Mid-Victorian hats were a high fashion item worn for leisure occasions. Bonnets were the normal headwear of choice for all ladies, but a hat could be worn under certain circumstances.
Hats were generally for sports, recreation, and vacation spots. A hat might be worn while riding, at a croquet party, or while strolling at the seaside. It would likely not be worn for formal occasions such as church or a wedding, or for mundane occasions such as grocery shopping or working in the garden.
Construction
A typical early 1860s hat had some or all of the following characteristics:
- Finely plaited or woven straw
- Shallow 1"-3" tall crown higher in the front and back and narrower on the sides
- Oval crown shaped to sit high on the head
- Narrow brim shaped to dip down in front and back, or another variation dips down all the way around
- More information at If I Had My Own Blue Box
 |
| La Mode Illustree 1862 |
 |
| Le Follet October 1861 |
 |
The Latest Style of Riding-Dress
Godey's Lady's Book, 1863 |
 |
| Straw Pork Pie Hat |
 |
| Straw Hat with Ribbon and Veil |
