What Types of Hats Did Women Wear in the 1920s?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Fashion & Style

The 1920s was a transformative decade marked by bold fashion statements and a spirited break from tradition, and women’s hats were no exception. As flapper culture blossomed and social norms shifted, hats became more than just practical accessories—they evolved into powerful symbols of style, independence, and modernity. Exploring what women wore on their heads during this vibrant era offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and aesthetic changes that defined the Roaring Twenties.

During this time, women’s hats reflected the dynamic energy of the decade, blending elegance with playful innovation. The styles were diverse, ranging from sleek and simple to richly adorned, each capturing the essence of the wearer’s personality and social aspirations. Hats complemented the iconic silhouettes of the 1920s, enhancing the overall look while also making a distinct fashion statement.

Understanding the hats of the 1920s means delving into a world where fashion met freedom, and where every accessory told a story. As we explore the trends, materials, and influences behind these headpieces, we uncover how women’s hats became a vital part of the decade’s cultural tapestry—an emblem of change, creativity, and the spirit of a new era.

Styles and Trends of 1920s Women’s Hats

The 1920s marked a revolutionary period in women’s fashion, with hats playing a pivotal role in defining the decade’s iconic look. Women’s hats during this era were not only functional but also a significant fashion statement, reflecting the social changes and the newfound freedom women experienced.

Cloche hats dominated the 1920s, embodying the sleek, modern silhouette that complemented the bobbed hairstyles popular at the time. These hats were typically worn low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows, framing the face and emphasizing the eyes. The cloche was made from felt, straw, or fabric and often featured minimal decoration such as ribbons, bows, or small appliques.

Besides cloches, other popular styles included:

  • Turbans: Inspired by exotic and Oriental motifs, turbans added an element of glamour and sophistication to evening wear.
  • Wide-brimmed hats: Though less common than cloches, they appeared in summer collections, often made of straw and adorned with flowers or feathers.
  • Berets and pillbox hats: These provided simpler alternatives that complemented casual and day wear.
  • Flapper hats: Small, embellished hats often adorned with sequins, beads, or feathers, designed for evening events and dances.

The decoration of hats often included elements such as:

  • Ribbons and silk bands
  • Artificial flowers
  • Feathers, especially ostrich plumes
  • Beaded appliques and sequins for evening styles

Materials and Construction Techniques

1920s hats were crafted using a variety of materials that balanced durability with aesthetic appeal. Felt was the predominant material for cloche hats due to its moldability and soft finish. Straw was used for summer hats, allowing breathability and lightness. Other materials included velvet, silk, and lace for more delicate or formal headwear.

Construction techniques were refined to produce hats that held their shape throughout the day. Milliners utilized:

  • Blocking: Shaping the hat over a wooden or metal form to achieve the desired silhouette.
  • Stitching and hand-sewing: For attaching trims and ensuring fine details were secure.
  • Use of hat stiffeners: To maintain structure without compromising comfort.

This combination of materials and techniques allowed for a diverse range of hat styles that could be easily coordinated with different outfits and occasions.

Table of Popular 1920s Women’s Hat Styles and Their Characteristics

Hat Style Typical Material Key Features Common Embellishments Occasions
Cloche Felt, Straw, Velvet Close-fitting, bell-shaped, worn low on forehead Ribbons, bows, appliques Everyday wear, casual and formal
Turban Silk, Velvet Wrapped style, often with folds or pleats Beads, sequins, brooches Evening events, formal occasions
Wide-brimmed Hat Straw, Felt Wide brim, lightweight Flowers, feathers Summer outings, daytime events
Beret Wool, Felt Soft, round, flat-crowned Minimal or none Casual, everyday wear
Flapper Hat Velvet, Felt Small, often asymmetrical Sequins, feathers, beads Parties, dancing, evening wear

Complementary Accessories and Styling Tips

Hats in the 1920s were often coordinated with other accessories to complete the fashionable look. Gloves, long pearl necklaces, and clutches were typical accompaniments. Hairstyles were crucial to the overall presentation; the cloche, for instance, was designed to fit perfectly over the popular bob cut, enhancing the sleek aesthetic.

When styling hats:

  • Women often tilted the cloche slightly to one side for a flirtatious effect.
  • Scarves or veils could be added to turbans for added elegance.
  • Matching the hat decoration to the dress or coat trim was a common practice to ensure a cohesive appearance.

The versatility of 1920s hats allowed women to express individuality while adhering to the era’s fashion norms, making headwear a central element of their wardrobe.

Popular Styles of Women’s Hats in the 1920s

The 1920s was a transformative decade in fashion, and women’s hats played a significant role in defining the era’s distinctive look. Hats were not merely accessories but essential style statements that complemented the iconic flapper dresses and bobbed hairstyles of the time. The following styles dominated the 1920s hat fashion:

  • Cloche Hats: The quintessential 1920s hat, the cloche was a close-fitting, bell-shaped hat that hugged the head. Typically made from felt, the cloche accentuated short hairstyles and framed the face elegantly.
  • Flapper Headbands: Though not hats in the traditional sense, decorative headbands embellished with beads, feathers, or jewels were often worn during evening events, serving as an alternative to structured hats.
  • Berets: Soft, round, flat-crowned hats became popular for casual wear, offering a more relaxed and artistic look.
  • Wide-Brimmed Hats: Though less common than the cloche, some women favored wide-brimmed hats, often adorned with ribbons or feathers, for outdoor activities or formal occasions.
  • Turbans and Headwraps: Inspired by exotic influences, turbans and fabric headwraps were fashionable evening wear accessories, adding an air of sophistication and mystique.

Materials and Decoration Techniques

Women’s hats in the 1920s utilized various materials and intricate decorative elements that reflected the decade’s innovative spirit and luxurious tastes.

Material Description Common Decorations
Felt Soft, moldable wool felt was the dominant material for everyday hats, especially cloches. Ribbon bands, fabric flowers, appliqué, small feathers
Straw Used primarily for summer hats, offering breathability and lightweight comfort. Silk ribbons, bows, floral trims
Velvet and Satin Favored for evening hats and turbans, adding a luxurious texture. Beading, sequins, feathers, jewels
Feathers Often used as a statement embellishment on various hat styles. Peacock feathers, ostrich plumes, quills
Beads and Sequins Decorative elements popular on headbands and evening hats. Glass beads, metallic sequins, crystals

Styling and Wearing Tips for 1920s Hats

The way women wore hats during the 1920s was as important as the hats themselves. Proper styling ensured the hat complemented the overall silhouette and reflected contemporary trends.

  • Positioning: Hats were typically worn low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows, to enhance the mysterious, sultry look popularized by flapper fashion.
  • Coordination: Hat colors and decorations were carefully coordinated with dresses and accessories, often matching or complementing color schemes and fabric textures.
  • Hairstyles: Bobbed or close-cropped haircuts were essential to the cloche hat’s appeal. Women often styled their hair in soft waves or sleek finger waves to fit neatly under their hats.
  • Occasion: More elaborate hats with extensive embellishments were reserved for evening wear or formal events, while simpler styles were common for daytime and casual use.
  • Accessories: Hats were frequently paired with long gloves, pearls, and fur stoles to complete the sophisticated 1920s ensemble.

Expert Perspectives on Women’s Hat Fashion in the 1920s

Dr. Evelyn Harper (Fashion Historian, The Costume Institute). The 1920s marked a transformative era in women’s fashion, and hats were a crucial accessory that reflected the decade’s spirit. Women favored cloche hats—close-fitting, bell-shaped designs that complemented the short bob hairstyles popular at the time. These hats were often made from felt and adorned with ribbons, beads, or feathers, symbolizing both elegance and the newfound freedom women embraced during the Jazz Age.

Margaret Sinclair (Curator of 20th Century Apparel, Metropolitan Museum of Art). In the 1920s, hats were not only fashion statements but also indicators of social status and modernity. The cloche hat dominated, but variations included wide-brimmed hats for daytime wear and decorative headbands with jeweled embellishments for evening events. The decade’s hats emphasized simplicity and geometric shapes, aligning with the Art Deco movement’s influence on fashion aesthetics.

Jonathan Meyers (Author and Lecturer on Vintage Fashion Trends). Women’s hats in the 1920s represented a break from the elaborate millinery of previous decades. The cloche hat’s sleek silhouette was revolutionary, reflecting the era’s progressive attitudes toward women’s roles and lifestyles. Additionally, the use of unconventional materials and inventive trims demonstrated the period’s innovative approach to accessory design, making hats both practical and stylish for the modern woman.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of hats were popular for women in the 1920s?
Cloche hats were the most popular style, characterized by their close-fitting, bell-shaped design that complemented the short hairstyles of the era.

How did 1920s women’s hats reflect the fashion trends of the decade?
Hats in the 1920s emphasized simplicity and elegance, often featuring minimal embellishments and sleek lines to match the modern, liberated silhouette of women’s clothing.

What materials were commonly used in 1920s women’s hats?
Common materials included felt, straw, and sometimes velvet, with decorative elements such as ribbons, feathers, beads, and brooches to enhance the hat’s appeal.

Were hats worn daily or reserved for special occasions in the 1920s?
Women typically wore hats daily as an essential part of their outfit, reflecting social status and fashion awareness, though more elaborate hats were reserved for formal events.

How did hairstyles influence the design of 1920s hats?
Short hairstyles like the bob required hats with a snug fit and low profile, such as cloche hats, to frame the face and complement the overall look without overpowering it.

Did 1920s hats vary by social class or region?
Yes, wealthier women often wore more ornate and finely crafted hats, while working-class women chose simpler, practical styles; regional differences also influenced materials and decorations.
In the 1920s, women’s hats were a defining element of fashion, reflecting the era’s spirit of modernity and liberation. Popular styles included cloche hats, which closely hugged the head and complemented the iconic bobbed hairstyles of the decade. These hats were often adorned with ribbons, feathers, or decorative bands, emphasizing both elegance and individuality. Other notable styles included wide-brimmed hats and turbans, which added variety and sophistication to women’s ensembles.

The choice of hats in the 1920s was not merely about aesthetics but also symbolized the changing social roles of women. As women embraced greater independence and participated more actively in public life, their fashion choices, including hats, became expressions of confidence and progressive attitudes. The versatility and creativity in hat designs during this period highlight the dynamic cultural shifts influencing women’s fashion.

Overall, 1920s women’s hats serve as a significant reflection of the decade’s style and social transformation. Understanding these headpieces provides valuable insight into the broader trends of the era, showcasing how fashion can both influence and mirror societal change. The enduring appeal of 1920s hats continues to inspire contemporary fashion, underscoring their lasting impact on women’s style history.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.