Hatpin

Colleen Moore 2

Hatpin

Hattnålar av förgyllt stål med guld och granater, 1904 - Hallwylska museet - 110154.

Hatpin is a long, decorative pin used to secure a hat to the head, typically worn by women. The hatpin emerged as a popular fashion accessory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period that saw the rise of elaborate hairstyles and hats. Beyond their practical use, hatpins became a symbol of women's fashion and, at times, a tool for self-defense.

History

The use of hatpins dates back to the early 1800s, but they became particularly fashionable during the Victorian era and into the Edwardian period. As women's hats grew larger and more elaborate, the need for sturdy pins to secure them became apparent. Hatpins, often beautifully crafted and ornate, became as much a statement of fashion as they were a functional item. They were made from a variety of materials, including silver, gold, brass, and glass, and could be adorned with jewels or enamel.

During the early 20th century, the length of hatpins reached its peak, with some pins extending over 10 inches. This led to safety concerns, and in some places, legislation was introduced to limit the length of hatpins or require their tips to be covered.

Cultural Significance

Hatpins served not only as fashion accessories but also played a role in the early women's suffrage movement. Women used them as tools for self-defense against harassment or assault on the streets or in public transport. This dual purpose of the hatpin, both decorative and defensive, highlighted the changing role of women in society during this period.

Decline

The popularity of hatpins began to wane with the changing fashion trends of the 1920s, which favored shorter hairstyles and smaller, cloche-style hats that did not require the use of hatpins. By the mid-20th century, hatpins had largely fallen out of fashion, remembered more for their role in the history of women's fashion and empowerment than as a daily accessory.

Collecting

Today, hatpins are sought after by collectors of antiques and vintage fashion. They are appreciated for their craftsmanship, variety, and the glimpse they offer into the social history of the periods in which they were popular.

See Also

• Fashion accessory
• Victorian fashion
• Women's history