.jpg)
Apillbox hat is a smallhat with a flatcrown, straight, upright sides, and nobrim. It is named after the small cylindrical or hexagonal cases that were used for storing or carrying a small number of pills.[1]
Historically, the pillbox hat began as a form of militaryheadgear. During the lateRoman Empire, thepileus pannonicus or "Pannonian cap", a type of headgear similar to the modern pillbox, was worn by Roman soldiers. A similar hat was popular with theFlemish in theMiddle Ages. In the 19th century pillboxes were worn by the units of theBritish Army and its overseas possessions as well as by theBoys Brigade. In some countries, especially those of theCommonwealth of Nations, a pillbox-likeforage cap, often with a chin strap, can still be seen on ceremonial occasions. TheRoyal Military College of Canadadress uniform includes such a hat, and similar caps were standard issue for theVictorian eraBritish Army. Another cap called akilmarnock is a modern version of the traditional headdress worn by members of virtually allGurkha regiments.[2]
The modern woman's pillbox hat was created bymilliners in the 1930s, and gained popularity due to its elegant simplicity. Pillbox hats were made out ofwool,velvet,organdy,mink,lynx orfoxfur, andleopard skin, among many other materials. They were generally designed in solid colors and were unaccessorized, but could include aveil.[1]
Jacqueline Kennedy,First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, was well known for her "signature pillbox hats", designed for her byHalston, and was wearing a pink one to match herpink Chanel suit on the day of her husbandUnited States PresidentJohn F. Kennedy'sassassination inDallas, Texas.[3] ActressNatalie Portman wore a pillbox hat to play Kennedy in the 2016 biographical dramaJackie.[4]
Pillbox hats are a satirical subject of the song "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" byBob Dylan which first appeared on his 1966 albumBlonde on Blonde. In 2013 hip-hop groupDeath Grips released a song entitled "You Might Think He Loves You for Your Money But I Know What He Really Loves You for It’s Your Brand New Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat".[5]
Notes
Media related toPillbox hats at Wikimedia Commons