ABSTRACT
The poke bonnet became popular around the beginning of the 19th century. This style of hat had an exaggerated brim which shaded the wearer's face. One explanation for the hat's name is that women could “poke” their hair inside this bonnet. The term “poke bonnet” continued to be used throughout the 19th century as the shape of bonnets changed shape following fashion. Poke bonnets could be made of straw, fabric stretched over a wire frame, or a stiffened base, such as buckram, covered with fabric.
