Morning cap

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The proper 19th century woman wore various forms of headwear throughout the day and evening. Unstructured, finely decorated cotton caps such as this were worn in the morning hours with the informal attire appropriate for the early part of the day. The particularly elegant detailing on this example such as the fineness of the embroidery, extra ruffle with lace edging on the streamers, embroidered, pointed edges of the ruffles, hemstitched seams and tucking on the ties all contribute to an overall sense of refinement and femininity. The streamers, known as "follow me lads" or "flirtation ribbons" add a coquettish touch as well.

The Costume Institute

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Costume Institute's collection of more than thirty-three thousand objects represents seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.

Metropolitan Museum of Art