The Pillbox Hat

Mother's pillbox hat

The woman's pillbox hat gets its name from its cylindrical shape and simple design that resembles a round box. Milliners designed it in the 1930's, and it became popular due to its simplicity. This even made it easier to wear than many styles of ladies' hats.

Doris Day

Materials for these hats varied greatly, but they usually came in solid colors without any accessories, such as feathers or flowers. They did come with or without a veil, however. 

The style continued into the forties in some places. My mother had a red, felt one that she bought right after World War II. I still have it.

Jacqueline Kennedy in Dallas

Jacqueline Kennedy made it popular in the sixties, when she was First Lady. Most for hers were designed by Halson. In fact, she was wearing a pink one on that infamous day when her husband was assassinated in Dallas. Since that time, the style has faded. If fashion is true to its history, however, we may see a modern version of the pillbox sometime in the future.

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