Plain, undecorated versions would have been donned by working women toiling in the sun. Elaborately decorated versions were worn by the more fashionable, sometimes embellished with lace or veiling draping from the edges. Caps These were elaborate little confections that were pinned into the hair. Their purpose was to neaten up appearance or to camouflage thinning hair in older women. Generally, these were worn around the home or to casual occasions among friends.
Caps can be a very effective ploy to hide a modern or short hairstyle when at a reenactments.
Excellent for covering up a bad hair day, too. Caps were worn back on the crown of the head. The fabric of the cap was usually long enough to conceal the hair to the nape of the neck, occasionally longer. Caps were often elaborately decorated with lace, ruffles or ribbon.