Victorian Smoking Hat

Between 1820 and 1890 a smoking cap or lounging cap was an informal fashion piece that Victorian gentleman aspired to have. They were originally worn indoors to keep the head warm from cold drafts, but continued in style long after heating technology improved. This cap was often embroidered with many colors and bordered on gaudy. It usually had a tassel on top and was fashioned out of velvet, silk, or wool.  Frequently these were made at home by wives or a young lady may make one as a gift to a fiancé. Certain gentlemen that were fortunate to travel to the orient sometimes purchased local turbans or fezzes as unique souvenirs and used them as lounging hats at home. The cap would usually be accompanied by the smoking jacket and worn around the house. It is a fine addition to any gentlemen’s costume for leisure Steampunk wear. Here is my own smoking cap creation. It is a little taller, much like a fez and I made it out of corduroy. It is very comfortable and I wear it while on the computer.