Hello sailor

My love affair with the French Sailor's cap started in Normandy where I purchased one from a very charming Antiques dealer at an Antiques fair taking place in a village by the sea.

Their history dates back to around 1825. It was then a hat "bonnet de travail" that was worn by  younger sailors and naval officers, it consisted of a was a cap with a small visor. 

There was no pompom and it was not  regulated, so  sailors created their own and unique versions in different colors and decorated with small ribbon ornaments.

By 1830 strict regulations were introduced   regarding the appearance of the men, including their hats. Each sailor had to have two caps, one of which must be blue and unadorned. 

The next major change to the headdress of the French sailors took place in 1871.

It has been found that the cap should be of two colors (one of which is blue) and the band around the edge should be as thick and solely in red.

A French legend tells us  that during the review of the fleet by  Empress Eugenie,  one of the men smashed his head until blood and that one of the members in her party she gave him his silk handkerchief, which was soaked  by the red blood. 

In memory of this place in the Navy and began to wear a red strand, and later - a red pompom.

For those of you wondering why there is a white cotton covering over the cap, this helps keep the sun off the sailor's heads. Until 1988 it was only worn in the summer months and now it is worn all year round.

The red pompom itself is  said to have incredible powers.

To touch it would bring you a lot of good luck according to French superstition.

You can find a vintage cap listed in our online boutique together with a good stock of vintage authentic large and small buttons, which are great for giving your  blazers and  coats a new look.

Belle journée from a hopefully sunny SW France♥

Leeann x