Pillbox hat

A pillbox hat is a small woman's hat with a flat crown, straight, upright sides, and no brim. It is named after the small cylindrical or hexagonal cases that pills used to be sold in.

History and description

Historically, the precursor to the pillbox hat was military headgear. During the late Roman Empire, the pilleus pannonius or "Pannonian cap" – headgear similar to the modern pillbox hat – was worn by Roman soldiers. A similar hat was popular with the Flemish in the Middle Ages. In some countries, especially those of the Commonwealth of Nations, a pillbox-like cab, often with a chin strap, can still be seen on ceremonial occasions. For example, the Royal Military College of Canada dress uniform includes a such a hat. Another cap called a kilmarnock is a modern version of the traditional headdress worn by members of virtually all Gurkha regiments.

The modern woman's pillbox hat was invented by milliners in the 1930s, and gained popularity due to its elegant simplicity. Pillbox hats were made out of wool, velvet, organdy, mink, lynx or fox fur, and leopard skin, among many other materials. They were generally designed in solid colors and were unaccesorized, but could include a veil.