The style, fabric and color of Renaissance hats indicated social rank.
During the Renaissance, sumptuary laws dictated the type, style and even the color of clothing a person could wear based on his social rank and title. Thus, the type of hat a noble wore was a sign to others. Hats of the nobility made a statement and were often highly elaborate and decorative. Typically, they were custom-made by hand from velvet, silk, satin or brocade fabric.
Berets
The beret, common among ordinary people today, was a hat reserved for nobility during the Renaissance.
Berets were a very popular style of menswear among the nobility. The beret is a round, flat-crowned, soft, slightly floppy hat. During the Renaissance, they were often decorated with feathers, jewels or tassels. It is known to be a favorite style of King Henry VIII.
Cavaliers
Cavaliers were worn by both men and women, usually during sporting activities.
Cavaliers were popular among male and female nobility during the Renaissance. Cavaliers have wide brims that were often turned upward on one side and decorated with exotic feathers. Nobles would wear these most often when hunting or horseback riding.
Circlets
Circlets get their name from the circular shape of their base.
Circlets were considered a very stylish hat for women nobles. Circlets were round, crown-shaped cloth hats trimmed with long, sumptuous fabric veils. They were often embroidered with intricate designs, and for the very highest nobility, this was done with gold or silver thread.
French Hoods
French hoods are shaped like a large, rounded headband, which is worn in combination with a veil train or a snood --- a decorative, netted hair-piece that gathers long hair. They were often made from luxurious, embroidered fabric and trimmed with lace or woven brocade.
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