Hat History & Millinery History

three women from 1940s shown in serviceable suits and hats of the era

1940s Hats: Wartime Style, Hollywood Influence & the New Look

In the first half of the decade especially, hats became a creative counterpoint to increasingly practical clothing. Bright accessories were often viewed as morale boosters, bringing colour and individuality into daily life during a difficult period. During this time, many milliners embraced the idea that hats should brighten both the face and the spirit.

Meaghan Armstrong

Aug 1816 min read

1930s Millinery

The Era of Depression, Surrealism and Modesty Meaghan Armstrong- Milliner/Millinery Historian The Depression era in Canada, encompassing the 1930s, was marked by notable changes and innovations in fashion. Despite the widespread economic challenges of the period, fashion continued to progress, showcasing a resilience that mirrors broader societal trends. Historically, fashion has consistently exhibited a dual nature: it remains both a constant and a dynamic force, adapting to

Meaghan Armstrong

Mar 4, 20256 min read

1920s - Hats For The New Woman

Meaghan Armstrong- Milliner/Millinery Historian The significant social transformation following WWI was mirrored in the fashion of the new woman. 1920s millinery fashion and flapper hat trends demonstrated the modern woman. There were new fabrics, new shapes, new hair, make-up and accessories. There were new and expanding ways to shop, and more and more women in the workforce had more disposable income. Fashion moved away from just the courtiers of Paris and, with the help of

Meaghan Armstrong

Jan 28, 20258 min read

1911–1919 Women's Hat Styles From Edwardian to World War I

The hats during the pre-war period started as large as they were at the end of the Edwardian period but became smaller in width and height l

Meaghan Armstrong

Nov 12, 20246 min read

Edwardian Hats (1901–1910): A History of Women's Hats

Meaghan Armstrong Please Read In this article, I will use the terms woman, man, both sexes, lower, upper, and middle class. These terms are used to define these groups of people for clarity since there is not a current terminology to use to define these groups succinctly. I wish to state that using colonialist, patriarchal, white supremacist, classist, and generally puerile terminology is against my personal opinions, but here we are in societal transition. Vive la différence

Meaghan Armstrong

Sep 25, 20245 min read

Sources & Further Reading

The historical information in my articles is based on research from museum collections, historical publications, period manuals and books, archival material, and other reputable historical sources.

General sources I regularly consult include:

MET Costume Collection, LACMA, Philadelphia Museum, Kyoto Museum, Canadian Museum of Civilization, FIDM Museum, la-museum.com, Fashion History Museum, V&A Museum, The British Museum. The National Archives in Britain, France, Canada and America
Internet archives.org, Wikipedia and all subsequent links,
Toronto Gazette, Eatons, Sears Roebuck, Simpsons, Montgomery Ward Catalogues and many many scattered bits of information scattered all over the internet and through many books, museum visits and a lifetime of collecting knowledge and making hats.
Toronto Research Library, Womens Institute Archives, Toronto Archives. Vancouver Archives, Montreal Archives
1stDibs.com, Pinterest, Many Facebook Fashion History Groups, Vintage Dancer, Canadian War Museum, Fashion Conservatory, Alamy Images, Ebay, Etsy, VintageInn.com,

Individual articles may draw from additional sources specific to the subject. Historical information is paraphrased from these sources unless otherwise noted. Information will be added as needed.

Le Petit Chapeau

Handmade Millinery since 1998

1940s Hats: Wartime Style, Hollywood Influence & the New Look

1930s Millinery

1920s - Hats For The New Woman

1911–1919 Women's Hat Styles From Edwardian to World War I

Edwardian Hats (1901–1910): A History of Women's Hats

Sources & Further Reading