National Bonnet Day

A cheerful woman wearing a vintage bonnet, sitting in a cozy armchair, surrounded by hats of different styles and eras.. — National bonnet day illustration

Let's put a lid on it for a moment, shall we? Or rather, let's put our bonnets on! Welcome to our little history lesson about National Bonnet Day which, might we say, is a top-topper of a day. If you're a hat-lover, pull up a comfy chair and feel the coziness of your bonnet as we peel back the layers of this underappreciated marvel!

When is Bonnet Day?

It's national bonnet day on the 27th September.

A Tip of the Bonnet to National Bonnet Day

Picture it: 141 mentions fluttering about like doves on the internet, their wings whispering the secrets of National Bonnet Day. On the grand old day of 27th September 2017, these whispers became shouts as the internet frothed in delightful chatter about this special occasion. But what exactly is National Bonnet Day and why do we celebrate it? Wonder no more, dear reader.

Under the Bonnet, the History of the Bonnet

The bonnet: cute, quirky, and a heck of a good windbreaker. It's worn by grandmas, pioneers... and even cats in viral videos. Historically, bonnets were the bee's knees when it came to fashion, and ladies would spend hours designing and ornamenting these lovely hats. They were often used as status symbols, as well as practical headwear, protecting one's noggin from the sun or stray falling acorns (hey, it happens).

The Unforgettable September 27, 2017

Ah, the year of 2017, the birthing time of National Bonnet Day. It started off inconspicuously, just another day until, lo and behold, the internet exploded with bonnet appreciation. Feathers were used as quills, and every corner of social media was filled with bonnet-themed posts. Instagram saw a flurry of hashtags, Facebook groups sprouted faster than daisies in spring, and Twitter tweets chirped with delight about in-fashion bonnet styles.

How to Celebrate National Bonnet Day

Every year, as September rolls around, dust off your bonnet collections, or better yet, make your own! Host a bonnet-themed party or parade around town with your fanciest bonnet. Share your celebrations on social media and encourage others to appreciate the delightful charm of bonnets. Because, let’s face it, nothing says 'divinely dignified head accessory' like a bonnet!

History behind the term 'Bonnet'

12th century

Medieval Headwear

The term 'bonnet' originated in the 12th century and referred to a type of medieval headwear. During this time, bonnets were primarily worn by both men and women and were typically made of fabric stiffened with buckram.

16th century

Evolution of Bonnet Styles

By the 16th century, bonnets had evolved into various styles, reflecting the changing fashion trends. Women's bonnets during this period often had brims to shade the face and protect the skin from the sun, while men's bonnets were more of a cap-like structure.

17th century

Rise in Popularity

During the 17th century, bonnets gained immense popularity in Europe. They became an essential accessory and were often lavishly decorated with ribbons, feathers, and jewels. Bonnets became a symbol of social status and were worn by people across different classes.

18th century

Bonnet Craze

In the 18th century, the bonnet craze reached its peak. Bonnets became larger and more elaborate, and their popularity spread to other parts of the world, including the American colonies. Women's bonnets were highly fashionable and were considered an important part of a lady's ensemble.

19th century

Transition to Protective Headgear

As the 19th century rolled in, bonnets started to take on a more functional role, transitioning from being purely fashionable to serving a practical purpose. Bonnets began to have wider brims to protect the face and neck from the sun, and women's bonnets often had strings or ribbons to securely tie them under the chin.

20th century

Bonnet Modernization

With the advent of the 20th century, bonnets gradually fell out of mainstream fashion, making way for more modern headwear styles. However, the term 'bonnet' continued to be used to describe various hat-like structures and head coverings.

Today

Bonnet Celebrations

Although bonnets may not be as prevalent in everyday fashion today, they still hold cultural significance. In some cultures, bonnets are worn as part of traditional costumes during festivities and celebrations, keeping the historical significance of the term alive.

Did you know?

Did you know? The world record for the largest collection of hats belongs to Aaron 'Frill Seeker' Fowler, with over 4,000 hats! Raises the question, how many of those are bonnets, huh?