What is a pill box hat? Well, pill box hat is a small women's hat which derives its name from a box designed to store pills. It looks pretty much like a pill box, only it is a bit larger than that. It is stiff and has straight edges. It is usually made from materials that are capable of retaining the form. Felt is the most preferred material for making pill box hats.
History
Pill box hat was immensely popular in the seventeenth century, among European women. Then, these hats went out of fashion for almost three centuries. They made such a huge come back in 1960s that they became a rage among women. Such was the popularity of pill box hat that famous singer Bob Dylan immortalized this hat in his song 'leopard skin pill box hat', from his 1966 album Blonde on Blonde. During this era, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was responsible for popularizing these hats. She famously wore a bone white pill box hat to her husband's inauguration. She was spotted in her trademark pill box hat on several important occasions. Unfortunately, she also wore it on the day of her husband's assassination. From thereon, the popularity of pill box hat began to decline as people associated it with this unfortunate event.
How to Wear
Although, pill box hat is greatly out of fashion now, you can still spot it during traditional or military events in some countries. Some commonwealth countries have retained the tradition of wearing pill box hats during military events. In fact, it is very much a part of uniform of Royal Military College of Canada. Since, it is pretty small it must be pinned down on the head. When the popularity of pill box hat was at its peak, the bouffant hairdo was also immensely popular. Women used to wear these hats atop this large, bold hairstyle. The hat would be strategically placed on top of the head so that it did not crush the hairdo. These days, you can pin this hat with large decorative pins or you may choose to secure it with small, hidden pins. Choose a hairdo, that can accentuate the beauty of this hat. Also take care that the hat should not disturb your hairdo. These days pill box hat patterns include a contrasting cuff, which gives it a more casual appearance. Hats made from soft, rumpled fabric can be worn on informal occasions. Some women wear veiled pill box hats for a more somber look, apt for churches or other such places.
Where to Find
Pill box hats can be found at stores that specialize in traditional or ethnic wear. However, you might be charged heavily at these stores. If you are thinking about making one yourself, then you should browse the Internet to get several patterns of pill box hats. Go through online videos and other sites that guide you. However, the best option to buy these hats would be through online stores. You get myriad varieties in terms of color, fabric and pattern on these sites. What's more, you also get best bargain prices for these hats. Sift through the catalogs of online shopping websites to find the pill box hat of your choice.
Pill box hat was an epitome of style during its hay days. You may revive this fashion if you want to make an ultimate fashion statement akin to our beloved Jackie Kennedy.
