The first segment on headdress was researched, prepared, and graciously shared with us by Mrs. Linda Gray of Nashville, Tennessee. Linda has researched the subject of bonnets and hats during the War Between The States era for many years and makes simply lovely and very authentic bonnets.
Hats follow the fashion in clothes and hairdos.
Hats were considered to be informal and worn for walking, at watering places, and seaside. Trimmings sometimes included ribbon to tie it on, and underneath the brim was also decorated. The large brim was for sun protection. Period illustrations suggest they were becoming popular at the very end of the war period, or after, and would be extremely rare in the South. The corded bonnet is illustrated, but slat bonnets were also worn.