from a tomb in Thebes showing a man wearing a conical straw hat. In the early days, hats are simple skull caps called Pileus and the Phrygian cap which is also called as liberty cap, since it was used by freed slaves in the ancient Greece and Rome. Headgears like crown and decorated hats are already a popular symbol of status since the BC era, but its use for fashion started in the early 16^th century as women started to wear structured hats made by male courtiers or hatters. In 18^th century, the word “milliner” was coined in the City of Milan in Italy where beautiful hats were made. Millineries then were not only making hats for both men and women, but also hats with lace, trimmings and bonnets decorated with flowers, ribbons, and feathers.

At the start of 20^th century, caps emerged into great popularity. Its purpose was known not only for fashion, but with higher consideration for protection against the wind and weather. Caps are typically designed for warmth and to block the sunlight from reaching the eyes with its visor. Modern caps now come in many shapes and sizes while using different material to fit the wearers choice.

Moreover, caps are also commonly used in sports like baseball, football, etc. Basketball stars and fans alike uses caps with their favorite team logo embroidered in it. Like any other sports and famous leagues, caps are used for uniformity and for “promotion.” Lots of promotional caps are hitting the market today with a purpose to make a brand known. It may come as giveaway, but there are also caps which are sold by exclusive distributors, especially if the cap contains a logo and/or brand of a popular organization or sport icons.

Ladies Cotton Cap

 

 

 

Eco-Friendly Bamboo-Fabric Cap

 

  

There are few classifications of caps that can fit every style and preference. Caps can be embroidered or printed in variety of materials caps are made of. For people who cares greatly for the environment, eco-friendly caps are made of textiles such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo-fabric. Bamboo-fabric made caps boasts antibacterial properties that keeps the odor at bay while being absorbent at the same time. It wicks moisture and does not stick to the skin for a cool feeling even on the hot weather.

Embroidery is great in promotional hats as it pops and can be easily seen. It is also durable especially if it uses good quality embroidery threads that will stand uncountable washes. As a promotional item, caps are always on top of the trend as people find it useful. It is an advantage if the person planning to make embroidered caps for promotions to settle for quality, as for many people will wear the cap, others will also be aware of the brand the business is promoting.

The usage of caps have transformed from the early age until the present. However, its essence is still the same for caps are always for fashion and protection.