Medieval Straw Hats for Ladies in the 12th Century

No specific factor ties woven straw hats to women over men, and this head covering is ancient, with straw garments dating to prehistoric times. Neither prestigious nor made of expensive materials, straw hats still are available throughout the world.

Europe

Medieval Europeans who practiced farm labor or other work in the sun wore straw hats to protect themselves. This often was worn over a cloth cap, potentially a fitted linen coif or head covering similar to a modern chador. There was no status attached to wearing a straw hat, and the design was a bowl shape for the head and a brim that stuck straight out or tilted down the neck.

Asia

Straw hats resembling the ones worn in Asia during the 12th century still are part of ceremonial garb for some people, such as Buddhist monks. Men and women favored a design without a distinction between the brim and the rest of the hat, either a cone or a round basket with upright sides. These hat designs changed very little between the 7th and 12th century, and were worn by nobility and peasants alike.

Other Parts of the World

Because of limited documentation and records from this time period, the chosen hat designs worn in the Americas, Australia and Africa has not been preserved--but basket weaving, the key skill for making woven hats, flourished anywhere material was available. Any area that previously was part of the Roman empire was exposed to the straw hats favored by the conquers.

Making Straw Hats

Before weaving, straw was softened by soaking or steam; this rendered it pliable and allowed the weaver to shape the strands together. Patterns of weaving, whether simple or highly decorative, were up to the weaver, who might work entirely by hand or with the help of a hat form. Hats eventually dried out and became brittle, making straw hats somewhat disposable items.

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