18th Century Milan Straw Hat Blank - 5" Brim

Product Description

This 18th Century Milan Straw Hat Blank with 5" Brim is ready for your next millinery project! Add a silk ribbon for an understated look or create a silk-covered and elaborately trimmed masterpiece for your next carriage ride down Duke of Gloucester Street.

Features

• Hand-woven straw hat blank
• Measurements: 15.5" total diameter, 16.5" band circumference, 5" crown diameter, 1" crown height.

This is a hand-woven item - some slight variation to the above measurements should be expected. Don't want to decorate your own hat? Visit Tarpley, Thompson, and Company in the Historic Area for a variety of straw hats and other fashionable costumes made in our historic area sewing room.

Inspiration

During the 18th century, straw hats like these could be worn plain with a small decoration of silk ribbon, or elaborately decorated with silk covers, feathers, flowers and lace depending on the means and taste of the wearer. Numerous portraits and drawings of women wearing straw hats from all classes can be found in the collections of Colonial Williamsburg, as well as advertisements in the Virginia Gazette for "chip" hats and other millinery goods to be had at the Margaret Hunter shop in Williamsburg. Today, our interpreters often wear straw hats as part of their dress, both as a fashion accessory and as a way to stay cool during the summer season. Be sure to stop by the Margaret Hunter Millinery Shop in the Historic Area to learn all about millinery in the 18th Century from our tradespeople.