Tricorn hat

A tricorn hat, also known as a tricorne, is a kind of headwear from the 17th and 18th centuries. The look has a wide brim, which gets folded on three sides and then fixed with pins to make it a triangle shape. The word "tricorn" comes from two Latin words: "tri" means three, and "cornu" means horn because the hat has a shape like three corners or horns.

Materials of tricorn hats

Tricorn hats were usually created from different materials. The material selection was influenced by the wearer's intended purpose and social position. One common essence in making these hats is felt, which comes from compressed and tangled wool or fur. People often chose the fabric as it wasn't too costly, could be molded well when wet, and had good endurance to wear and tear. The felt was commonly dyed black, but sometimes other shades were utilized. For more costly tricorn hats, particularly those belonging to the upper class, or for formal events, they would utilize beaver fur or leather tricorn hats. Besides real leather, beaver fur was very valuable because of its soft texture and glossy appearance; it also had better resistance against water than felt. These hats would sometimes have silk or satin lining inside them for extra luxury. In contrast, military or colonial tricorn hats were usually created from tougher and more useful elements. They were covered with tar or pitch to prevent water from seeping through, making them waterproof; it is why they occasionally got called "tar buckets."

How to maintain tricorn hats

To keep the tricorn hat in good condition, treat it like any other item of clothing or accessory. If the material is felt or fur, avoid washing it with water, which might harm the texture. Using a tender brush to eliminate dust or soil is good. A wet cloth can be used for strong dirt, together with mild soap. However, testing a small spot first is important so that the color does not change. Do not hold the tricorn hat from its brim to keep its form intact. If the hat loses its original shape, there might be an option - sometimes, the wearer can reshape it by lightly steaming and then molding it while still warm. If the tricorn hat possesses any extra items such as feathers, ribbons, or metal decorations, these might need particular attention. Feathers could be softly wiped with a moist fabric, and shiny metal parts may have to be polished.

History and use cases of tricorn hats

The tri-corner hat, known as a tricorn hat, had its beginnings in the sphere of practical design for military and naval use. The wide brim was meant to protect the wearer's face from weather elements, while turned-up edges permitted soldiers to shoulder their muskets without knocking off their headgear. Gradually, they became seen as an emblem of style and status among European gentry and aristocracy. The authentic tricorn hat symbolizes the period known for the American Revolutionary War. But by the end of the 18th century, the hat had gone out of style; people wore other types, such as top hats, instead. These days, people find British tricorn hats frequently in historical re-enactments, movies set during certain periods, and also traditional uniforms like those worn by Chelsea Pensioners from the UK.